It goes without saying that removing your makeup is essential — especially if your skin has a tendency to break out. And while using one of the best makeup removers for acne-prone skin is a key factor to cleansing your face without exacerbating breakouts, it's just as important to pay attention to your face-washing method, too.
Choosing how to wash your face comes largely down to preference, but also, how much makeup you've applied. If you've only got on a few products — say, some blush, highlighter, and lip balm — a traditional cleanser and/or micellar water should do the trick. But when you've got more makeup on (think: foundation, concealer, mascara), double-cleansing is the way to go. This means starting with an oil-based cleanser to break down makeup and any other oil-based products, and immediately following up with a water-based face wash to remove anything leftover and deep clean your pores. Double-cleansing ensures your skin is getting the deepest clean possible, which is usually what acne-prone skin types need.
On a similar note, you should never rely solely on cleansing wipes to remove your makeup. Though you can feel free to use them as the first step in your cleansing process (to remove stubborn products like liquid lipstick or waterproof eyeliner), they don't actually provide a proper cleanse like face wash does. Using a wipe without following up with a cleanser essentially just smears your makeup around your face, which can make your acne much worse in the long run.
Now that you're armed with some key face-washing tips, it's time to talk products. When shopping for a makeup remover that won't irritate your skin or cause breakouts, it's important to pay attention to the ingredients. If the product is oil-based, look for a formula that's non-comedogenic and mineral oil-free to avoid clogging your pores. Potentially irritating ingredients, like fragrance and alcohol, should also be avoided, especially if your acne-prone skin leans towards the sensitive side. For a traditional foam, cream, or gel cleanser, the same rules apply, but you'll also want to look for an active acne-fighting ingredient, like salicylic acid, to really deep clean your pores.