Should You Use Facial Cleanser After Removing Makeup?

Makeup removal is an essential skincare step after wearing makeup, but there's ongoing controversy about whether "using facial cleanser after makeup removal" is necessary. Some believe "double cleansing" is needed for thorough cleaning, while others worry that over-cleansing may damage the skin barrier. So, should you use facial cleanser after removing makeup? Let's analyze this question from a scientific perspective.

Analysis of Makeup Remover Characteristics

🧴 Main Types of Makeup Removers

To understand whether double cleansing is needed, we first need to understand how different makeup removers work:

Makeup Removing Oil:

Main ingredients: Mineral oil, plant oil, emulsifiers
Working principle: Oil dissolves oil, dissolving the oily components in makeup
Advantages: Strong makeup removal ability, suitable for heavy makeup
Disadvantages: May leave oil residue, requires thorough emulsification

Makeup Removing Water:

Main ingredients: Water, surfactants, moisturizers
Working principle: Dissolves makeup through surfactants
Advantages: Convenient to use,refreshing skin feel
Disadvantages: May require repeated wiping, surfactants may cause irritation

Makeup Removing Milk/Cream:

Main ingredients: Water, oils, emulsifiers
Working principle: Gently cleanses makeup through emulsification
Advantages: Gentle texture, suitable for sensitive skin
Disadvantages: Relatively weaker makeup removal ability

Makeup Removing Wipes:

Main ingredients: Non-woven fabric impregnated with makeup remover
Working principle: Physical friction combined with chemical cleansing
Advantages: Portable and convenient
Disadvantages: Easy to over-friction, may irritate skin

⚠️ Potential Residue Issues After Makeup Removal

Residue issues that may occur after using different makeup removers:

Oil Residue:

Oily products like makeup oils and balms
Even after emulsification, trace oil residue may remain
Especially when emulsification is incomplete or rinsing is insufficient

Surfactant Residue:

Cleansing ingredients in makeup removing water and wipes
May leave irritating substances on the skin surface
Long-term residue may cause sensitivity

Makeup Residue:

Waterproof makeup (such as waterproof mascara, long-wear lip gloss)
Single makeup removal may not completely remove it
Requires specialized strong makeup removers

Other Ingredient Residue:

Fragrances, preservatives, dyes, and other additives
May cause allergic or irritating reactions
Sensitive skin needs special attention

Scientific Analysis of Double Cleansing

✅ Situations Requiring "Double Cleansing"

1. When Using Oily Makeup Removers

Scientific Basis:

Although oily makeup removers are emulsified, trace oil residue may still remain
This residue may clog pores, causing blackheads or acne
Especially for the T-zone of oily and combination skin

Specific Situations:

Makeup oil/balm: May leave an oily film even after emulsification
Recommendation: Use gentle amino acid facial cleanser
Note: Avoid strong degreasing soap-based facial cleansers

2. After Heavy or Waterproof Makeup

Cleansing Challenges:

Waterproof mascara: Contains waterproof ingredients, difficult to remove with ordinary makeup removers
Long-wear lip gloss: Has strong adhesion
High-coverage foundation: Strong coverage, difficult to remove

Recommended Process:

First use specialized eye and lip makeup remover for key areas
Then use facial makeup remover to cleanse the entire face
Finally use gentle facial cleanser for secondary cleansing

3. Specific Skin Types

Oily Skin:

Abundant sebum secretion, easy to mix with makeup removers
May still feel oily after makeup removal
Moderate secondary cleansing helps control oil

Combination Skin:

More oil secretion in T-zone, needs focused cleansing
Can use facial cleanser only on T-zone
Cheeks can use gentle makeup remover only

4. In Highly Polluted Environments

Pollutant Adhesion:

PM2.5, dust: Tiny particles easily adhere to makeup
Car exhaust: Contains oily pollutants
Industrial pollution: May contain chemical substances

Cleansing Necessity:

Makeup removal alone may not remove all pollutants
Need surfactant-assisted cleansing
Protect skin from long-term pollutant contact

❌ Situations Where "Double Cleansing" Is Not Needed

1. After Using Gentle Makeup Removers

Gentle Product Characteristics:

Makeup removing water: Such as Bioderma pink water, Avene makeup remover water
Makeup removing milk: Gentle texture, low residue risk
Rinse-free makeup removers: Designed to not require subsequent cleansing

