Here's Why You Should Never Sleep in Makeup, According to Dermatologists

Sometimes, the temptation to go to bed before washing your makeup off is almost too enticing to ignore. And for some of us, it's all too routine. As such, it's normal to question whether or not going to bed with a full face of makeup is actually that big a deal. To get to the bottom of it, we spoke to two board-certified dermatologists to investigate if we can get away with sleeping with makeup every now and then, what the downsides to doing so are, and what the potential long-term implications are. Their answers, below.

Why Should You Remove Makeup Before Going to Bed?

"For some, sleeping just one night with makeup on leads to an inevitable breakout. For others, it won't have visible consequences. But repeatedly sleeping with makeup on will certainly compound the issue," Dr. Murphy-Rose notes. "During deep sleep, there is a boost in healing hormones such as growth hormone and melatonin, resulting in more rapid rates of cellular regeneration and repair, and sleeping with makeup on may hinder these processes in many ways," Dr. Wee adds.

That said, some products are worse than others to leave on overnight. "Oil-rich products, heavier foundations, and thick primers are some of the worst offenders," Dr. Murphy-Rose says. "Leaving eye makeup on can be particularly harmful, increasing the risk of eye infection and hypersensitivity reactions." 

What Happens to Your Skin When You Sleep With Makeup On

Premature Aging and Collagen Degradation

Being lazy with your makeup removal can result in premature aging and collagen degradation.  "Sleeping with makeup on is not a good idea," Dr. Wee confirms. Additionally, Dr. Murphy-Rose says that sleeping in your makeup allows product to sink deeper into pores leading to enlarged pores—a sign of aging. "Neglecting to wash your face at night will also leave skin-aging pollution on the skin for a longer duration," she continues. "Pollution leads to increased free radical damage which we know contributes to collagen depletion. Loss of collagen is a major cause of skin laxity, fine lines and wrinkles." 

Acne Flare-Ups

You've probably woken up to a breakout or two (or several) after passing out in a full face of makeup, and that's no coincidence. Dr. Wee says that wearing makeup to bed can clog pores, which results in acne. "Removing makeup—and everything else sitting on your skin—before bed keeps your pores cleaner and reduces the likelihood of clogging overnight," confirms Dr. Murphy-Rose.

Dry Complexion

"Long-term sleeping in makeup can also interfere with the natural shedding or exfoliation process of the skin," Dr. Wee notes. "This can result in a duller, dry, coarse complexion."

Inflamed Eyes and Irritated Skin

"Gently cleansing the skin has been a key factor in reducing the spread of harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungus," Dr. Wee advises. "Eye makeup, especially mascara, can harbor harmful pathogens, resulting in inflammation and infections both in and around the eyes. A daily cleansing routine can also help reduce contamination of your makeup."

Dr. Wee adds that inflammation can also result from an allergic reaction. "Makeup, which is not subject to the same FDA scrutiny as topical medications, may be composed of ingredients that may inflame and irritate the skin, especially if left on the skin for a prolonged time. The delicate skin around the eye is especially vulnerable. This can result in both allergic and irritant contact dermatitis of the skin or red, itchy, flaky patches."

The Final Takeaway

As you've gathered, sleeping in makeup is not great for your skin. It can lead to premature aging, acne flare-ups, dehydration, and irritation. However, committing (and we mean really committing) to a nightly skincare routine will help you avoid these issues altogether. "Gently cleansing makeup off and applying beneficial cosmeceuticals and moisturizers to the skin helps maximize the skin's enhanced repair and renewal processes during sleep," Dr. Wee says.