We’re told time and time again that sleeping in makeup is one of the cardinal sins of skincare (nestled neatly beside sun tanning), so, we took it upon ourselves to do a little more investigating. Of course if you don’t cleanse, those pretty pores can become clogged, but what other harmful changes are we subjecting our complexion to?
We hit up the very knowledgeable, peach stan and Skincare Education Lead at MECCA, Jordan Allomes, to help unravel our thoughts on skin x sleep.
Catching Zzzz’s is important for allowing the body and mind to properly recharge, but did you know it is just as important for our skin’s health?
“While the body rests, our skin cells regenerate, important collagen is rebuilt, and anti-inflammatory and anti-stress hormones are released. (Woah.) The skin is also able to harness the treatment products applied in the evening as it no longer has to focus on protecting itself from the sun or free radicals”, explains Jordan.
Switching focus from protection in the morning to regeneration at night, this is what’s going to help your skin to repair.
“Throughout the day, our skin attracts dirt and pollution which remains on our skin unless we cleanse it thoroughly. Without cleansing the skin at the end of the day any SPF, makeup or impurities can block the pores, which can prevent natural oils from leaving the skin, and results in inflammation and blemishes.
As our skin is prone to losing more moisture overnight, it’s important to apply a protective layer of moisturiser or face oil to replenish any loss of water, and to help promote healthy, hydrated skin!”
If you’re sitting there sweating thinking can I reverse the damage?! I only slept in my makeup once?! Hold your hedgehogs. You haven’t depleted your collagen sources, aged seven years, or unleashed skin armageddon. But there are a few things you can do to restore that glow.
“Sleeping in your makeup for one night won’t mean the end of the world for your skin, but after a busy week of skipping cleansing, you may start to notice dryness, redness or sensitivity. If you’re ever too overwhelmed/tired/time poor, opt for a micellar water or makeup wipe to take the day off! Exfoliating the skin regularly will also help to break down any impurities that could be caused by blocked pores from makeup left on the skin, and leave the complexion looking fresh and smooth.
For a plump, more hydrated complexion, opt for nourishing serums, moisturisers or oils at night that will replenish moisture to the skin.”
What about eye makeup? The peskiest part of the removal process, but the side effects of sleeping in it are just as daunting.
“The skin around our eyes is very delicate and is the area most likely to experience irritation or infection from a night’s sleep in makeup. Leaving on eyeliner or mascara can lead to a buildup of bacteria forming in the tiny hair follicles and oil glands on the eyelids. When these start to clog, the skin may become inflamed and result in the formation of small bumps called styes.”
Soooo, we’ve adequately informed you of the consequences of an inconsistent nighttime routine. (Ahem, to avoid at all costs!) But say you did have one slip up over the summer, Jordan has kindly armed us with the best possible morning routine to get you back into the skincare groove.
“Double cleansing in the morning is a great way to restore balance to the skin. Start by gently cleansing with a micellar water to remove the majority of the makeup. Then, reach for an oil-based cleanser that will help to emulsify any remaining makeup or debris from the skin (while taking a moment to nourish the skin too). Once the skin is cleansed it’s time to replenish and hydrate with a treatment serum and moisturiser. And, don’t forget to protect the skin by applying a SPF!”
Ditto!
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