6 Reasons You Should Always Take Off Your Makeup Before Bed

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You just arrived home after a long day. Between meetings, errands, and your daily commute, the first thing you want to do is slip into something comfortable and unwind. You let your hair down, slide on your slippers, and your skin… well, it’s been through the same—all the ups and downs—with you, too. And while it may be tempting to leave it until tomorrow, there’s a small step that makes all the difference: removing your makeup before bed.

Simple, effective, and often overlooked—nightly makeup removal is one of the best ways to care for your skin and yourself. Here’s why.

Six reasons not to skip makeup removal

1. Because your skin accumulates more than you think

From when your alarm goes off to when you start your daily routine, your skin embarks on a unique journey of its own. Sunscreen, makeup, work calls, a coffee to-go, a mid-day walk, the urban climate… it all adds up!

Even though you can’t see it, by the end of day you’ve collected a buildup of sweat, oil, and pollution. And if left behind, it can leave your complexion dull, stressed out, and congested. A quick cleanse when you get home gives your skin the reset it needs.

A few seconds with a cotton round and micellar water work wonders in removing the bulk of leftover makeup and residue. This is where Micellar Solution comes in.

In one simple step, it cleanses, removes makeup, tones, and hydrates, leaving your skin refreshed and ready for the rest of your nighttime routine—with no rinsing required. It’s hypoallergenic and free of fragrances, alcohols, and soap, making it ideal for all skin types (yep, even sensitive!).

2. Because your skin needs to breathe

Okay, we know it doesn’t breathe like your lungs, but it still needs some air. During the day, your skin is in “defense mode,” acting as a protective barrier against the climate, solar radiation, and other external stressors. But as night falls, everything changes.

When you sleep, your skin shifts into “repair mode.” This period allows it to regenerate, renew, and restore all that was lost during the day. However, things can get a little complicated if you leave your makeup on at night.

Think of your skin like a factory: if the machines (skin cells) are covered in residue (makeup), they work less efficiently. That’s why a thorough evening cleanse goes beyond appearance, supporting the skin’s natural functions so it can perform at its best.

3. Because it lets your products work their best

Hear us out: great formulas need the right canvas. No matter how advanced, your products can only perform their best when skin is clean and ready. When makeup, oil, or pollution sit on the surface, even targeted formulas struggle to reach where they’re needed. It’s almost like trying to water a plant with a plastic cover over top—you’ll never be able to reach the soil.

The good news? When your skin is well prepped, it instantly becomes more receptive. It absorbs and responds better, taking in every drop of your eye creams, serums, and more. The same goes for your favorite ingredients: vitamin C, retinal, and hyaluronic acid all perform their best after a thorough cleanse.

Essential Scrub is an ideal first step to help your products deeply penetrate the skin and deliver their full potential. With smooth exfoliating particles, this daily gel scrub powerfully cleanses, exfoliates, and refines, leaving your skin ready to absorb what comes next.

4. Because it can speed up the signs of aging

We get it. There are long days, spontaneous dinner plans, special occasions, and moments when the last thing you want to do is wash your face. But… even if you think it’s no biggie, your skin takes note.

5. Because it protects your microbiome

You may not see it, but your skin is full of life. On its surface, there is a vast community of good microorganisms—like a small network of invisible allies—working to maintain its overall health and resilience.

It boosts your skin’s natural defenses against daily stressors, including pollution, seasonal changes, stress, unhealthy foods, and even new makeup products. All of these potential aggressors form part of the exposome, the combination of external factors that your skin faces every day.

When you remove your makeup before bed, you’re helping your microbiome stay in balance. And when it’s happy and healthy, your skin is too—contributing to less redness, less sensitivity, and more comfort.

Ready to enjoy a deep cleanse that respects your skin’s natural equilibrium? Essential Purifier eliminates impurities, makeup, and sunscreen while keeping your skin barrier intact.

6. Because it’s a moment just for you

At the end of a busy day, removing your makeup transforms into a moment that’s yours alone. Calm, unhurried, and free of distractions. It’s a small ritual that involves just you, your favorite cleanser, and the sound of running water.

And it’s not just about perspective: many studies show that a relaxing evening routine can help to reduce cortisol levels (the hormone associated with stress), improve your sleep quality, and boost your general wellbeing. The end result? Healthy, beautiful skin—from inside and out.

Our secret to clean skin after a heavy makeup day? Double cleansing. First, dissolve makeup with Essential Cleansing then leave skin fresh and balanced with a water-based solution: Essential Purifier or Essential Scrub.

Your skin deserves a break, too

It moves through every change and emotion that a day can bring, supporting and protecting you throughout it all. And just like you, it feels its best with a gentle reset.

So the next time you’re about to slip under the covers without rinsing off the day—because you’re sleepy, feeling a little lazy, or think it’s just one day after all—pause and remember these 6 reasons. Not because you “have to” or because it’s a beauty trend, but because you—and your skin—deserve it.