Is Sleeping in Your Make-Up Bad for Your Skin?

Sleeping in makeup exposes your skin to dirt and environmental pollutants. As a result, the production of free radicals might increase, causing changes to your DNA and reducing collagen levels. This can leave you with wrinkles and fine lines. Sleeping in your makeup can also lead to clogged pores. Clogged pores are a perfect recipe for acne. Did you know the skin exfoliates itself? Wearing makeup throughout the day and night hinders the ability of the skin to exfoliate naturally. This is no good news for your complexion. For the most part, you may end up with a dry complexion.

Can Sleeping in Makeup Cause Breakouts or Skin Flare-Ups?

Clogged pores from wearing makeup at night prevent the skin from “breathing” and skin regeneration. This can cause breakouts or skin flare-ups.

In A Worst Case Scenario, Should You Prioritize Cleansing or Sleep?

 Sleeping with makeup does a lot of harm if you do it more than a few times. Put another way, you don’t have to worry much about it if it’s the first or second time. So, you can prioritize sleep.

The Next Morning, What Should You Concentrate On in Your Skincare Routine to Help with Dullness, Dryness etc.?

First things first, thoroughly cleanse your skin. Use an oil-based cleanser to get rid of excess oil and make. After that, use a foaming cleanser to clear your pores. After cleansing your skin, exfoliate your skin. This removes any oil, dirt or bacteria left in your pores after cleansing. Exfoliating reduces the risk of breakouts and skin-flare ups. Next, wear a face mask to replenish moisture in your skin. As a credentialed dermatologist, I strongly suggest face masks with a decent amount of hyaluronic acid or glycerin. Still, you can opt for an oatmeal, aloe or CBD-infused mask if skin irritation is your main concern. Once you are done with face masks, check for any breakouts. If you have them, treat them and then wear a moisturizing cream for better hydration and skin complexion.

How Long Is It Ideal to Wear Make-Up Before Removing?

Whether you have a normal, dry or oily skin or a combination of both, you can wear makeup all day before removing it. There is makeup for each skin type, allowing you to look and feel good throughout the day.

Charlotte Cremers
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MS, University of Tartu
Sleep specialist

Using the acquired academic and professional experience, I advise patients with various complaints about mental health - depressed mood, nervousness, lack of energy and interest, sleep disorders, panic attacks, obsessive thoughts and anxieties, difficulty concentrating, and stress. In my free time, I love to paint and go on long walks on the beach. One of my latest obsessions is sudoku – a wonderful activity to calm an unease mind.

Barbara is a freelance writer and a sex and relationships adviser at Dimepiece LA and Peaches and Screams. Barbara is involved in various educational initiatives aimed at making sex advice more accessible to everyone and breaking stigmas around sex across various cultural communities. In her spare time, Barbara enjoys trawling through vintage markets in Brick Lane, exploring new places, painting and reading.

Anastasia Filipenko is a health and wellness psychologist, dermatolist and a freelance writer. She frequently covers beauty and skincare, food trends and nutrition, health and fitness and relationships. When she's not trying out new skincare products, you'll find her taking a cycling class, doing yoga, reading in the park, or trying a new recipe.

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