While it may seem innocuous and understandably tempting after a late night, sleeping in your makeup can wreak havoc on our skin. Cleansing our face daily is such a vital element of our skincare regime and an incredibly important one in attaining a clear complexion.
Frequently sleeping in your makeup has considerable consequences for long-term skin health. Our skin cells rebuild and repair while we sleep, so forgoing a simple cleanse before bed can greatly hinder the body’s regenerative ability, resulting in a dull, lacklustre and congested complexion.
Throughout the course of our day, we accumulate pollutants, bacteria and dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. By neglecting to remove this debris before bed, we expose our skin to free radicals, which are unstable molecules that latch onto healthy cells and weaken them, breaking down our collagen levels and resulting in signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles. What’s more, sleeping in makeup can dehydrate the skin, block the pores and cause blackheads, whiteheads and breakouts. It can also sensitised delicate areas of skin like the eyes are lips.
Although I am an avid believer in the double cleanse as apart of your evening routine, I understand that it’s not always possible – especially after a late night. I recommend at the very least a quick cleanse with a balm or oil to efficiently break down makeup and debris, or, even a few speedy swipes of a well-formulated micellar water on a cotton round. Followed by a moisturiser for a super quick version of your evening routine, whilst still ensuring you’re supporting your complexion for optimal skin health.
