At some point in your adolescent years, you were probably taught that you should never go to bed at night without removing your makeup. Is this really a thing? Does it make any difference to your skin?
Well, if you only do it once or twice in a blue moon after a big night out or because you fell asleep on the couch while bingeing Netflix, then it’s not going to do any major damage. If, however, you consistently slip under the covers without first cleansing your face to remove makeup and grime, your skin is not going to like you for it – and it will show!
There are several important reasons why you should always cleanse your face at night so you can go to sleep feeling fresh and clean. If you leave your makeup on at bedtime, here’s what happens…
1. It affects your skin’s natural, radiant complexion and leads to breakouts or dryness
Our skin cells regenerate while we are sleeping. If you leave makeup on when going to bed, over time you’ll notice the toll it takes on your complexion. According to dermatologist, Dr Samer Jaber, “Sleeping with makeup is really bad, as your pores get will get clogged. It can significantly increase breakouts, acne, skin dryness, and irritation.” Cleaning out and preventing clogged pores is key to reduce pore size and achieve an overall flawless skin look.
2. It slows down the skin’s natural exfoliation process and speeds up ageing
By leaving a layer of makeup on, you’re creating a barrier to your skin’s natural exfoliation and replenishment process. Dermatologist, Dr Dhaval Bhanusali says, “The skin tends to exfoliate debris regularly, and makeup can disrupt the process, leading to pollutants being trapped in the skin.” Taking off your makeup before bedtime allows your pores to release sebum that rehydrates and protects your skin from free radicals, which are known to break down collagen. Translation: a higher likelihood of fine lines and other signs of premature ageing.
3. It’s harmful to your delicate eyes
Sleeping with makeup on can especially damage the most sensitive areas of your face – your eyes. Snoozing in full eye makeup puts you at risk for eye inflammation, infections, eyelid redness, and corneal abrasions. This can stem from makeup particles rubbing against the surface of your eye. Puffy and irritated eyes can be a result of sleeping in makeup, as well. Lashes protect our eyeballs from dust, pollen, and environmental pollutants. When we don't wash them thoroughly, that debris, mixed with makeup, will trigger our immune response to kick in to fight off a possible infection. The result: swollen, red, irritated and tired eyes.
Your Night-time Personal Beauty Ritual
To prevent any of these skin issues from happening to you, commit (and we mean really commit) to a nightly skincare ritual. Consistently following a skincare regimen is critical for your skin's health.
Dermatologist, Dr Cynthia Bailey, stresses the importance of maintaining your skincare routine and not slipping into the bad habit of sleeping in makeup. "Your face should be washed twice daily to remove oil, dead cell build up and product that's mixed in with the oil and cells. When we look at facial skin biopsies under the microscope, you would be shocked at how much makeup and product gets stuck in pores and between dead skin flakes. Eye makeup will also irritate eyes and clog the many oil glands around the lash line with particulate matter from product, pigments and mineral particles." She concludes, "Night time is the best time for retinoids — anti-wrinkle fighters that also help improve uneven skin pigment, fight clogged pores and acne too."
We recommend taking a few minutes for skincare self-care every night, just before bedtime. As a minimum, give your face a deep cleanse using our Active Hydro-Burst Foam Cleanser, apply your chosen face serum such as Intensive Age-Reducing Super Serum, then finish with a moisturiser suitable to your skin type such as Multi-Defense Day/Night Hydrator. Not only will you enjoy this little self-pampering ritual each day, but you’ll also ensure your skin looks its absolute best every day… all your lifetime.
