Anon Asks: I just wanted to know why do people say it is bad for your skin to sleep with makeup on? Is it bad even is its just for a couple hours? Does it really clog pores even if the makeup is non-comedogenic? Thanks!!
The Right
Brain Answers:
Acne has several causes but sleeping with makeup on is not likely to trigger it unless you’re already prone to breaking out. Our friends at Acne Solutions have written a great explanation of the causes of acne. It’s more related to the level of oil your skin produces and the rate at which your skin cells slough off than it is your makeup or foundation.
The Beauty Brain’s bottom line:
A few hours of sleeping with makeup is probably not going to cause you any serious acne problems.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Raised with the notion that sleeping with make-up on is just as bad as not brushing your teeth before sleep, on late nights out I simply hate having to go through the whole routine of washing and moisturizing. Leaving acne aside, is it really bad for our skin to sleep with make up on maybe a few nights a week (blushes)?
I like your blog. Though at times I disagree and even get annoyed at some of your perspectives (respectively of course).
This would be one of them.
Even if you’re not technically prone to breakout sleeping with makeup on your face is a bad idea if you care at all about the well-being of your skin. You sweat and move during sleep and most likely rub against the pillow.
The makeup, after a long day of wear, will absorb into skin and potential bacteria will flourish.
I’m not sure what reason justifies not washing makeup off at night, but don’t kid yourself; you’re not saving time by keeping it on. Slowly but surely it’ll catch up to you.
Just because you don’t breakout the next day doesn’t mean you aren’t harbouring bacteria and inhibiting healthy sebum production under all that makeup.