Is it bad to sleep with makeup on? This is what the experts say

The party has gone on longer than expected, and when you’re in the back seat of a taxi dreaming of bed, the idea of removing your makeup seems a bit heavy. Does this situation ring a bell? Surely it has happened to you more than once. And surely you have also heard more than once that “sleeping with makeup is bad”. But what is the truth behind that statement? What effect does sleeping with makeup on the skin ? Is it a misdemeanor or a complete disaster for our skin? This is what the experts say.

What happens if you sleep with makeup on?

“It’s something that will inevitably happen to most people at some point in their lives, however doing it just once isn’t too much of a concern , although it’s obviously best to avoid it whenever possible. But if this already becomes a regular habit , you may want to consider that, for many reasons, falling asleep in makeup is bad for your skin ,” reveals Dr. Ash Labib , Chief Medical Officer at AL Aesthetics.

If brunch turned into an all-day Prosecco binge is to blame for your make-up sleep, it’s not just dry mouth in the morning. Aside from the obvious hygiene factor to consider, which can cause clogged pores, dull skin, dry skin, puffy eyes, and generally aggravating skin. And yes, if sleeping with your makeup on is commonplace, consider that premature aging and collagen degradation can also be a byproduct of sleeping in cosmetics.

Is sleeping with makeup bad for the skin?

“When makeup is left on overnight, it penetrates the superficial layers of the dermis,” warns dermatologist Dr. Anne Wetter. And makeup-clogged pores prevent skin from rehydrating and protecting itself from oxidative stress.

Combat it with a double cleanse the next day . “Start with an oil-based cleanser to emulsify makeup, dirt, and oil,” adds Dr. Wetter. She then uses a normal cleanser to remove the residue.”

Is sleeping with mascara bad for your eyelashes?

Unless you want to be that sunglasses-wearing person at home, never forget to remove your eye makeup. “If you regularly leave your mascara and eyeliner on overnight, the tiny hair follicles and oil glands on your eyelids can become clogged, leading to infection and inflammation,” explains Dr. Wetter.

“Sleeping in mascara dries out your lashes, makes them brittle, and they break easily,” says Dr. Wetter. Eek.

Does sleeping with makeup cause you to get blackheads?

Have you woken up with some new (not so) little black-headed friends in your face? “Sebum is our natural lubricant, moisturizing the skin and removing irritants such as dead cells,” explains Dr. Wetter.

“But cosmetic residue blocks the release of sebum, so dead skin accumulates in large pores, which can lead to acne.” Think more prevention than cure and follow your regular cleansing routine with a pore-unclogging retinoid product.

Does sleeping with makeup cancel your skincare routine?

If you pride yourself on having an arsenal of anti-aging creams, sleeping in your makeup could be making them not work. “During the day, the skin is subjected to constant oxidative stress, in which free radicals cause collagen degradation,” explains Dr. Wetter.

“If makeup is left on, the skin loses elasticity, wrinkles, and ultimately ages prematurely.” So, to keep crow’s feet at bay, give your skin a night’s rest.

Is sleeping with lipstick bad for my lips?

Did you think lipstick smears were the least heinous beauty crime? Think again. “Lipstick contains chemicals that dry out the lips,” explains Dr. Wetter. “When you eat, drink and talk, lipstick doesn’t stay on all day, but at night the chemicals stick to the surface and pull moisture from your lips.”

Also, the wax from lipstick can clog the pores around them and cause blackheads to appear. A long-lasting lipstick? Gently brush your lips with a toothbrush and an oil-based cleanser. Then you can go to sleep.

And take a nap made up?

“This you can, but only if you take a nap for about 15 or 20 minutes. That’s the limit I advise you,” says Dr. Labib.

“If your nap lasts longer, I recommend that you cleanse your face no matter how tired you feel (your skin will thank you for years to come). Long naps with makeup on can cause unwanted breakouts and increase exposure to free radicals, which is never positive,” he adds.