- By Bornika Das
- Mon, 06 Oct 2025 12:03 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Sleeping In Makeup: Sleeping with makeup on every night can have several negative impacts on the skin. The makeup, when not removed, causes pores to clog by trapping the dirt and oil that have been collected throughout the day and night. Besides, the bacteria present in the environment prevent the skin from breathing. These factors make the secretion of natural oil and sweat in excess, thus leading to acne, breakouts, blackheads and other skin imperfections. Sleeping in makeup creates a barrier on the skin, preventing the skin's normal repair and regeneration process that occurs while sleeping, which is essential for having a healthy and young-looking complexion. This can eventually make the skin dull, clogged and tired-looking.
Apart from the clogged pores and acne, sleeping regularly in makeup hastens premature ageing. Most makeup products have chemical components that dehydrate and degrade collagen and elastin in the skin. All these chemicals, when combined with the nighttime renewal process of the skin, can cause wrinkles, fine lines, and reduced elasticity of the skin. Here are the long-term effects of sleeping in makeup.
What Are The Long-Term Effects Of Sleeping In Makeup
Clogged Pores And Acne
Makeup, particularly foundation and primers, can mix with the dirt, oil and other dead skin cells that accumulate throughout the day. This creates a barrier that clogs pores, leading to breakouts, blackheads and whiteheads.
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Premature Ageing
Sleeping in makeup traps these free radicals, which can break down collagen. The process, which is known as oxidative stress, can accelerate the process of fine lines and wrinkles, making the skin appear older and dull.
Effects Of Sleeping In Makeup (Image Credits: Canva)
Dullness And Dryness
The nighttime skin renewal process gets inhibited by a layer of makeup when sleeping with makeup. This prevents the skin from shedding old cells, leading to a build-up that dulls the complexion, making it look tired and lacklustre. Moreover, some makeup formulas can dry out the skin and the barrier they create prevents the nighttime moisturisers from penetrating effectively.
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Irritation And Inflammation
The presence of dyes, fragrances and other chemicals in many cosmetic products can cause inflammation and irritation when left on for a long time. This can lead to redness, rashes and a weakened skin barrier.
Thus, sleeping in makeup can cause skin damage and lead to several skincare problems like acne, breakouts, premature ageing and others. To avoid such problems, it is extremely important to remove makeup before going to bed.