Scientific Principle:

These product formulas already consider residue issues
Moderate surfactant concentration won't cause excessive irritation
Added soothing and moisturizing ingredients

2. Light Makeup or Only Sunscreen

Light Makeup:

Primer, BB cream: Light coverage
Daily sunscreen: Non-waterproof formula
Light makeup: Less usage, easy to clean

Cleansing Principle:

Avoid over-cleansing that damages skin barrier
Gentle makeup removal already meets cleansing needs
Reduce unnecessary chemical ingredient contact

3. Dry or Sensitive Skin

Skin Characteristics:

Thin stratum corneum: Easily irritated by cleansing products
Insufficient sebum secretion: Over-cleansing worsens dryness
Weak barrier function: Needs gentle care

Care Principles:

Choose the gentlest makeup removers
Avoid multi-step cleansing
Focus on protecting and repairing skin barrier

Recommended Regimen:

Use makeup removing milk or cream
Gently massage and rinse with warm water
Avoid using facial cleanser

4. When Using "Multi-functional" Makeup Removers

Product Characteristics:

3-in-1 makeup removing water: Makeup removal + toning + moisturizing
Rinse-free makeup removers: No subsequent cleansing needed
Gentle formula: Specifically designed for sensitive skin

Usage Recommendations:

Follow product instructions strictly
No additional cleansing steps needed
Observe skin reactions and adjust as needed

Principles for Scientifically Choosing Double Cleansing

📊 Decision Reference Table

Factor	Need Double Cleansing	No Need for Double Cleansing
Makeup Remover	Oil/balm, wipes	Water/milk, rinse-free products
Makeup Type	Heavy, waterproof makeup	Light makeup, daily sunscreen
Skin Type	Oily, combination	Dry, sensitive
Environmental Factors	Highly polluted environment	Indoor, clean environment
Seasonal Factors	Summer with more sweating	Winter dry period

🎯 Personalized Selection Strategy

Adjust Based on Makeup Remover

For Oily Makeup Remover Users:

Choose gentle amino acid facial cleanser
Avoid soap-based strong cleansing products
Focus cleansing on T-zone, gentle treatment for cheeks

For Water-Based Makeup Remover Users:

Observe skin cleansing level
If no oily feeling, facial cleanser can be skipped
Sensitive skin prioritizes single cleansing

Adjust Based on Skin Condition

When Skin Condition Is Good:

Can appropriately simplify cleansing steps
Focus on protecting skin barrier
Avoid over-intervention

During Skin Issues:

Reduce cleansing steps during sensitive periods
Increase cleansing moderately during acne periods
Adjust cleansing intensity during seasonal changes

Adjust Based on Living Environment

Urban Polluted Environment:

Appropriately increase cleansing intensity
Focus on removing pollutants
Choose anti-pollution skincare products

Clean Environment:

Reduce unnecessary cleansing
Focus on moisturizing and repairing
Maintain natural skin balance

Correct Methods for "Double Cleansing"

🔧 Operation Techniques

If double cleansing is indeed needed, follow these scientific methods:

1. Choose Gentle Facial Cleanser

Recommended Types:

Amino acid facial cleansers: Gentle and non-irritating, suitable for daily use
Soap-free formulas: Avoid over-degreasing
Weakly acidic pH: Maintains skin's acidic protective film

Types to Avoid:

Soap-based facial cleansers: Overly strong cleansing, easily damages barrier
Strong oil-control types: May over-cleanse
Contains granular scrubs: Excessive physical irritation

2. Control Cleansing Frequency

Timing:

Evening: Can perform double cleansing after makeup
Morning: Only use warm water or gentle cleansing
Frequency: Avoid multiple deep cleansings per day

Periodic Adjustment:

Adjust frequency based on skin condition
Reduce cleansing during sensitive periods
Appropriately increase during high sebum secretion periods

3. Pay Attention to Cleansing Technique

Correct Steps:

Thoroughly massage and emulsify makeup remover
Rinse thoroughly with warm water
Take appropriate amount of facial cleanser and lather in palms
Gently massage face for 30-60 seconds
Rinse with warm water until no slippery feeling remains

Key Techniques:

