Category: At-Home Rituals

Removing makeup, sunscreen, and other stubborn cosmetic products is an essential first step to any nighttime skin routine. While many people think that they know how to remove makeup the right way, the truth is that many of them haven’t been taught how to remove makeup properly (and, no, simply rubbing your facial cleanser on your face will not remove your waterproof mascara and full coverage foundation). To help you out, we’ve compiled an ultimate guide that explains the different types of makeup you need to know about and how to remove makeup the right way. Then we’ll dive into why removing makeup matters and finish up with a look at the most common makeup removal mistakes that we see. Without further ado, here’s what you need to know about removing makeup:

Types of Makeup Removers

The specifics of how you will remove makeup will depend on the exact type of makeup remover you choose. Here are the top five types of makeup removers that you need to know about:

Micellar water

Micellar water refers to a water-based product that has tiny droplets of cleansing oils (a.k.a. micelles) suspended in the liquid. To use a micellar water, fully saturate a flat cotton pad, and then gently rub it along your face to remove the makeup.  Micellar water is very gentle and suitable for all skin types, which is one of the reasons why it is so popular. Micellar water can remove skincare products, non-water-resistant sunscreens, and light makeup, but typically isn’t strong enough to tackle waterproof cosmetic products like mascara and foundation.

Eye makeup remover

Eye makeup removers are oil-heavy liquid products that are specifically designed to remove eyeshadow, mascara, lipstick, and other cosmetics products that are highly pigmented and difficult to remove. To use an eye makeup remover, fully saturate a flat cotton pad, and then hold it on the area where you wish to remove the makeup. While eye makeup removers are great for certain areas of the face, most people should avoid using them on their entire complexion, as the oil-heavy formula can clog pores and lead to breakouts.

Cleansing oil

Cleansing oils are another type of liquid makeup remover. Cleansing oils are typically thinner in consistency than eye makeup removers and are designed to be rubbed on a dry face directly, rather than applied to a cotton pad first. Some cleansing oils are strong enough to remove waterproof makeup and some are not; check the description and reviews before purchasing if you tend to wear a lot of makeup.

Cleansing balm

Cleansing balms usually come in a tub and feature a solid balm product that breaks down into an oil when you rub it between your hands. Once you have liquified the cleansing balm, rub it directly on your dry face until your makeup fully breaks down. Cleansing balms are very nourishing, making them a great pick for dry skin or the winter months. Cleansing balms are also typically designed to remove all kinds of makeup and skincare products.

Makeup wipes

Makeup wipes are sheets soaked in makeup removing chemicals. They are designed to be rubbed directly on the face to transfer the makeup to the wipe. Certain wipes can leave makeup and chemical residue behind on your face, which can lead to irritation, clogged pores, and breakouts. Make sure to check the ingredients to ensure that you are getting skin-friendly makeup remover wipes, such as those sold by Lancer Skincare.

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How to Remove Makeup the Right Way

Now that we’ve gotten up to speed on the different types of makeup removers, we can talk about how to remove your makeup the right way. First of all, you should always apply makeup removers to dry skin. This is because almost all makeup removers are made with some kind of oil component in order to break down makeup. If your face is already wet, the water will repel the makeup remover and lead to a less effective cleanse.

If you are using a micellar water or an eye makeup remover, soak a flat cotton pad until it is fully saturated with the products. For micellar water, gently wipe the pad across the face to remove sunscreen and makeup. For eye makeup remover, gently hold it over one eye for at least 60 seconds, and then switch to the other eye; finish by swiping it across your lips if necessary. In both cases, it may take more than one cotton pad for you to get all the makeup off.

If you are using a cleansing oil, simply squirt a couple pumps into your hand, and then gently massage it all over your face and neck. If you are using a cleansing balm, scoop out a quarter-sized amount and rub it between your palms, and then gently massage it all over your face and neck as well. If you are wearing a lot of makeup, then you may wish to let your makeup remover sit on your face to make sure that it fully breaks down all the product on your face. Don’t neglect the edges of your face, and always push your hair back so you can cleanse around your hairline, ears, and jaw to remove the last traces of makeup.

Once you are satisfied that all your makeup has been removed, rinse your face or get into the shower or bath. Always follow up a makeup remover with a facial cleanser of your choice to ensure that you are removing the last traces of product from your face. Be sure to include anti-aging moisturizers and other hydrating products in your nighttime skin routine to nourish your skin after the makeup removal process.

Why Removing Makeup Is Important

At this point, you may be wondering: Why is it such a big deal to remove my makeup at night? If you’re dedicated to sleeping in your makeup, here are five unintended side effects that can happen when you don’t remove your makeup:

It leaves your complexion looking dull.

