Colin Snow
Sleeping with makeup on is a common habit, with celebrities like Dolly Parton, Gwen Stefani, and Charlotte Tilbury admitting to doing so. However, it is widely considered a beauty no-no and a skincare sin. Dermatologists advise against it, citing potential issues such as clogged pores, acne, premature aging, dehydration, and skin irritation. The buildup of dirt, dead skin, and pollutants on the skin throughout the day can prevent the skin from repairing itself and producing new, healthy cells. While it may be tempting to skip washing your face before bed, committing to a nightly skincare routine that includes cleansing and moisturizing can help maximize the skin's repair and renewal processes during sleep, promoting healthier and more radiant skin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Skin health | Skin ageing, acne, dehydration, irritation, dullness, dryness, and coarseness |
| Comfort | Women may feel more comfortable not wearing makeup around people they trust |
| Trust | Women may feel more comfortable showing their bare face to people they trust |
| Self-esteem | Women may feel more secure and confident when they don't feel the need to wear makeup |
| Time and convenience | The temptation to go to bed without removing makeup can be high, especially after a long day |
| Dirt and bacteria | Sleeping with makeup on can lead to a dirty pillowcase and the reapplication of makeup and bacteria onto the skin |
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What You'll Learn
It's a beauty cardinal sin
Sleeping with makeup on is a beauty cardinal sin and a big skincare no-no. It is one of the biggest beauty sins, as any skincare expert will tell you. While it might be tempting to fall into bed without washing your face, it could be wreaking havoc on your skin.
The skin repairs and renews itself while you sleep, but makeup can prevent this natural process from occurring. The skin is also exposed to dirt, dead skin, and pollutants throughout the day, and makeup can trap these impurities, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Eye makeup, such as mascara, can be especially problematic, as it can harbor harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi, leading to inflammation and infections.
Additionally, the products in makeup can sink deeper into pores, causing them to enlarge, which is a sign of aging. Makeup can also lead to increased free radical damage, which breaks down collagen in the skin, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. This can give the complexion a duller, dryer, and coarser appearance.
Some celebrities, such as Dolly Parton and Gwen Stefani, have admitted to sleeping with their makeup on, with Parton revealing that she has been doing so for decades. However, it is important to note that this is not a good habit to follow, as it can have negative consequences for the skin.
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It can lead to acne
Sleeping without removing your makeup can lead to acne breakouts in several ways. Firstly, makeup can act as a magnet, attracting and holding onto dirt, oil, residue, and environmental pollutants throughout the day. When left on the skin overnight, these substances can clog pores, leading to acne. This is true even for non-comedogenic makeup, which is designed not to clog pores. While non-comedogenic products are less likely to cause acne breakouts, they may still contain ingredients that irritate the skin and lead to inflammation and acne.
Additionally, makeup can prevent the skin from sloughing off dead skin cells, further increasing the risk of clogged pores and pimples. Clogged pores can also be caused by the build-up of bacteria, which tends to accumulate on the skin throughout the day. This build-up of oil, dirt, makeup residue, and bacteria can result in acne breakouts, whiteheads, and skin irritation.
Some individuals may also be allergic to certain makeup ingredients, such as fragrances, resulting in redness, swelling, itching, and hives. While sleeping with makeup on does not necessarily increase the likelihood of an allergic reaction, it is important to remove potentially irritating ingredients before sleeping to avoid exacerbating any skin issues.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) and other experts strongly recommend that everyone, especially those with oily or acne-prone skin, cleanse their faces and remove their makeup before sleeping. While it may seem like a tedious task at the end of a long day, taking just a few minutes to follow a simple skincare routine can help prevent acne breakouts and promote healthy skin.
