Why Sleeping in Your Makeup Is a No-Go (and How to Recover)

What Happens to Your Skin When You Sleep in Makeup? 

It turns out, sleeping in your makeup might not be as harmless as you think it is. Beyond waking up to a stained pillow and eyelashes that feel glued together, sleeping in makeup can have harmful effects on your skin—so much so that you might not be able to wear makeup again the next day, especially if you’re someone who needs a clear, clean base to apply any facial products. 

“When you leave makeup on overnight, it can clog your pores, cause breakouts, and even lead to eye issues like styes or conjunctivitis,” explains Dr. Gambhir. More than just breakouts, sleeping in makeup can even speed up visible aging. “Old makeup can also trap dirt and pollutants on your skin’s surface, which increases oxidative stress and speeds up aging,” he adds. “Over time, this can leave your skin looking dull, dehydrated, and less firm due to irritation and collagen breakdown. Fine lines and uneven texture can also become more noticeable.”

The best thing you can do for your skin’s health is to wash your makeup off every night, even if you don’t have the energy to apply your typical skincare routine to your face afterwards. 

How to Minimize Damage From Sleeping in Makeup 

If you slept in your makeup just once, don’t panic. There are a few steps you can take to remedy your skin—but you’ll want to ensure you don’t make the same mistake twice. 

1. Start Your Morning With a Gentle Double Cleanse: Dr. Gambhir says to double cleanse as soon as you wake up to remove any leftover makeup and buildup. 

2. Follow With a Mild Exfoliant: This can help slough off dead skin that was caked within the makeup application you did the previous day. However, make sure to “skip anything too abrasive to avoid further irritation,” says Dr. Gambhir. 

3. Apply a Soothing Serum: Look for something that has hyaluronic acid, which can help replenish hydration. We love the MZ SKIN  Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum for this.

4. Apply a Thick Moisturizer: Again, replenishing hydration is key. You also might be experiencing skin irritation from sleeping in your makeup, so look for a moisturizer with soothing ingredients, like HEY HONEY  Relax! Propolis & Honey Soothing Moisturizer that contains ceramides for hydration and skin barrier repair, plus colloidal oatmeal for skin soothing.

5. Use a Light Mineral Sunscreen: If you’re headed outside the next day, don’t leave home without some SPF. Dr. Gambhir suggests a lightweight mineral sunscreen (we’re fans of the KOSAS  DreamBeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40). Dr. Gambhir also suggests going makeup-free the following day, so you can let your skin breathe.

6. That Night, Apply an Overnight Mask: Dr. Gambhir recommends wearing a “hydrating overnight mask with skin-loving ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide.” We recommend the DR. BRANDT SKINCARE  Hydro Biotic™ Recovery Sleeping Mask that’s packed with soothing peptides and a restorative blend of ceramides and fatty acids.

Is It Ever OK to Sleep in Your Makeup?

If you ask a doctor (which we always do!), the short answer is no. “Going to bed with a clean face should always be the goal,” explains Dr. Gambhir. “Even when you’re exhausted, a quick cleanse or at least a swipe with micellar water is much better than nothing at all.” 

However, if you’re a first-time offender, don’t fret! “Sleeping with makeup on once in a while probably won’t cause instant damage, but doing it regularly can age your skin faster and clog your pores,” he adds. “Keeping your skin clean before bed is one of the simplest ways to help it stay healthy, clear, and glowing for the long run.”