The makeup that left you looking fresh and dewy last night won’t look so good after you’ve slept in it. Old makeup tends to settle into fine lines and pores, making you look older and tired. In many cases, you’ll need to remove the makeup and reapply it in the morning anyway, because it’s rare to get through a night of sleep with your face intact.

It can clog pores and increase breakouts.

Makeup can embed itself in your pores overnight, making them look bigger and leading to whiteheads and blackheads. Makeup can also create a seal that traps oil in your skin, clogging your pores and contributing to acne breakouts. Certain makeup products may even contain comedogenic ingredients that are already known for worsening breakouts, and sleeping in it will just increase your risk of breakouts even further.

It can throw off your skin’s oil balance.

Everyone’s skin has a certain equilibrium of oil production, and sleeping in your makeup can throw it off. If your makeup is more matte, it can make your skin look dull and dehydrated. On the other hand, if your makeup is more dewy, it will make your face look super shiny. If you sleep in your makeup frequently, it can throw off your skin’s oil production in the long term and have farther-reaching effects on your skin.

It makes other skincare products less effective.

Skincare products certainly aren’t designed to penetrate a full face of makeup. If you only have lingering traces of makeup on your skin, it will make your other products less effective than they could be. If you’re paying for skincare that you hope will make a difference in your skin, then removing all your makeup before applying your skincare will ensure that your skincare is as effective as possible.

It will stain your pillowcases and sheets.

Makeup can be really difficult to get out of fabric, especially if you wear waterproof cosmetic products. If you sleep in your makeup, then you will almost certainly get it all over your pillowcases and sheets, which can permanently stain them beyond recognition. Removing your makeup every night will keep your towels, sheets, pillowcases, and other linens looking nearly brand new.

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Common Makeup Removal Mistakes

Removing makeup seems like a simple enough process, but there are still better ways to do it than others. Here are the top five makeup removal mistakes that we see:

Not letting the products sit long enough

If you’re rubbing your face really hard to try to break up the makeup on your skin, consider letting the makeup remover sit on your face for a couple minutes before you rinse it off. In many cases, agitating the product around with your hands only provides marginal benefits, and the real reason why your makeup remover isn’t taking off your makeup is because you’re not letting it sit long enough. Don’t be afraid to let it rest on your face for a few minutes while you brush your teeth and floss. You’ll be surprised at how much more effective your makeup removal becomes!

Rubbing your skin too hard

On a similar note, rubbing or tugging the skin too hard is another common mistake that we see often with makeup removers. Rubbing the skin vigorously can irritate it and even cause microtears. If you have to rub the makeup remover really hard to remove the product on your face, then you’re either not letting it sit for long enough or you’re using the wrong makeup removal products for your needs (see below).

Choosing the wrong makeup removal product

Not all makeup removers are created equal. A micellar water is great for removing a light layer of BB cream, but it might not put a dent in a full face of waterproof foundation. If you feel like your makeup remover isn’t doing its job, and you’ve tried all the other tips, consider whether or not you need to switch to a different type of makeup remover to get a more effective cleanse.

Using a cleanser that isn’t meant for makeup removal

Facial cleansers are the foundation of any skincare routine, but they’re not meant to remove makeup. If you’ve just been putting a facial cleanser right on your face, without removing your makeup first, then you’re probably not getting a very effective cleanse. Using a makeup remover first will allow your facial cleanser to do what it’s supposed to do and result in a more pleasant and effective cleansing experience.

If you’re looking for high-quality makeup remover wipes, be sure to grab a pack from our Lancer Skincare online store! We also offer a whole range of nourishing skincare products that create the perfect followup routine after makeup removal, including facial cleansers and moisturizers. All of our products feature tried-and-true ingredients and are backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. All Lancer Skincare products also ship free within the United States — no order minimum needed — so there’s no reason not to try them!

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You’ve heard that you should be wearing sunscreen every single day, but do you know why? In this guide, we’ll explore six must-know benefits of sunscreen and explain why anti-aging sunscreen must be part of your morning 3-step skincare routine no matter what.

Sunscreen lowers your risk of skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, but that doesn’t mean that it’s inevitable. In fact, wearing sunscreen every day has been shown to protect the skin against harmful UV rays and to reduce the wearer’s risk of skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, wearing an SPF 15 sunscreen every day can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by about 40 percent and lower your melanoma risk by 50 percent. Higher SPF ratings provide even more protection, further lowering your risk of skin cancer.

Sunscreen helps to prevent sunburn.

While cumulative UV damage to the skin can often go unseen for years, too much exposure to the sun at once usually results in a painful, unattractive sunburn that turns your whole face red. Wearing sunscreen and reapplying it will help to protect your skin from an unsightly sunburn and the painful side effects. Be sure to follow other sun protection best practices, including wearing sunglasses, covering up exposed skin with UPF clothing, avoiding the sun during the middle of the day, and staying in the shade whenever possible.

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Sunscreen protects against premature aging.

