Ashwin Lewis
Sleeping with your makeup on is generally considered bad for your skin. Dermatologists say that it interferes with the skin's natural shedding or exfoliation process, resulting in a duller, dry, and coarse complexion. It can also lead to enlarged pores, premature aging, and collagen degradation. However, some people argue that it is not the makeup itself that is harmful to the skin, but rather the fact that sleeping with makeup on often means going 24 hours without cleansing your skin, which can lead to dehydration, irritation, and clogged pores. While it may not be possible to stick to a strict skincare routine every night, there are simple solutions to removing your makeup before bed, such as keeping cleansing wipes on your nightstand for emergencies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Skin damage | Preventing the renewal process, causing damage to the skin, premature aging, collagen degradation, enlarged pores, and wrinkles |
| Clogged pores | Leaving makeup on overnight can lead to congested pores, resulting in acne and breakouts |
| Dehydration | Skin may feel tight and dry, leading to irritation over time |
| Eye irritation | Leaving eye makeup on can increase the risk of eye infection and cause irritated eyes |
| Allergic reaction | Makeup may contain ingredients that can irritate the skin, especially if left on for a prolonged period |
| Inconvenience | May require additional skincare products and steps to remove makeup |
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What You'll Learn
Skin damage
While some people believe that sleeping with makeup on is not very harmful to the skin, dermatologists disagree. According to dermatologist Jeannette Graf, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, "The more you sleep while wearing your makeup, the greater the damage there is to your skin."
One of the main issues with sleeping in your foundation is that it can clog your pores. Throughout the day, your skin accumulates bacteria, pollutants, and natural oils, and when you sleep with makeup on, you prevent your skin from shedding or exfoliating naturally, which can lead to enlarged pores. Clogged pores can also lead to acne and breakouts.
Another concern is that makeup can interfere with the skin's natural renewal process. During sleep, the skin boosts healing hormones, increasing cellular regeneration and repair. However, foundation particles and pigments can break down and penetrate deeper into the pores, hindering this process. This can lead to collagen degradation, resulting in wrinkles and premature aging of the skin.
Additionally, sleeping with foundation on can cause dehydration and irritation. When you don't cleanse and moisturize before bed, your skin struggles to retain moisture, leading to dry and tight-feeling skin.
While the immediate effects of sleeping with foundation on may not always be apparent, the long-term consequences can be damaging. Dermatologists recommend proper makeup removal and nightly skincare routines to maintain healthy skin and prevent issues such as clogged pores, acne, and premature aging.
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Clogged pores
While sleeping in your makeup every once in a while might not be so detrimental to your skin, it is still not recommended. One of the main reasons is that it can lead to clogged pores.
When you sleep with foundation on, the large particles and pigments in the makeup can break down and get absorbed into your pores, leading to congestion and enlargement of the pores. This can result in acne and breakouts as the pores become filled with bacteria.
Additionally, foundation that has been worn throughout the day has been exposed to environmental pollutants, bacteria, moulds, and mites, which can then transfer to your skin and further contribute to clogged pores and skin irritation.
The act of sleeping in your makeup can also interfere with the skin's natural renewal and repair processes, which occur during sleep. This can result in a build-up of dead skin cells and further contribute to clogged pores and a dull, coarse complexion.
To prevent clogged pores, it is important to gently cleanse your skin before bed, removing all traces of makeup. This will ensure your pores remain clear and your skin can breathe overnight.
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Dehydration
When dehydrated, you may feel sluggish, fatigued, and prone to headaches. Dehydration can disrupt your natural circadian rhythm, causing sleep disruptions and sleepiness the following day. Dehydration can also cause a sore throat, dry mouth, and muscle cramps, which can disturb your sleep.
There are several factors that can increase the risk of dehydration at night. Night sweats, for instance, caused by a warm sleeping environment, can lead to excessive sweating and fluid loss. Similarly, drinking alcohol before bed can cause you to urinate more, worsening dehydration.
To prevent dehydration, it is important to stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of fluids and eating foods with a high water content. It is also recommended to keep your bedroom cool and well-ventilated to minimize sweating.
