FOR a sense of confidence and disguising our little insecurities, make-up has indefinitely become a part of many TEEN girls’ lives — especially on those nights of glitz and glam. Despite the glow it affords our skin however, if proper habits aren’t practised, in terms of removal, this same saving grace can become your nemesis.

Our skin is the most exposed part of our body, more so our faces. On a daily basis we are victims of our environment, absorbing the pollutants and UV rays that combine to damage tissues of our skin.

To add to this, when we use cosmetic items that are made from chemicals such as lanolin, petroleum, hydrogenated oils and artificial colours and fragrances, our skin becomes even more susceptible to unwanted effects. The more immediate effects being blocked pores and breakouts and, let’s face it, nobody wants to wake up with extra blemishes as a result of laziness.

Leaving mascara and other eye-makeup on overnight could also lead to more serious infections such as conjunctivitis, as old make-up particles fall into the eyes. It can even cause you to lose eyelashes as old mascara can clog eyelash follicles, which can lead to breakage and shedding.

By this, you should have figured why it is so important to remove your make-up before going to bed. At the end of your day, your skin will be able to breathe and regenerate during the whole night while you sleep and retain that natural skin glow.

Tips for Proper Make-up Removal

* It is important to begin with the make-up on and around the eyes, because removing mascara can be very difficult. This is especially true if it is waterproof. Never be harsh with your eyes; they are extremely sensitive. Baby shampoo and extra-virgin olive oil are very helpful and gentle at the same time. Apply a few drops on a cotton ball and softly massage to clean the eye region to remove mascara.

* On the rest of the face you can use a facial cleanser, but you should avoid using soap unless it is specially designed for the face, because it can cause excessive drying. Skin cleansers work as emulsifiers to remove dirt, excess natural skin oils, bacteria, cosmetics. They exfoliate the surface skin cells to help your skin breathe and attain the correct nourishment. Along with these beneficial effects, cleansing also promotes circulation and cell renewal. In order to best benefit from your cleanser you should buy according to your skin type.

* After cleansing, always remember to moisturise. Choose one that is suited to your skin type, but note that moisturising is for every skin type, even oil-prone skin. It seals in the moisture which can be lost during the day from external factors and also from cleansing.

If there is one thing a woman likes to have, it’s a youthful face. Overnight make-up dulls and ages the face. So, for your sake, fight the laziness or tiredness and spare a quick minute to do your face a divine right.