4 Natural Makeup Removers You Can Find In Your Kitchen: From Cucumbers To Coconut Oil
Makeup wipes and liquid removers may seem convenient, but they can actually irritate your eyes and hurt your skin over time. “Since you're not rinsing away the active cleansing ingredients in wipes, that residue that's left behind may expose your skin to high concentrations of solublizers, surfactants and emulsifiers," Dr. Maryann Mikhail, a New York-based dermatologist told The Huffington Post. “This can be drying and irritating for some people, especially those with dry or sensitive skin. Also, some wipes contain alcohol, which can cause stinging.” Here are a few natural ways to remove your makeup and refresh your skin without the use of harsh chemicals:
1. Natural Oil Cleanser
Using almost any type of cleanser will inevitably strip the skin of its natural oils, causing one of two things: The skin will either become very dry and will have to be treated with topical moisturizer, or it will start over-producing oils, making your skin extra oily. A lot of the products on the market today pride themselves on being “oil-free,” but this can actually harm your skin and lead to premature aging. Oils in the skin is what keeps it youthful-looking, supple, and vibrant. If you use natural oils such as olive oil and coconut oil, you will be able to cleanse your skin without over-drying it. It’s also great at removing basically all types of makeup, from the darkest mascara to the most pigmented lipstick.
2. Milk
There’s no surprise that milk is great for the skin. Milk baths were a popular regimen for royal women thousands of years ago. The fat and proteins in milk, especially whole milk, can help to hydrate and allow for your skin to retain moisture. While drinking milk might exacerbate skin conditions such as acne and eczema, using it topically might help to soothe it. Using milk to remove your makeup is simpler and cheaper than buying most drug-store removers. Take about a tablespoon of almond oil and add it to a bowl of whole milk and rub it all over your face with a wash cloth or cotton ball. It should leave your face makeup-free and refreshed.
3. Cucumber
There are many beauty products that use cucumber in them to help remove makeup. So instead of heading to the store, look no further than your refrigerator. Cucumbers have anti-inflammatory properties, so they will help to soothe irritated skin or acne-prone skin. Take one cucumber and blend it into a paste. Use it as a cleanser on your face. If you have tough makeup to remove, add a little bit of milk or olive oil to the mixture.
4. Yogurt
Yogurt is another kitchen staple that is great for your skin because it serves a number of different purposes. Using yogurt on your skin can help to moisturize it, and it’s perfect for relieving sunburns. Take a clean cotton round and dip it into some plain yogurt, rub it all over your face in a circular motion, and then rinse off with cool water.