Want Better Skin in Time for Your Wedding? This One Simple Change Can Make a Huge Difference

Hint: The way you're removing your makeup might be setting you back.

By Nicole Moleti, Martha Stewart

There is an epidemic amongst busy and tired women: After a long day, more and more of us are reaching for a makeup removing wipe rather than cleansing our skin with good old soap and water. While these handy wipes are great to use in a pinch, they're not really meant to be an alternative to a traditional cleanser. That's right. Makeup removing wipes are only meant to take off your products, not rid your face of dirt and excess oil. We're not saying to ditch your favorite wipe altogether, but we are suggesting that you take a good hard look at how you use them—especially in the weeks leading up to your wedding day.

If you want a clear, glowing complexion on your wedding day, here's why you should consider pairing a makeup removing wipe with a cleanser, too. Even better? Use them in addition to a full skincare regimen and you're basically guaranteed a flawless face on the big day. Here, we explain why a makeup wipe alone isn't doing the job, and offer simple tips on how to make these handy products more effective.

Use a cleanser after.

Wipes in general do just what they claim; they wipe. Using them will wipe away what's on the surface of the skin, but that may mean you're spreading dirt and makeup all over your face instead of dissolving it. There may also be preservatives in makeup wipes that are harsher than you'd normally choose for your daily cleanser, so if you're going to use them, check the ingredient list carefully. While wipes can be a great choice in an emergency situation, like when you are camping or sleeping on a plane, you should try to limit their daily use, or use them in conjunction with a regular face wash, in order to avoid the possibility of breakouts and other skin irritations.

Remember they won't address all of your skincare needs.

We'll be the first to admit that wipes generally do a decent job of taking off your makeup, so they're a great product to start with. But they won't help your skin the way a cleanser does. The benefit of using the right cleanser for your skin type is that you can address other complexion needs—for anti-aging, you can choose a creamy formula; for skin that's prone to breakouts, try an acne-fighter; if you feel like your skin is dull or discolored, reach for a brightening cleanser. The options are endless! You don't have this type of selection when shopping the makeup wipe aisle, so it's important to use a good cleanser after each wipe.

Make them part of a larger routine.

Makeup wipes are popular for a reason: They're convenient and easy. You can leave the package on your nightstand and easily remove that waterproof mascara after a wild night out or an evening spent binge watching your favorite Netflix show. You're still going to need to make a trip to the sink, though. Cleansers, eye creams, serums, and moisturizers are all important steps in an evening skincare routine, and there's no one makeup wipe that can replace these essentials. Establishing a great regimen is imperative if you want to see beautiful skin looking back at you in the mirror on your wedding day, especially because skin repairs itself while we sleep at night. Don't worry, one night of using a makeup removing wipe alone won't set you back, but you shouldn't fall into the habit.

See more at: Martha Stewart