We’ve all been told that sleeping with make-up on is bad for our skin. We all know this, but do you know exactly why?
We have our days where we religiously complete our 10-step skincare routine but there are also days when you just don’t want to care and all you wanted to do was lie in the comforts of your bed and call it a night. You might get away with doing it occasionally. However, sleeping with your makeup on as a habit will only bring in BAD news.
Here are some terrible things that may happen to your skin when you don’t remove your makeup and the reasons why you should atleast wash it off before bed.
- Why is it bad to leave makeup overnight
- Why is removing makeup important
- Is it OK to sleep with makeup on for one night?
Why is it bad to leave makeup overnight
Reason #1: It can clog pores that may lead to breakouts
At night while you sleep, your skin starts its regeneration process and secretes oil to keep your skin healthy and hydrated. Sleeping with makeup on can trap those oils that can cause clogged pores. This natural oil (often called sebum) can mix with dead skin cells and dirt that will eventually get stuck in your pores that would often lead to acne breakouts and other skin conditions.
Reason #2: It would leave your skin looking dull
Lack of moisture, dehydrated skin, and dead skin cell buildup are the most common culprits of dull complexion. Leaving your makeup overnight can increase the chances of dirt and excess oil to be trapped in your pores. Our skin naturally sheds dead skin cells overnight — it is our skin’s way to refresh and heal itself. Leaving your makeup on can hinger the skin’s repairing process. This is one reason why you often wake up with dull looking skin in the morning.
So, what is the secret to keeping your skin radiant? Remove your make-up and exfoliate.
Exfoliating unclogs the pores and removes that pesky dirt and dead skin buildup. It can also allow the skin to regenerate and breathe. You can find out more about exfoliation and why it is essential in this blog post: 8 Reasons Why Exfoliating is a Skincare Essential and Our Top Recommended Products
Reason #3: Terribly chapped lips
You probably swiped a few retouches of your lipstick all throughout the day to keep it fresh until late at night. But did you know that leaving it on overnight can cause dry and chapped lips? Most lip gloss and lip sticks (especially matte) contain wax to keep its form solid. The wax acts as a barrier and does not allow moisture to penetrate your lips which in turn makes your skin dry.
Our lips do not have the ability to produce moisture, making it more prone to dryness, cracks, and peeling. So, it is important to remove your lipstick at night, exfoliate, and apply a hydrating lip balm.
Reason #4: Dirty Pillow
Another reason to remove your makeup before bed is to avoid makeup residue on your pillow. You do not want to see your eyeshadow smudged on your pillowcase nor do you want to wake up like you channeled Picasso at night and painted “the weeping woman” on your pillowcase with your foundation.
Make sure to regularly change your pillowcase and keep it clean to avoid bacteria from being cultivated and transferred to your skin. This will only increase your chance of getting acne breakouts!
Reason #5: Eye Stye
When you rub your eye at night full of mascara, you not only damage your eyelashes but also increase the chance of getting an eye infection. Mascara or any makeup residue may enter your eye and cause irritation. Eye makeup can clog the pores that can develop into a stye. Immediately consult your doctor when this happens.
Not cleaning your lash extensions properly can also cause yucky organisms to live rent free on your eyelashes and eyelids. You might not believe it, but mites and bacteria can actually live there.
Check out this TikTok @ipsbeauty on how she cleans a client’s dirty lashes
@ipsbeauty Send help. #LetsGetBackOnTrack #fyp #fypシ #viral #lashes #fy #foryou #lashextensions #ifb #beauty #selfcare #eyelash #eyelashextensions #help ♬ Bad Habits - Ed Sheeran
How do you take care of your eyelashes? Check out this article: How To Take Care of Your Eyelashes and Healthy Foods for Lash Growth
Reason #6: You might suffer from Premature Aging
Remember when we said our skin regenerates and repairs itself at night? Well, it cannot do that if your makeup is blocking your pores. The trapped dirt and pollution can increase free radicals that damage skin cells and speed up aging.
Some ingredients in makeup may also contribute to developing early signs of aging. One example is that some Talc-based products may dry out the skin and lead you to develop wrinkles and fine lines.
Why is removing makeup important
Removing your makeup is important because it gives your skin time to breathe and repair itself overnight. Our skin is often exposed to debris and other pollutants that can cause skin damage, that is why it is extremely essential to remove your makeup and let your skin recuperate.
Removing your makeup at night is like changing your dirty clothes after a whole day of sweating. You wash away the dirt and sweat to change into something clean and fresh. If you can put time and effort into putting on your makeup, then you can spare a little of your time to take better care of your skin and wash it off at night too.
Is it OK to sleep with makeup on for one night?
Sure, there are times when you are just too drunk or too tired that you immediately fall asleep and unintentionally forget to remove your makeup. Forgetting to wash it off once is fine as long as you don’t do it often and wash it off immediately in the morning. Some dermatologists suggest that leaving your makeup on for a night will unlikely cause long-term damage to your skin. However, making it a habit and doing it frequently is a different matter and may cause different skin problems.
Related Articles:
- The Complete Morning and Evening Skincare Layering Guide
- 8 Reasons Why Exfoliating is a Skincare Essential and Our Top Recommended Products
- How To Take Care of Your Eyelashes and Healthy Food for Lash Growth
- Why Makeup Wipes Suck and 5 Reasons Not To Use It
- Dry Brushing 101: Everything You Need To Know For Healthy Glowing Skin