Everyone develops fine lines and wrinkles eventually due to breakdown in the collagen and elastin in their skin as they age. However, cumulative damage from UV rays can greatly hasten this process, leading to premature signs of aging. Wearing long-lasting sunscreen every day — even if it’s cloudy or you’re sitting indoors — will help to protect against this cumulative damage and to guard against signs of premature aging. For the most anti-aging protection, apply the sunscreen to all exposed skin, including your neck and chest, as opposed to just your face. It’s never too late to start protecting against signs of premature aging by wearing sunscreen.

Sunscreen reduces inflammation and redness.

If you’ve been struggling with rosacea, inflammation, or red patches on your skin, not wearing sunscreen might be contributing to the problem. That’s because sun exposure can cause or worsen redness even if you don’t officially get sunburned. Sun exposure can also exacerbate inflammation from cuts, acne lesions, and other skin conditions. Wearing sunscreen helps to protect against the sun and prevent it from worsening these conditions. If you’re struggling with a lot of redness and inflammation, be sure to also wear sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat and stay out of the sun as much as possible.

Check Out Our 3-Step Skincare Routines

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Sunscreen helps to prevent hyperpigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation refers to darker patches of skin caused by excess melanin production. This can take the form of melasma, sun sports, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and all of them are worsened by exposure to UV rays. Wearing a daily sunscreen will help to prevent existing hyperpigmentation from getting worse as well as reduce the chances that new hyperpigmentation spots will form. Wearing sunscreen may also help existing hyperpigmentation to fade faster than it would otherwise. This is because sun exposure stimulates melanin production in the skin, which contributes to the formation of hyperpigmentation.

Sunscreen can act as a cosmetic product.

Unlike makeup, the primary benefit of sunscreen should never be cosmetics—and, no, makeup that includes an SPF rating will not offer enough protection on its own. However, thanks to advances in formulations, some sunscreens now offer some minor cosmetic benefits that enhance the appearance of your skin in addition to protecting against sun damage. For instance, tinted sunscreens help to even out your skin tone, while silicone-based sunscreens help to blur the appearance of large pores and act as a primer for foundation. This means that wearing sunscreen can help you look good immediately as well as in the future.

You won’t realize all the benefits of sunscreens if you don’t find a formulation that you’re willing to wear every single day. At Lancer Skincare, we offer several different highly wearable anti-aging sunscreen formulations that you will look forward to wearing every day. Like all Lancer Skincare products, our sunscreens come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and ship free within the U.S., no order minimum needed. Order today to start protecting your skin from the sun!

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Glycolic acid offers many benefits for the skin, including exfoliating the skin to remove dead skin cells, evening out pigmentation, clearing blocked pores, stimulating skin cell turnover, reducing the appearance of fine lines, and more. While you can get deep glycolic acid peels at a dermatologist or aesthetician office, they are also available in over-the-counter formulation that you can do at home. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing and applying a glycolic acid peel at home:

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How to Choose an At-Home Glycolic Acid Peel

There are two main types of at-home glycolic acid peels: leave-on overnight treatments and wash-off treatments. The leave-on treatments typically feature a lower percentage of glycolic acid because they are meant to be left on the skin for a longer period of time; they usually top out around 10% glycolic acid. Wash-off treatments often have around 25-30% glycolic acid and can go as high as 70%.

We recommend sticking to the lower end of those percentages if you are new to chemical peels, have sensitive skin, are using a retinoid, or have a darker skin tone. You should always buy your chemical peel from a trusted brand, such as Lancer Skincare, to ensure that you are getting the quality formulation that you have been promised.

Leave-on face peels are usually more gentle on the skin and can be used up to two to three nights a week once you build up your tolerance. Wash-off treatments are stronger and should not be used more than once a week, and most people only use them every other week. Using an at-home chemical peel too frequently can dry out your skin and harm your skin barrier, so start slowly and gradually build up your tolerance for chemical peels.

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Glycolic acid is one of the more powerful over-the-counter exfoliating acids available, which is why it’s so popular for at-home peels. If you struggle with acne, you might also want to look into salicylic acid peels or peels that combine glycolic and salicylic acid. And if you have very sensitive skin and have never done a chemical peel before, you might enjoy using a gentler acid such as lactic acid or mandelic acid to start off.

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How to Do a Glycolic Acid Peel at Home

Regardless of whether you choose a leave-on peel or a wash-off treatment, you should begin the process by removing all your makeup and washing your face with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser. Pat your face with a clean towel until it is completely dry, and then grab your glycolic acid peel of choice.

If you are doing a leave-on overnight treatment, that should be the very first serum you apply so it goes directly on top of the skin. Otherwise the glycolic acid will have to get through numerous layers of product in order to reach your skin, which will make the chemical peel less effective. Follow up the glycolic acid with moisturizer to prevent moisture loss while the peel does its work overnight.