Water temperature control: 32-34°C warm water is most suitable
Massage pressure: Gentle, avoid excessive friction
Time control: Facial cleanser on face for no more than 1 minute
Thorough rinsing: Ensure no product residue

4. Timely Moisturization After Cleansing

Importance:

Cleansing temporarily disrupts the sebum film
Need to replenish water and oils promptly
Maintain skin barrier function

Moisturization Steps:

Pat dry water immediately after cleansing
Use toner within 3 minutes
Apply lotion or cream to lock in moisture
Adjust amount based on skin needs

Dangers of Over-Cleansing

⚠️ Skin Barrier Damage

Barrier Function Disruption:

Thinning stratum corneum, reduced protection
Over-removal of sebum film
Loss of intercellular lipids

Clinical Manifestations:

Increased skin sensitivity
Appearance of red blood vessels, stinging sensation
Strong reactions to external stimuli

💧 Water-Oil Balance Disruption

"Oily Outside, Dry Inside" Phenomenon:

Skin perceives excessive dryness
Reflexively increases sebum secretion
Forms oily outside, dry inside problem skin

Long-term Consequences:

Enlarged pores
Increased acne and blackheads
Rougher skin texture

👵 Accelerated Skin Aging

Aging Mechanism:

Damaged barrier allows free radicals to invade
Collagen synthesis affected
Skin repair ability declines

Symptoms:

Premature fine lines
Decreased skin elasticity
Uneven skin tone

🔴 Risk of Skin Diseases

Common Diseases:

Rosacea: Over-cleansing may trigger or worsen
Seborrheic dermatitis: Disrupts skin microbiome balance
Contact dermatitis: Allergic to cleansing products

Prevention Measures:

Choose gentle products
Control cleansing frequency
Pay attention to moisturizing and repair

Scientific Recommendations and Summary

🎯 Personalized Cleansing Regimens

Oily Skin

Cleansing Strategy:

Can perform moderate double cleansing
Choose oil-controlling but not overly harsh products
Focus cleansing on T-zone, gentle treatment for cheeks

Product Recommendations:

Gentle makeup removing water/oil + amino acid facial cleanser
Avoid strong degreasing products
Regular use of cleansing masks

Dry Skin

Cleansing Principles:

Try to avoid double cleansing
Choose nourishing makeup removers
Focus on protecting skin barrier

Product Selection:

Primarily makeup removing milk/cream
Avoid alcohol-containing products
Strengthen subsequent moisturization

Sensitive Skin

Gentle Care:

Strictly control cleansing steps
Choose products specifically designed for sensitive skin
Avoid frequent changes in cleansing methods

Precautions:

Perform allergy tests first
Stop using immediately if discomfort occurs
Consult dermatologist when necessary

Combination Skin

Zone Care:

Can moderately strengthen cleansing on T-zone
Choose gentle cleansing for cheeks
Adjust strategy according to seasons

📋 General Principles

"Clean As Needed": Decide whether double cleansing is needed based on actual situation
"Gentle Priority": Choose the gentlest and most effective cleansing regimen
"Timely Moisturization": Immediately moisturize after cleansing
"Observe Reactions": Adjust cleansing methods promptly based on skin reactions

🔍 Judgment Criteria

Signals for Double Cleansing:

Still feeling oily after makeup removal
Incomplete makeup removal
T-zone prone to oiliness and clogging

Signals to Stop Double Cleansing:

Skin showing sensitivity symptoms
Excessive dryness and tightness
Increased red blood vessels

Summary

Whether to use facial cleanser after removing makeup has no absolute answer and needs to be judged based on three key factors: makeup remover type, makeup intensity, and skin type. In most cases, if gentle makeup removers are used for daily light makeup, facial cleanser is not needed after makeup removal. However, in specific situations such as using oily makeup removers, wearing heavy makeup, or having oily skin, moderate double cleansing is beneficial.

Key Points:

Double cleansing is not needed by everyone
Choose cleansing regimens considering product characteristics and skin condition
Gentle cleansing is more important than thorough cleansing
Over-cleansing may damage skin barrier
Post-cleansing moisturization is equally important

The core of scientific skincare is "moderation" - thorough cleansing while avoiding over-cleansing that damages the skin barrier. Flexibly adjust according to personal circumstances and observe skin reactions to find the most suitable cleansing method. Remember: The best cleansing method is the one that suits you!