Dermatologists warn against makeup habit affecting skin ageing
There are some uncontrollable factors that contribute to skin ageing, but some of your conscious choices also play a role.
Genetics, reduced cell turnover and natural loss of collagen are all intrinsic factors that affect how your skin ages.
However, there are many external factors and habits we can control.
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Not using sunscreen, poor nutrition, excessive sugar consumption, and inadequate sleep are just a few of the factors that can impact skin and its ageing process.
One you hear about the most is smoking.
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A 2019 study found: "Tobacco smoking could affect the biophysical parameters of skin, especially thickness and density of dermis and epidermis and nasolabial folds."
Basically, smoking contributes to premature ageing of the skin.
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There is also one habit that you have never considered to have a serious effect on ageing: makeup removal.
If you are also thinking "makeup removal is good for your skin", you are correct, but according to medical experts, the way makeup is removed also affects your skin's age.
Removing makeup properly is critical to maintaining healthy skin, but not all techniques for removing makeup are good for it.
As with many other aspects in life, it's about finding a balance.
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Here it is about removing makeup while supporting the health of the skin barrier.
You don't have to vigorously scrub your face away or use more products than necessary.
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Here is some of the best skincare advice provided by dermatologists, along with information on how makeup removal affects the skin and how to alter your methods to avoid accelerated skin ageing.
Why makeup removal is important
Most people have learned that sleeping with makeup on is a big no-no.
Makeup residue and buildup on the skin make it more susceptible to skin congestion, blemishes and premature ageing.
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Dr Geeta Yadav, board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology, says, “Leftover makeup can also irritate the skin, causing inflammation that can accelerate skin ageing.”
Some makeup formulas are comedogenic, meaning they clog pores, especially when not removed properly.
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How makeup removal affects the skin barrier
It might seem like a minor detail, but it can have a big impact on your skin’s health.
It's essential to preserve your protective barrier, also known as the outermost layer of skin, referred to as the stratum corneum.
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This layer acts as the body’s first line of defence against irritants, locking in moisture and supporting skin repair.
Stripping your skin's lipids during makeup removal or leaving makeup on the skin can congest it, leading to the skin barrier not functioning properly.
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Lipids are "hydrophobic molecules that are essential to the skin, as they perform numerous important functions, such as inhibiting transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and preventing the entry of microorganisms or other substances by preserving the skin’s barrier function."
Dermatologist Dr David Li at Boston Derm Advocate said that it can also have negative effects on the appearance of your skin.
Harsh makeup removal could result in a compromised skin barrier, which can lead to dryness, irritation, redness, and signs of ageing.
Beware of harsh cleansers and makeup wipes
Harsh cleanser formulas can accelerate skin ageing by damaging the skin’s protective barrier and triggering chronic inflammation, undermining healthy, youthful skin.
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“Cleansers with alcohol and sulfates shouldn’t be used daily, if at all, as they strip the skin of not just dirt, makeup and sunscreen, but also its natural oils, leaving it dehydrated and damaging the skin barrier,” Dr Yadav said.
“Your skin barrier needs lipids to keep hydration and nourishment in the skin and irritants out.”
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While convenient, makeup wipes, as long as they don’t contain alcohol or sulfates, aren’t likely to directly lead to premature ageing.
Makeup wipes can contribute to premature skin ageing over time, especially if used frequently or improperly.
Dr Li explains that chronic mechanical shear forces on the skin, such as tugging, could potentially weaken collagen and elastin fibres over time. This leads to reduced skin elasticity and a greater likelihood of skin sagging.
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Just imagine all the effort you have to put in to remove waterproof makeup. Makeup removal wipes are not the best option for this step.
Skin ageing aside, aggressive removal (mechanical or chemical) could also result in “damage to the epidermis, resulting in irritant contact dermatitis, friction-induced trauma and discolouration,” Li says.
Caroline Hirons is a skin expert, the founder of a skincare brand, SkinRocks, and an ambassador for various British beauty councils and charities.
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Hirons is considered the queen of skincare, having launched her blog in 2010 and now attracting millions of followers who turn to her for skincare advice.
Multi-award-winning, her success comes from honest and science-backed knowledge.
She's also famously made it clear that she is against the use of makeup removal wipes except in one of these three very specific situations: festivals, flights, or for more delicate, unmentionable areas.
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Here are some of her most popular cleanser-related cheat sheets:
- How to Choose a Cleanser
- BACK TO BASICS - WHY WE 'DOUBLE CLEANSE'
- Beauty Myths No.15 - Micellar Waters are a 'proper' cleanser
- WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE THE ENERGY - SKINCARE IN M.E./DEPRESSION/ILLNESS
Gently remove makeup
Great skin is built on great skincare only.
Being gentle and effectively removing makeup will also help protect your youthful glow.
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Here is how you can improve your approach to makeup removal according to the experts:
- Opt for oil-based or creamy cleansers, which help break down makeup on the skin, wash it away and leave some moisture behind.
- Always be sure to layer on a moisturiser afterwards.
Now you can start 2026 with the best skincare practices and less skin stress.
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