Why You Shouldn't Wear Makeup To Bed

With so much going on in our lives, removing makeup at night can seem like yet another trivial task at the end of a busy day. We've all been guilty of skipping this important final stage of a daily makeup routine. Unfortunately, this can lead to skin problems if it becomes a habit, especially for mature skin.

To understand the importance of sleeping without makeup on, you'll need to better understand what's at risk.  So, to help you develop a good routine with your makeup, we've put together a list of some of the most important reasons why you shouldn't be wearing makeup to bed.

INCREASED WRINKLES

Throughout the day, our skin is exposed to oxidative stress, and at night, it takes the opportunity to recover and heal. Without providing skin with a clean environment to recover, over time, this will lead to premature aging and wrinkles.

Research has shown that free radicals from environmental pollutants can break down collagen and elastin, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. By not removing makeup before sleeping, these free radicals remain on your skin, accelerating the aging process.

EYE IRRITATION & INFECTION

Many of us love the look of mascara, but it really needs to be removed at the end of the day.

Dried mascara collects dirt and bacteria throughout the day, and if it stays on while you sleep, it gets spread onto your pillowcase and sheets. This makes your bed a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to eye infections, including conjunctivitis (pink eye).

A study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology found that mascara tubes can harbour harmful bacteria after just three months of use. Imagine how much more bacteria could accumulate if you're not removing it nightly!

If using a natural mascara, we recommend removing using a tear-free cream-based facial cleanser. Apply gently with water, massage into lashes and remove with a wet pad or face cloth.

CLOGGED PORES & BLEMISHES

Cleansing and exfoliating are vital to maintain healthy-looking skin. These practices help remove dirt and dead skin cells, which otherwise stay on the surface of the skin and clog pores.

According to Dr. Zoe Diana Draelos, dirt in pores will make them more noticeable and appear larger. Not only that, but clogged pores block your skin's natural sebum release. When the sebum gets blocked and mixes with skin debris and dirt, this usually causes the pore to open and be exposed to oxygen, which leads to blackheads.

If the pore is completely clogged, over time it will become inflamed and irritated, resulting in the inevitable formation of a pimple.

BROKEN EYELASHES

Mascara stiffens lashes as it coats and dries, reducing their softness and making them more brittle. That's usually not a problem during the day, but when you're sleeping resting on a pillow, things can get problematic and potentially dangerous.

Research examining ocular disorders from misuse of beauty products showed that dried mascara can cause your lashes to fall out, and a stiff lash or fleck can scratch or damage your cornea while you sleep. This is particularly concerning for mature women, as eyelash growth tends to slow down with age. 

DAMAGED LIPS

Wearing lipstick or lip gloss to bed can have detrimental effects on your lips, especially for mature women whose lips may already be prone to dryness and fine lines.

Many lip products contain dyes, waxes, and other ingredients that can dry out your lips if left on overnight. Removing lipstick before bed is crucial for maintaining healthy, youthful-looking lips, especially as we age.

A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that leaving lipstick on overnight can lead to dryness, irritation, and even allergic reactions in some individuals. This is particularly problematic for women over 50, as lip volume and moisture naturally decrease with age, making mature lips more susceptible to these issues. 

In conclusion, taking a few extra minutes to remove your makeup before bed can make a significant difference in your skin's health and appearance. It's an essential step in any skincare routine, especially for women who want to maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin.