6 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Sleep With Makeup On

It's no lie that going to bed with makeup on is a *major* beauty blunder—often resulting in clogged pores, unexpected breakouts and dull skin. Despite that, many of us are either too lazy to go through with the clean-up routine or too in love with our glammed up selves that took hours of skill and precision to achieve. However, dermatologists urge us to follow this cardinal skin care rule before calling it a night. Here's why:

The Possibility of an Infection

"When we don’t clean our faces after a makeup session at night, it creates a breeding area for bacteria which might lead to an infection on the face, along with inflammation," informs Dr Jaishree Sharad, Celebrity Cosmetic Dermatologist, Skinfiniti Aesthetic and Laser Clinic. On the other hand, according to Dr Simal Soin of Aayna Clinic, the clogging of hair follicles or oil glands around the eye area may also lead to a stye or hordeolums. Yikes!

Obstruction of Natural Circadian Rhythms

Our skin follows natural circadian rhythms at night, a time when it's generally designed to rest and repair, for which excretion and absorption are integral. Why would we interfere with this natural process? "Your skin regenerates and repairs itself at night when you are asleep. However, when you leave makeup on your skin this process is completely disturbed," explains Dr Kiran Sethi Lohia, Isya Aesthetics. "The skin ends up absorbing all the harmful chemicals and preservatives present in the makeup instead, causing greater damage," adds Dr Pooja Chhabra, Co-founder Nuskay.

Clogging of Pores

Our skin is porous for the purpose of excreting toxins, as well as absorbing other essential nutrients. "When you apply makeup there is an obstructive layer applied on your pores which the pores automatically absorb. This traps the toxins from leaving the skin and blocks the nutrients from being absorbed. And, when this makeup is left on overnight, this blockage is prolonged, leading to greater damage! The entire day's grime and skin's dead cells mix with the makeup causing your skin to suffocate," informs Dr Kiran Sethi Lohia. 

Unwanted Breakouts

"In the end, it's a set of chemicals sitting on your skin, overnight", reiterates Dr Rashmi Shetty, Celebrity Dermatologist, while speaking about the skin's sebum secretions mixing up with the makeup and causing acne and rashes. Dr Rinky Kapoor, Cosmetic Dermatologist, The Esthetic Clinics and Fortis Hospitals, also informs us that most makeup is actually made up of chemical substances, which when left overnight can cause acne and blackheads. Therefore, there's a good chance that the makeup and dirt built up in your clogged pores will end up resulting in acne, if not adequately removed before retiring for the day.

Accelerated Ageing of Skin

"Besides pigmentation and breakouts, makeup can trap dust and pollutants that causes free radical damage and premature ageing of the skin," says Dr Pooja Chhabra. Premature wrinkles and fine lines may begin to appear before time, making you look much older, much earlier! Interference with the healing of free radical injury may also suppress the steady production of collagen. And, as Dr Rashmi puts forth, pigment makeup including blush, kohl and other eye products can also seep into your skin and cause dark circles too!

Dull and Tired-Looking Skin

Your skin cells also get damaged when makeup is left on for long hours. Unable to regenerate themselves, the harmful results show up on your face in the form of dull and tired-looking skin. "Clogged pores and blackheads form when dead skin cells, oil and makeup are left trapped in the pores. These clogged pores can cause acne-like breakouts and make the skin look dull and lifeless. It also interferes with the natural process of hydration and healing that takes place at night", states Dr Simal Soin.

Left-on overnight makeup does more harm to your skin then you can ever imagine. Plus, your skin may take days to recover! Hence, removing and cleaning your makeup before going to bed is just as important as getting a good night rest. "The simplest way to remove makeup is to use a deep pore makeup remover. Wash your face afterwards and follow your usual night-time skincare routine," urges Dr Rinky Kapoor.