Ashwin Lewis
Sleeping with makeup on is generally not recommended by dermatologists and skincare experts. While the consequences vary from person to person, leaving makeup on overnight can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, puffy eyes, and irritated skin. Eye makeup, in particular, can increase the risk of eye infections and allergies. Additionally, makeup can stain bed linens and pillows, creating a buildup of bacteria and makeup residue. While the occasional slip-up may not cause immediate damage, making it a routine can lead to premature aging and long-term skin problems. To avoid these issues, skincare routines and makeup removal should be prioritized before bed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Skin health | Sleeping with makeup on can disrupt the skin's natural renewal process, leading to dullness and premature aging. |
| Acne and irritation | Leftover makeup can clog pores, contribute to breakouts, and irritate sensitive areas like the eyes, potentially causing infections. |
| Hygiene and maintenance | Regularly removing makeup before bed prevents buildup on pillows, reduces bacterial growth, and supports overall skin health. |
| Eye health | Eye makeup, especially mascara, can harbor harmful pathogens, resulting in inflammation and infections in and around the eyes. |
| Skin texture | Sleeping with makeup on can lead to skin texture issues, such as dryness and coarseness. |
| Skin sensitivity | Those with sensitive skin may experience more severe consequences, such as increased sensitivity, irritation, and allergic reactions. |
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What You'll Learn
Clogged pores and acne breakouts
Sleeping with makeup on can have several negative effects on the skin, one of the most common being clogged pores and acne breakouts. Makeup left on the skin overnight can sink deeper into pores, leading to enlarged pores and a higher likelihood of clogging. This can result in acne breakouts, with whiteheads being a common occurrence for those who sleep with their makeup on.
The skin's natural renewal and repair processes occur at night, and by leaving makeup on, you are preventing your skin from undergoing this essential process. This can lead to a duller, dry, and coarse complexion, as well as premature aging and collagen degradation.
Additionally, eye makeup, especially mascara, can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which can result in eye infections and inflammation. Leaving makeup on can also cause irritation to sensitive areas of the skin, such as the eyes, and those with sensitive skin may experience further issues.
While the occasional slip-up may not cause immediate damage, making it a routine can lead to long-term skin problems. It is always best to prioritize removing your makeup before bed to maintain healthy skin and prevent clogged pores and acne breakouts.
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Eye irritation and infections
While sleeping with makeup on once in a while may not have serious long-term effects on your eyes, it can still cause short-term irritation. Eye irritation can occur when makeup particles dry out and flake into your eyes. Mascara and eyeliner can also transfer to your pillow, leading to further contamination and irritation.
Leaving eye makeup on can be particularly harmful, increasing the risk of eye infection and hypersensitivity reactions. Makeup, especially eye makeup, can harbor harmful pathogens, resulting in inflammation and infections in and around the eyes. Mascara and eyeliner particles can stick to contact lenses, causing eye irritation and potentially leading to infection.
Research suggests that sleeping with eye makeup on is linked to an increased risk of eye infections such as keratitis, which occurs when the cornea is irritated. Eye infections can also be caused by the transfer of makeup to your pillow, which can then come into contact with your eyes.
The delicate skin around the eyes is especially vulnerable to irritation and infection. Makeup left on the skin for a prolonged period can inflame and irritate the skin, causing redness and the formation of uncomfortable bumps (styes) on the eyelids.
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Premature ageing and collagen degradation
While sleeping with makeup on once in a while is not extremely detrimental to your skin, doing so repeatedly can cause several issues, including premature ageing and collagen degradation.
During deep sleep, there is a boost in hormones that promote cellular regeneration and repair. However, sleeping with makeup on can hinder these processes. Oil-rich products, heavy foundations, and thick primers are particularly likely to cause issues, as they sink deeper into pores, leading to enlarged pores—a sign of ageing.
Leaving eye makeup on overnight is especially problematic, as it can increase the risk of eye infections and hypersensitivity reactions. Mascara, for example, can harbour harmful pathogens, leading to inflammation and infections in and around the eyes.
Additionally, makeup can disrupt the skin's natural renewal and exfoliation processes, resulting in a duller, drier, and coarser complexion. This disruption can also lead to a buildup of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, causing further irritation and potential infections.
To prevent premature ageing and collagen degradation, it is essential to prioritize skincare and consistently remove makeup before bed. While it may be tempting to skip this step, particularly after a long day, establishing a bedtime beauty ritual can help ensure clear and glowing skin.
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Pillowcase and bedding stains
Makeup stains on pillowcases and bedding can be a pain to deal with, but they are usually manageable. Leaving them untreated, however, can lead to permanent discolouration and damage on your bedding. The oil and pigments can also rub off onto your mattress, and the stains can provide an environment for bacteria to thrive, making your bed a much less healthy place to sleep.
Before attempting to remove any makeup stains, it is important to first check the instructions on the care tag of your pillowcase or bedding. It is also a good idea to conduct a spot test on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure that your cleaning solution will not damage or discolour the fabric.
If you have a silk pillowcase, it can be challenging to wash without damaging it. You can use a cotton ball soaked with hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol for most makeup stains on silk. You can also use a diluted solution of household ammonia (2 parts water to 1 part ammonia) to remove most stains.
For other types of pillowcases and bedding, here are some general tips for removing makeup stains:
- Blot the stain to absorb excess makeup sitting on the surface, making it easier to remove during washing.
- Use a butter knife or another thin, rigid piece of plastic to gently lift off or scrape away as much of the makeup as possible without damaging the fabric.
- For lipstick stains, which tend to be oil-based, you can use dishwashing liquid. Soak a cotton ball in witch hazel or isopropyl rubbing alcohol, and then dab at the stain to lift it.
- For foundation stains, a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution is effective. Work the solution into the fabric with a clean toothbrush, and then rinse with cold water.
- Shaving cream is another surprising yet effective solution for foundation stains. Apply the shaving cream to the stained area and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes before gently dabbing the area with a clean, damp cloth. Rinse with cold water and repeat as needed.
- Dish soap is a good option for removing oily makeup stains, as it is designed to cut through grease. Apply a drop directly to the stain, gently rub it in, and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
- Baking soda is another natural, fabric-safe cleaner that can be used to remove makeup stains. Mix it with a small amount of water to form a paste, apply it to the stain, and rub lightly. Let the paste sit for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with cold water. Baking soda also helps to eliminate any lingering odours from the stain.
- For mascara stains, mix a few drops of liquid dish soap with warm water. Dampen a microfiber cloth with the soapy water, and then blot the mascara stain lightly. Rinse and dampen your cloth often, and move to a clean part of the cloth as needed. Spray the stain from the opposite side until the water runs clear.
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Skin's natural renewal process disrupted
Sleeping with makeup on can disrupt the skin's natural renewal process, leading to several skin issues. Firstly, it can clog pores, contributing to breakouts and acne. The skin undergoes a natural shedding or exfoliation process during sleep, and makeup can interfere with this, resulting in a dull, dry, and coarse complexion. This can also lead to premature aging and collagen degradation.
Leaving eye makeup on overnight is particularly harmful, as it can increase the risk of eye infections and hypersensitivity reactions. Eye makeup, such as mascara, can harbour harmful pathogens, leading to inflammation and infections in and around the eyes. Additionally, makeup can sink deeper into pores during sleep, resulting in enlarged pores, another sign of aging.
The skin's repair processes begin as soon as night falls, and by washing your face and applying skincare products earlier in the evening, you can enhance these natural renewal processes. During deep sleep, there is an increase in healing hormones such as growth hormone and melatonin, which promote cellular regeneration and repair. However, sleeping with makeup on may hinder these processes.
While the occasional slip-up of sleeping with makeup on may not cause immediate damage, making it a routine can lead to long-term skin problems. It is essential to prioritize skin health and prevent the buildup of makeup and bacteria on the skin and pillowcases by removing makeup before bed and maintaining a consistent skincare routine.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleeping with makeup on occasionally is not detrimental to the skin. However, it is still important to cleanse your face and apply skincare products afterward to prevent breakouts.
Sleeping with makeup on can disrupt your skin's natural renewal process, leading to dullness and premature aging. It can also clog pores, cause breakouts, and irritate the skin, especially the eyes.
It is recommended to create a bedtime beauty ritual and stick to it. You can also take off your makeup as soon as you get home or take an evening shower to wash it off. Keeping makeup remover wipes by your bed for lazy nights is also helpful.
If you wake up with makeup on, wash your hands first to avoid spreading germs. Then, cleanse your face and apply your usual skincare products to prevent breakouts. Don't forget to change your pillowcase or switch to a clean pillow.
To repair your skin, remove all your makeup and wash your face. Perform a lymphatic massage to help de-puff your skin and bring a glow back. Use a hydrating face mask to fight impurities and replenish moisture levels.