By Dean Drobot / Shutterstock.com

For a wash-off peel, apply a thin, even layer all over your face and jawline and leave it on for no more than the time specified in the instructions. If you are new to chemical peels, we recommend cutting the time even shorter to avoid compromising your skin barrier. Some mild tingling or stinging is normal, but if your face starts hurting you should wash off the peel regardless of how much time has passed. Once your face is clean and dry, follow up the peel with hydrating serums and a moisturizer.

Always avoid applying any kind of chemical exfoliating to the eye area as well as the lips. Also be careful with applying exfoliators to your neck — the neck has fewer oil glands than your face, so applying a chemical exfoliator to the skin there can really dry it out. Be diligent about wearing your daily sunscreen, especially in the days following a chemical peel when your face will be more sensitive to sun damage.

Ready to try out a chemical peel at home? At Lancer Skincare, we offer different acid face peels to reveal smooth, glowing skin. Browse our facial exfoliators and get free, fast shipping on all U.S. orders — no minimum needed.

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You should exfoliate your face daily, but remember to always use products designed specifically for your skin type.

If you’re looking for a great way to prevent clogged pores and brighten up a dull complexion, you need to get comfortable with exfoliating your face. Exfoliating is the practice of resurfacing the skin with either a physical or chemical exfoliator to get rid of the dead skin cells that prevent your skin from looking radiant. 

At Lancer, we call exfoliating “polishing” because it uncovers a layer of glowing beauty, just like when you polish a tarnished piece of silver or gold until it shines.

Why Exfoliating Is Important

What, exactly, does exfoliation do? Skin cell turnover, or the process of the skin regenerating new cells, is key to healthy skin. When dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of your skin, cell turnover rate is stalled, which can cause clogged pores, premature signs of aging and dullness of the complexion.

Exfoliating purges the pores of old skin cells that cause blemishes and also prepares the skin so it can better absorb medications, cleansers and moisturizers. That’s why we recommend starting your daily skin care routine with a polish. It helps ensure that your skin is prepped for steps two and three — your facial cleanser and moisturizer.

Should You Exfoliate Your Face Every Day?

We recommend exfoliating your face every day, but with one caveat: only use products that suit your skin type. Because it’s quite literally removing the top layer of skin, exfoliating can be damaging to sensitive, dry or irritated skin types. Regardless of your skin type, following up with a hydrating anti-aging moisturizer is critical to ensuring that your skin stays healthy and radiant post-exfoliation.

Exfoliating is the first step in The Lancer Method for younger skin. All of our polishes are manual exfoliators, meaning they use particles rather than chemicals to physically slough away that top layer of skin. With the Lancer Method, we use ultra-fine magnesium oxide quartz crystals to abrade the skin safely and gently. These are uniform in shape and size, ensuring that dead skin cells fall away and leave behind an even, glowing complexion.

The Lancer Method is unique from other skin care routines with exfoliation because each set is formulated for a specific skin type. We have special formulas designed specifically for those with normal to combination skin, sensitive or dehydrated skin and oily or congested skin. Choose the version that most closely matches your skin type for the best results.

How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Body?

Now that you know you should exfoliate your face every day, you may be wondering if the same logic applies to the body. Indeed, it does! You should exfoliate your body every day in the shower or bathtub using a physical or chemical exfoliator.

Body scrubs and chemical exfoliators work the same way that facial ones do — by removing the top layer of skin to reveal a new layer beneath. This is especially important on the knees, elbows, hands and feet, where skin is thicker and rougher. 

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We recommend exfoliating the body once a day in the shower using The Method: Body Polish. This product uses both physical and chemical exfoliants to scrub away the dull, dead layers of skin on your arms, legs, torso and feet to leave behind silky smooth, soft skin. 

This will help improve skin texture, prepare your skin for other treatments, help prevent body acne and leave skin looking visibly renewed.

Daily Exfoliation Is Best

As long as you’re using gentle products formulated for your unique skin type and you always follow up with a hydrating moisturizer, you will be able to reap the benefits of daily exfoliation without drying out or damaging your skin. Use The Method 3-Step Sets to get everything you need to exfoliate, cleanse and moisturize in a way that suits your skin type.

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When you’re researching ways to make your skin look younger and healthier at home, you’re bound to come across suggestions for at-home skincare peels. For some of us, the word “peel” is daunting and a little scary, but that’s because we’re unfamiliar with what peels do and the ingredients used in them. A peel is really just another term for exfoliating with the help of chemical ingredients. These chemicals, most of which are found in other anti-aging skincare, are incorporated in higher concentrations in at-home peels to slough off the top layer of dead skin cells and other surface debris to reveal the radiant, healthier-looking skin underneath. Once you know what’s in most peels and what they do, they’re really not scary at all.

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