We have all been there, guilty of sleeping in our makeup. Look, it happens. After a long, exhausting day, you lie on your bed and just can’t seem to find the power to perform a full-on bedtime skin routine.
A few times can’t hurt, right? One or two days of not removing makeup is unlikely to course any crazy issues however if you are a repeat offender, you might be slowing down your skin's regeneration process. It’s not only your pillowcases suffering but your precious skin as well.
Washing your face at night not only removes makeup but helps wash away the impurities and dirt that have naturally gathered there during the day, so a foundation filled slumber can really affect your skin’s health.
Here are a few reasons how sleeping in your makeup can impact your skin negatively:
- Hello, Acne! - The perfect recipe for a breakout
Even if you have not got acne-prone skin, leaving your makeup on overnight sure can entice those nasty little spots to your face. A combination of makeup, environmental pollutants, and natural oils from your face will certainly clog your pores in no time, resulting in breakouts. [1]
2. Skin Irritation/Dullness
The skin around your eyes is oh so delicate, it is best to avoid leaving makeup products on overnight as they may cause irritation that will lead to you rubbing your eyes, causing puffiness, redness and, of course, sadness.
When you sleep in makeup, your skin can look duller the next day because it can’t shed and exfoliate properly at night. This can also lead to dull rough skin, clogged pores, and small red bumps! [2] No thank you.
3. Dry Complexion
Washing your face before you hit the hay is essential in the fight against dry skin. Leftover makeup residue can act as a barrier towards your moisturiser; stopping your wonderful hydrating products from working to their magic to their full potential.
As stated before, removing makeup prevents clogged pores, this allows your pores to successfully release sebum, a natural oil that helps rehydrate and protect your skin. [3]
4. Eye Issues
As lovely as waking up with mascara smudged down your face is, I think all household members would agree that we look slightly better (and less scary) free of yesterday’s smeared makeup.
Eyes can easily become irritated if eye makeup is not removed thoroughly. Mascara can clog up the hair follicles and oil glands on the eyelids, which can lead to a build-up of bacteria, causing inflammation and irritation. [4]
5. Premature Ageing
Yep, you heard that right folks. Wrinkles. Something we are all scared of. We will all age gracefully at some point, however, it is up to you whether you take the steps to prevent shrivelling sooner.
Tip 1: Foundation free sleep.
Makeup can hold free radicals, which damage the skin if not washed off. Free radicals break down collagen (a protein that provides structure to much of your body) which in turn, causes fine lines and wrinkles. [5]
If none of the above impacts sounds appealing, then you better get stocked up on some makeup remover.
The moral of the story
Even if you go-out-for-one-drink-stay-out-for-10, you must find the small amount of time it takes to wash your face! Find a skincare routine that can eliminate your makeup an give your face some breathing time.
To sum everything up: Sleeping with makeup on is bad news. Take note
[1] Short hills Dermatology Consultants: Makeup Residue Clogs Pores and Leads to Breakouts
[3] Heather L Brannon, What is Sebum?
[4] Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN — Written by Cammy Pedroja, PhD — Updated on November 26, 2018
[5] Karen Asquith, National director of education, G.M. Collin