Why you really should take your makeup off before bed


How many of you are guilty of skipping your skincare routine before bed, and just falling asleep with the day’s makeup still on? We’ll admit, it’s definitely something we have done more than once. We’ve always been told that we should take our makeup off before bed, but is that true? Is it really as bad as everyone tells us it is? Well, apparently, it’s worse… Here are why dermatologists say you really should take your makeup off before bed.

What happens when you sleep with your makeup on?

According to the skin experts, sleeping with your makeup still on is seriously bad for your skin. First of all, it’s going to clog your pores up while you sleep which can lead to acne and breakouts. Not only that, but sleeping in makeup can actually age you prematurely. Your makeup holds onto free radicals in the environment which can cause the collagen in your face to break down. This then leads to lines in your skin – a sign of aging. One night without washing your makeup off isn’t going to do any lasting damage, however, the more you do it, the more your pores will clog, and your collagen will break down. Don’t make it a habit, basically!

Sleeping with eye makeup on

While we know now that sleeping with makeup on can clog your pores up and cause wrinkles, what about the eyes? Surely sleeping in mascara or eye makeup isn’t going to be as bad as sleeping in foundation? The experts agree that while it isn’t AS bad, it still can cause problems. Your eyes can become irritated if you don’t wash off eye makeup properly before you go to sleep – especially if it smudges on your pillow or you rub your eyes when you’re sleepy. Not only that, but it can clog up the hair follicles and oil glands on your eyelids when can then lead to eye irritation and conditions such as styes. It’s best to get rid of that eye makeup before you get some shut-eye!

Doing it right

So, how can you make sure you look after your face and eyes properly at bedtime? Even if you don’t have as much time for your usual skincare regime, you can still clean your makeup off. The dermatologists recommend makeup remover pads or wipes by the side of your bed, for the times you’re too tired to go through the whole routine. You can then easily wipe off any makeup before you catch some Zs. The worst culprits are thick foundations and primers, so definitely make sure these are entirely removed before bedtime. This will allow your skin to breathe and reduce your risk of acne or blackheads, while also slowing down the signs of aging. It’s a win-win!
We’ve all had those nights when we simply can’t be bothered to thoroughly wash our makeup off before getting into bed. However, now we know how bad it truly can be, it’s time to get into a routine. And, if you don’t have time, a quick swipe with a makeup remover pad should do the trick.

Recommended For You

The benefits of chocolate

When it comes to chocolate, the most obvious benefit is the taste! It’s the perfect mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or a sweet