What Happens When You Sleep With Makeup On
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Time to read 7 min
Table of contents
Short-Term Results Eye Irritation and Infections Breakouts and Skin Congestion Dull, Tired-Looking Skin Long-Term Results of Frequent Sleeping in Makeup Chronic Eye Problems Persistent Skin Conditions Dirty Bedding and Bacterial Build-Up Premature Ageing Why Removing Makeup Matters Frequently Asked Questions Related Blog Posts
After a long, exhausting day, taking your makeup off can feel like the most unnecessary task in the world. When you are already half asleep, the idea of standing at the sink to cleanse your face can seem overwhelming. Many people convince themselves that skipping it “just this once” won’t cause any real harm. This is especially true after a late night, a social event, or a few drinks, when skincare becomes the last thing on your mind.
However, while sleeping in makeup may seem harmless, the effects can appear much faster than you might expect. From irritated eyes to clogged pores, and even long-term skin damage, what you leave on your face overnight can have lasting consequences. Your skin works hard while you sleep, and makeup can seriously interfere with this natural repair process.
Below, we explore both the short-term and long-term effects of sleeping with makeup on, and why removing it before bed is one of the most important steps in any skincare routine.
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Short-Term Results
Eye Irritation and Infections
One of the most immediate risks of sleeping with makeup on involves your eyes. Eye makeup such as mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow can easily migrate while you sleep. As your face presses into your pillow, these products are rubbed deeper into your eyelids, lashes, and even directly into your eyes.
This can cause irritation almost instantly. You may wake up with red, bloodshot eyes, swelling, or excessive watering. In some cases, bacteria from makeup can lead to infections such as conjunctivitis (commonly known as pink eye). These infections can be painful, itchy, and highly uncomfortable, often requiring medical treatment.
Even if you rinse your eyes the next morning, the damage from a full night of exposure cannot always be undone. Mascara flakes and eyeliner residue can get trapped under the eyelid or scratch the surface of the eye, causing prolonged discomfort. For contact lens wearers, the risk is even higher, as lenses can trap bacteria against the eye.
Breakouts and Skin Congestion
If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, sleeping with makeup on can quickly lead to breakouts. Throughout the day, makeup collects dirt, oil, sweat, and environmental pollutants. When left on overnight, these impurities sit on your skin for hours, clogging pores and preventing them from breathing.
Clogged pores are one of the leading causes of acne. When oil and bacteria become trapped beneath the skin, they can lead to blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed spots. Even one night without cleansing can trigger breakouts, especially if your skin is already prone to sensitivity.
In addition to acne, sleeping in makeup can dry out your skin. Many makeup products contain chemicals that are not designed to stay on the skin for extended periods. Leaving them on overnight can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it tight, flaky, and irritated the next day.
Dull, Tired-Looking Skin
Your skin naturally sheds dead cells every day. When makeup is not removed, it traps these dead cells on the surface of your skin, preventing natural exfoliation. This leads to a dull, uneven complexion that looks tired and lifeless.
Without proper cleansing, your skincare products also become less effective. Moisturisers, serums, and treatments cannot penetrate the skin properly when layers of makeup are still present. This means your skin misses out on hydration and nourishment at the very time it needs it most.
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Long-Term Results of Frequent Sleeping in Makeup
While the short-term effects are unpleasant enough, the long-term consequences of regularly sleeping in makeup can be far more serious.
Chronic Eye Problems
There have been rare but alarming cases reported, such as the widely shared story of an Australian woman who suffered permanent eye damage after years of sleeping in mascara. While such extreme outcomes are uncommon, they highlight the risks associated with long-term neglect.
Repeated exposure to bacteria from eye makeup can cause recurring eye infections, blocked tear ducts, and inflammation of the eyelids. Over time, these issues become harder to treat and may require prescription medication or specialist care. For anyone who dislikes using eye drops or visiting the doctor, prevention is far easier than treatment.
Persistent Skin Conditions
Sleeping in makeup regularly can worsen existing skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, or dermatitis. Allergic reactions can develop slowly as the skin becomes sensitised to certain ingredients over time. Redness, itching, and flaky patches may appear and take weeks to heal.
Once your skin barrier is compromised, it becomes more vulnerable to environmental damage, dehydration, and bacteria. This can create a cycle of irritation that is difficult to break, requiring more intensive skincare or professional intervention.
Dirty Bedding and Bacterial Build-Up
Another often-overlooked consequence of sleeping in makeup is the effect it has on your bedding. As you move during the night, makeup transfers from your face to your pillowcase and sheets. This creates visible stains that are difficult to remove and leaves behind a build-up of oil and bacteria.
Dirty bedding then comes into contact with your skin night after night, further increasing the risk of breakouts and irritation. If you already dislike washing your sheets frequently, sleeping in makeup will only make the problem worse.
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Premature Ageing
One of the most significant long-term effects of sleeping in makeup is premature ageing. While you sleep, your body goes into repair mode. Skin cells regenerate, collagen is produced, and damage from the day is repaired. This process is essential for maintaining firm, smooth, youthful-looking skin.
When makeup is left on overnight, it interferes with this renewal process. Makeup traps dead skin cells and prevents oxygen from reaching the skin. Without proper regeneration, the skin begins to lose elasticity and moisture.
Over time, this can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin appearing earlier than expected. The skin may also become rougher in texture and lose its natural glow. Consistently removing makeup before bed helps preserve collagen levels and supports long-term skin health.
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Why Removing Makeup Matters
Cleansing your face at night is more than just a beauty habit—it is an essential step in maintaining healthy skin. Removing makeup allows your pores to breathe, reduces the risk of infection, and ensures your skincare products can work effectively.
Using a gentle cleanser that removes makeup while nourishing the skin can make the process quicker and more enjoyable. Oils and balms are particularly effective, as they dissolve makeup without stripping the skin of moisture.
While skipping makeup removal may seem harmless in the moment, the effects can be immediate and long-lasting. From irritated eyes and acne breakouts to premature ageing and chronic skin conditions, sleeping in makeup can take a serious toll on your skin’s health.
Making the effort to cleanse your face before bed—even on the most exhausting nights—can prevent unnecessary damage and support your skin’s natural repair process. Your future skin will thank you for it.
If you are tempted to fall asleep without removing your makeup, remember: a few extra minutes at the sink can save you weeks of irritation, breakouts, and long-term damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it really that bad to sleep in makeup just once?
Sleeping in makeup once is unlikely to cause permanent damage, but even a single night can lead to irritation, clogged pores, or eye discomfort—especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin. Makeup traps dirt and bacteria, which can cause breakouts or redness overnight. While occasional slip-ups happen, making it a habit significantly increases the risk of long-term skin and eye issues.
2. Can sleeping in makeup cause eye infections?
Yes, sleeping in eye makeup such as mascara or eyeliner can increase the risk of eye infections. As you sleep, makeup particles can flake off and enter the eyes, carrying bacteria with them. This can lead to conditions like conjunctivitis, irritation, swelling, or itchy, bloodshot eyes. Regularly removing eye makeup before bed greatly reduces this risk.
3. What is the best way to remove makeup before bed?
The most effective way to remove makeup is by using a gentle cleanser designed to break down makeup, such as an oil-based cleanser or cleansing balm. These products dissolve makeup without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Follow with a gentle facial cleanser to ensure all residue is removed, then apply moisturiser to support skin repair overnight.
Bethany Gemmell
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