Gina Johnson
Sleeping with your makeup on is a common mistake many of us have made. But what happens if you sleep with concealer on? Well, dermatologists say that sleeping in makeup can lead to clogged pores, acne, premature ageing, collagen degradation, enlarged pores, and dehydrated, irritated skin. The skin around the eyes is especially vulnerable to irritation and infection. However, doing this once in a while is not going to hurt your skin in the long run, but it is still recommended to wash your face before re-applying makeup if you know you're going to sleep in it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Skin problems | Premature ageing, acne flare-ups, dehydration, irritation, enlarged pores, dullness, dryness, flakiness |
| Skin infections | Allergic and irritant contact dermatitis, red, itchy, flaky patches, inflammation, infections |
| Other | Eye irritation, damage to vision, styes |
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What You'll Learn
Skin damage and irritation
While sleeping with your makeup on once in a while is not going to hurt your skin in the long run, it can cause skin damage and irritation. The skin, especially the delicate skin around the eyes, is vulnerable to irritation and allergic reactions from the ingredients in makeup. This can result in both allergic and irritant contact dermatitis of the skin or red, itchy, flaky patches.
The skin repairs and regenerates during sleep, but when you sleep with makeup on, your skin isn't able to breathe and regenerate properly. This can lead to dryness, flakiness, and a duller, dry, coarse complexion. The makeup traps impurities inside your pores, leading to enlarged pores and breakouts, especially if you have acne-prone skin.
Eye makeup, especially mascara, can also harbour harmful pathogens, resulting in inflammation and infections in and around the eyes. This can lead to eye irritation and even damage your vision.
To avoid skin damage and irritation, it is important to remove your makeup before sleeping and stick to a good nightly skincare routine. This means cleansing your face thoroughly and applying a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated overnight.
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Clogged pores and acne
Sleeping with your makeup on can have several negative effects on the skin, one of the most common being clogged pores and acne.
When you sleep in your makeup, your skin is unable to breathe and regenerate properly. This can lead to clogged pores, which then result in acne. Makeup can trap impurities inside your pores, leading to the formation of pimples and blackheads. The delicate skin around the eyes is especially vulnerable and prone to infection and irritation.
Even if you've washed your face before reapplying makeup, your skin won't be at its best after you sleep in it. You may wake up to a breakout or two, or notice that your skin feels tight and dry. This is because your skin is unable to retain water properly when you skip cleansing and moisturising before bed.
While sleeping with makeup on every now and then may not be too detrimental, it's important not to make a habit of it. Dermatologists recommend committing to a nightly skincare routine to avoid issues like acne and clogged pores. This involves gently cleansing the skin, removing all traces of makeup, and applying beneficial cosmeceuticals and moisturisers to keep the skin hydrated overnight.
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Premature ageing
Sleeping with your makeup on can have several adverse effects on your skin, including premature ageing.
Firstly, makeup creates a barrier that prevents your skin from breathing and undergoing its essential nightly renewal process. This critical restoration period requires clean, unclogged pores to effectively shed dead skin cells and produce new ones. When you sleep with makeup on, it traps dead cells and oil, leading to clogged pores and acne breakouts. This can result in enlarged pores, a sign of ageing.
Secondly, during the day, your skin is exposed to free radicals and other oxidative stressors, which can break down collagen and elastin—two proteins essential for maintaining youthful-looking skin. When you sleep with makeup on, these free radicals remain sealed onto the surface of your skin, causing further collagen depletion. Loss of collagen is a major cause of skin laxity, fine lines, and wrinkles, all signs of premature ageing.
Additionally, some makeup formulas contain ingredients that drain moisture away from the skin, causing dehydration and a dull, aged appearance.
To avoid premature ageing, it is crucial to remove your makeup before bed and cleanse your face thoroughly. Following a proper skincare routine can help you maintain healthy and youthful-looking skin.
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Eye irritation and infection
The eyes are particularly vulnerable, and the risks associated with eye irritation and infection are higher. Regularly sleeping with eye makeup on can damage eye health and cause chronic irritation, increased risk of infections, and long-term skin damage.
Eye irritation can manifest as itchy, bloodshot eyes, or a full-blown allergic reaction. The eyes may also become dry, with lashes becoming brittle and prone to thinning and falling out.
Infection risks include viral and bacterial pink eye (conjunctivitis), which causes red, itchy eyes. While conjunctivitis is usually caused by a virus or bacteria, makeup can carry the infection from one eye to the other. It is highly transmissible and usually affects both eyes. Keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea, is another possible infection. It is often caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections and can be triggered by eye makeup. Symptoms include redness, eye pain, watery eyes, blurred vision, and light sensitivity.
To avoid eye irritation and infection, it is important to remove all makeup before sleeping, especially from the eyelashes. Clean hands or applicators should be used to avoid introducing germs into the eyes. Eye makeup should also be discarded after three months as it can become contaminated with bacteria over time.
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Skin dryness and dehydration
While it may be tempting to skip removing your makeup after a long day, sleeping with concealer on can have several negative effects on your skin.
When you sleep with makeup on, your skin is unable to breathe and regenerate properly. This can lead to dryness and even flakiness. The delicate skin around the eyes is especially vulnerable to irritation and allergic reactions. The skin around the eyes is also prone to infection, and makeup can trap impurities inside pores, leading to pimples and blackheads.
Concealer can also draw moisture away from the skin, leading to dehydration. This can make your skin feel tight and dry when you wake up. Dehydration can also cause your skin to look dull and lifeless, giving it a coarse complexion.
To combat dehydration, it is important to cleanse your skin and apply moisturiser before bed. This will help to replenish moisture levels and keep your skin hydrated overnight. A hydrating face mask can also help to correct dehydration and clean out pores.
While the occasional night of sleeping with your makeup on may not be detrimental, it is important not to make a habit of it. A consistent nightly skincare routine is the best way to keep your skin healthy and avoid the negative consequences of sleeping with your makeup on.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleeping with makeup on can cause eye irritation and even damage your vision. It can also lead to clogged pores, acne, premature ageing, and dehydration. However, doing this once in a while isn't going to hurt your skin in the long run.
To get your skin back in shape, remove all your makeup and wash your face. Then, perform a lymphatic massage to help de-puff your skin. Use a hydrating face mask to fight impurities and replenish moisture levels.
Long-term effects of sleeping with makeup on include premature ageing, collagen degradation, enlarged pores, and a dull, dry, and coarse complexion.
If you know you won't feel like doing your skincare routine, wash your face and remove your makeup before going to bed. You can also perform your skincare routine earlier in the evening to avoid skipping it altogether.
