What Happens If You Sleep With Makeup On Every Night

Sleeping with makeup on every night can have a number of negative consequences for your skin and eye health, ranging from mild irritation to more serious long-term issues. Your skin undergoes a natural repair and regeneration process while you sleep, and leaving makeup on disrupts this essential function.

What Happens If You Sleep With Makeup On Every Night

Skin Health

Clogged Pores and Acne

Makeup, particularly foundation and primers, can mix with the dirt, oil, and dead skin cells that accumulate throughout the day. This creates a barrier that clogs pores, leading to breakouts, blackheads, and whiteheads.

Premature Ageing

Sleeping with makeup on traps these free radicals, which can break down collagen. This process, known as oxidative stress, can accelerate the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, making your skin appear older and dull.

Dullness and Dryness

The nightly skin renewal process is inhibited by a layer of makeup. This prevents your skin from shedding old cells, leading to a build-up that makes your complexion look tired and lacklustre. Additionally, some makeup formulas can dry out the skin, and the barrier they create prevents your nighttime moisturisers from penetrating effectively.

Irritation and Inflammation

Many cosmetic products contain dyes, fragrances, and other chemicals that can cause inflammation and irritation when left on for a long time. This can lead to redness, rashes, and a weakened skin barrier.

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Eye Health

Eye Infections

Leaving eye makeup on, especially mascara and eyeliner, can irritate and introduce bacteria to the sensitive eye area. This can clog the small hair follicles and oil glands on your eyelids, leading to painful infections like styes or blepharitis.

Corneal Damage

Sleeping with eye makeup for a long time can lead to the formation of small, dark, hardened masses of makeup particles called "concretions" under the eyelids. 

Image credits: Freepik

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