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It can cause premature ageing
Sleeping without removing your makeup can cause premature ageing. This is due to the makeup sinking deeper into pores, leading to enlarged pores, which is a sign of ageing. The skin is covered with dirt, dead skin, and pollutants throughout the day, and by not removing makeup before sleeping, you prevent your skin from repairing itself and producing newer, healthier cells. These pollutants include free radicals, which break down collagen in the skin and accelerate ageing, leading to wrinkles.
Dr. Wee, a board-certified dermatologist, states that "neglecting to wash your face at night will also leave skin-aging pollution on the skin for a longer duration". This is because pollution leads to increased free radical damage, which contributes to collagen depletion. Loss of collagen is a major cause of skin laxity, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Additionally, makeup can clog pores, resulting in acne and breakouts. The delicate skin around the eyes is especially vulnerable to irritation and inflammation, which can be caused by an allergic reaction to the makeup. Eye makeup, such as mascara, can also harbour harmful pathogens, resulting in infections in and around the eyes.
To avoid these issues, it is important to gently cleanse the skin and remove all traces of makeup before sleeping. A nightly skincare routine that includes cleansing, moisturising, and applying beneficial cosmeceuticals can help maximise the skin's repair and renewal processes during sleep.
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It's unhygienic
Sleeping in makeup is unhygienic for several reasons. Firstly, makeup products can trap dirt, dead skin cells, and environmental pollutants on the skin, creating an ideal environment for acne-causing bacteria to thrive. This buildup of impurities can lead to clogged pores, resulting in breakouts, blackheads, and pimples, especially for individuals with acne-prone skin.
Secondly, eye makeup, such as eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara, can be a breeding ground for harmful pathogens, leading to eyelid dermatitis, inflammation, and infections in and around the eyes. Leaving eye makeup on overnight can also increase the risk of developing a sty, which is an infection of the small hair follicles and sebaceous glands on the eyelid.
Additionally, makeup interferes with the skin's natural renewal process, preventing it from repairing itself and producing new, healthy cells. This interference can lead to premature aging, as the skin is unable to breathe and regenerate cells effectively, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles, and a dull, aged appearance.
Furthermore, the friction between the face and pillow while sleeping can cause the makeup to smear, transfer, and crack, creating an uneven and patchy appearance. This not only defeats the purpose of trying to save time by skipping the evening skincare routine but often requires additional effort in the morning to correct and reapply makeup, prolonging the morning routine.
To maintain proper hygiene and skin health, it is crucial to prioritize removing makeup before bed and practicing a consistent nightly skincare routine. Double cleansing with an oil-based cleanser followed by a gentle cleanser or exfoliator is recommended to ensure all traces of makeup are removed, allowing the skin to breathe, renew, and heal overnight.
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It's uncomfortable
Secondly, it's uncomfortable for your eyes. Eye makeup, especially mascara, can harbor harmful pathogens, resulting in inflammation and infections in and around the eyes. The delicate skin around the eyes is vulnerable to allergic reactions, which can cause further irritation.
Thirdly, it's uncomfortable for your peace of mind. While some people may feel comfortable sleeping in their makeup, for others, it can be a source of discomfort and insecurity. Some people may feel self-conscious about their partner seeing them without makeup, while others may feel liberated and comfortable enough to go without it.
Lastly, it's uncomfortable for your morning routine. Sleeping in makeup can lead to dirty pillowcases, which can then reapply the makeup to your face, along with added bacteria, when you sleep. This can further contribute to skin issues and require additional cleansing and skincare routines to rectify.
Overall, sleeping without removing your makeup can be uncomfortable for your skin, eyes, emotional well-being, and morning routine.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, sleeping with makeup on is considered bad for your skin. It can lead to acne, premature aging, dehydration, and irritation.
Sleeping with makeup on can clog pores, leading to acne and enlarged pores. It can also result in a duller, dry, and coarse complexion.
Some women sleep with makeup on because they want to feel confident and put-together at all times, even when they are not expecting to be seen by others. For example, Dolly Parton has said that she sleeps with makeup on in case there are cameras on the street when she leaves the house.
