Is Sleeping with Makeup On Really That Bad? Here’s What to Know

After a long day (or a fun night out), it’s all too easy to tumble into bed without washing your face. Waking up to smudged eyeliner, patchy foundation, and last night’s lipstick is a clear sign of your skincare slip-up. But how bad is it really to sleep with makeup on?

The truth is, while the occasional pass-out with a full face of makeup won't spell doom for your skin, making it a habit can lead to breakouts, irritation, and even eye infections. Here’s what you need to know about the risks of sleeping with makeup on and how to fix it if it happens.

What Happens When You Sleep in Makeup?

1. You Might Break Out

When you sleep in makeup, your skin can't properly breathe or renew itself overnight. Marisa Garshick, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell-New York Presbyterian Medical Center, warns that regular makeup-wearing overnight can cause clogged pores, sensitivity, and acne breakouts.

Your skin naturally sheds dead cells and produces oils while you sleep. Makeup blocks this process, trapping bacteria and debris, which can trigger breakouts and irritation.

2. You Risk Eye Irritation and Infection

Leaving eye makeup on overnight can be particularly problematic. "Eye makeup can clog the oil glands in your eyelashes and cause inflammation," says Norman Shedlo, OD, an optometrist with the Eyecare Center of Maryland.

Risks of regularly sleeping with eye makeup include:

• Eye Allergies: From lingering makeup particles.

• Lid Irritation: Which can lead to redness and discomfort.

• Infections: Such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) or styes.

Additionally, makeup chemicals can stain the white part of the eye and migrate into the puncta and nasolacrimal duct, potentially leading to chronic tearing, inflammation, and, in severe cases, surgery may be required to treat an infection, Dr. Shedlo warns.

What to Do if You Fall Asleep With Makeup On

If you snoozed in your makeup, all is not lost! Taking the right steps the next morning can help minimize any damage to your skin and eyes.

1. Remove Your Contact Lenses

If you also slept in your contacts, take them out first. Wash your hands thoroughly to avoid transferring bacteria into your eyes.

2. Use a Gentle Makeup Remover

A cleansing balm or micellar water works best to break down stubborn makeup and prevent further irritation.

Dr. Garshick's Picks:

• For Dry Skin: Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water

• For Normal to Oily Skin: Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Smoothing Enzyme Cleansing Balm

These products help lift dirt, oil, and makeup without harsh rubbing, which can disrupt the skin barrier.

Pro Tip: Avoid makeup wipes for regular use. While convenient, they often require excessive rubbing and may leave behind residue.

3. Wash Your Face Thoroughly

After removing your makeup, follow up with a gentle, water-based cleanser to wash away any lingering residue.

• For Dry Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser

• For Normal to Oily Skin: Thayers pH Balancing Daily Cleanser

Pat your face dry with a clean towel avoid using a previously used washcloth that might transfer bacteria back to your skin.

4. Soothe Your Eyes

If your eyes feel red, puffy, or irritated, try these quick fixes:

• Rinse with a sterile saline eyewash, such as Bausch & Lomb Advanced Eye Relief Eye Wash.

• Apply artificial tears throughout the day to ease redness.

• Use a cold compress to reduce inflammation.

5. Wash Your Pillowcase

Any leftover makeup likely transferred to your pillowcase overnight. To prevent reintroducing bacteria and makeup debris to your face, toss it in the wash.

How to Avoid Sleeping With Makeup On Again

Developing a bedtime skincare routine can help make makeup removal second nature, even when you're tired:

1. Keep Makeup Remover by Your Bed: In case you can't make it to the bathroom, having micellar water and cotton pads nearby makes it easier to swipe off makeup before falling asleep.

2. Set a Reminder: An alarm on your phone can nudge you to wash your face before bed.

3. Simplify Your Routine: If a full skincare routine feels overwhelming, focus on the essentials: remove makeup, cleanse, and moisturize.

So, How Bad Is It Really to Sleep in Your Makeup?

An occasional slip-up won’t ruin your skin, and most of us are guilty of it from time to time. "We're all guilty of being too tired to take it off sometimes," Dr. Garshick says.

However, if it becomes a habit, you might notice breakouts, skin irritation, and an increased risk of eye infections. "With time, it can lead to chronic inflammation and clogged pores," she adds.

For healthier skin and eyes, make makeup removal a non-negotiable part of your bedtime routine. Your complexion (and your pillowcases) will thank you!

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