Additionally, it is worth noting that repeatedly sleeping with makeup on, including foundation, can lead to dehydration. This is because the skin cannot hold on to water as well when it is not properly cleansed and moisturized before bed.
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Irritation
While sleeping with makeup on may not seem like a big deal, it can have some negative consequences for your skin. One of the main issues is that makeup can interfere with the skin's natural regeneration process, which occurs during sleep. This can lead to premature aging and collagen degradation, resulting in wrinkles and dull, dry skin.
Leaving foundation on overnight can be particularly problematic as foundation is typically thick and applied over other products, forming a layer that prevents the skin from breathing and renewing itself. The large particles and pigments in foundation can break down over the day, mixing with natural oils, pollutants, and bacteria, and settling into pores. This can lead to clogged pores, acne, and irritation.
For example, one person shared that they notice more whiteheads when they don't wash off their foundation before bed. Another person with sensitive skin and rosacea shared that while sleeping with makeup on didn't bother their skin, they only used a light amount of mineral powder foundation.
Additionally, if you're not removing your makeup before bed, you're also not cleansing your skin, which can lead to a buildup of bacteria, increasing the risk of infections and inflammation. This is especially true for eye makeup, which can result in irritated eyes and missing lashes.
While the occasional night of sleeping with makeup on may not cause immediate issues, making it a habit can have long-term consequences for skin health and appearance. Dermatologists recommend gently cleansing the skin nightly to reduce the spread of harmful bacteria and to keep pores clear.
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Premature ageing
While makeup itself may not directly cause ageing, certain makeup practices can contribute to skin issues over time. One of the most common makeup-related habits that can lead to premature ageing is sleeping with your makeup on.
During sleep, the skin repairs and regenerates, shedding dead cells and producing collagen. Leaving makeup on overnight can interfere with these essential processes, potentially leading to premature ageing and various skin concerns. Makeup creates a barrier on the skin, interrupting the skin's natural renewal process and preventing healthy collagen production. This can result in a dull, aged look and cause skin texture issues.
Oil-based makeup products, such as heavy foundations and thick primers, are particularly troublesome. They can clog pores, leading to enlarged pores—a sign of ageing. Additionally, makeup can trap oil and impurities inside pores, causing blackheads, acne, and breakouts. The friction between your face and the pillow can also cause the makeup to smear and transfer, resulting in an uneven appearance that may require more time and effort to correct in the morning.
Another factor to consider is the impact of pollution. If you've been in a highly polluted area, the pollution particles can get lodged in the surface of your skin. Leaving your makeup on overnight will prevent you from properly cleansing the skin and removing these ageing pollution particles.
To maintain youthful and healthy skin, it is essential to remove your makeup before bedtime and establish a consistent skincare routine. Choose non-comedogenic makeup products that are less likely to clog pores, and always cleanse your face thoroughly before bed to allow your skin to regenerate and heal during sleep.
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Frequently asked questions
While it is not recommended to sleep with foundation on, doing so occasionally might not be as bad as sleeping with makeup on every night. However, it can still lead to clogged pores, dehydration, and irritation.
Sleeping with foundation on regularly can cause premature ageing and collagen degradation. Foundation particles can clog pores and lead to acne and breakouts. It can also prevent the skin's natural renewal and repair process, resulting in dull, dry, and coarse skin.
Sleeping with foundation on sensitive skin can lead to irritation and allergic reactions. It is important to use high-quality makeup that is compatible with your skin type to minimize potential harm.
Sleeping with eye makeup, such as mascara, can increase the risk of eye infections and irritation. Mascara particles can clog follicles, leading to blepharitis, and bacteria can cause conjunctivitis. Sleeping with primer on can also be damaging, as it traps pollutants on the skin.
If you know you won't feel like doing your skincare routine, it is recommended to wash your face before you go out for the evening. This way, you remove any oil, pollution, and bacteria accumulated during the day. Keeping makeup remover wipes or cleansing balm by your bedside can also help for quick makeup removal before sleeping.
