Can You Sleep with Eyeliner on? – The Skin Armageddon

woman in blue jacket with eyeliner on

Can You Sleep with Eyeliner on?

We all have those nights where we just can’t be bothered to take our makeup off before bed. Maybe we’re too tired, or maybe we just don’t feel like it.

But is it really that bad to sleep in your makeup?

Sure, you might wake up with smeared mascara and raccoon eyes, but is that really the worst thing in the world?

Actually, there are some good reasons to sleep in your makeup occasionally. Here are a few of mine:

What happens if you sleep with makeup on?

Sleeping with makeup on is damaging to the skin, as it can cause inflammation, clogged pores, and can prevent your skin from naturally renewing itself at night. It can also lead to breakouts, redness, irritation, premature aging, and can increase your risk of developing a stye, eyelid dermatitis, or conjunctivitis.

Additionally, it traps pollutants inside the skin, which can lead to increased free radicals and DNA mutations. To avoid these effects, it is best to always remove your makeup each night.

Can you sleep with makeup on for one night?

The answer is yes, but it is not recommended. Quick napping is OK but sleeping regularly with makeup on can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, irritation, and puffiness. Makeup can migrate and transfer to your pillowcases and sheets.

Long-term consequences can include eye infections, inflammation, premature aging, and a decrease in collagen production.

black and white pen on white textile can you sleep with eyeliner on

What are the downsides of sleeping with eyeliner on?

1. It increases the risk of eye irritation

Sleeping with eyeliner increases the risk of eye irritation due to the makeup particles getting into the eyes, clogging the tiny hair follicles and oil glands on the eyelids, and causing eyelid inflammation called blepharitis. This can lead to redness, dryness, irritation, and infection.

The tugging and pulling of makeup removal can cause wrinkles in the delicate skin surrounding the eyes. Lastly, leaving on eye makeup can create the perfect environment for bacterial growth, which can result in the formation of a stye.

2. It increases the risk of infection

Sleeping with eyeliner can increase the risk of infection due to the powder or mascara flakes that can find their way underneath your eyelids, which can cause pain and damage. Germs, dirt, and other particles on the liner can cause an infection if they come into contact with the eye.

Not using clean and properly sterilized tools can also lead to infections. Furthermore, mascara can transfer bacteria to the lashes and eyelid, which can then lead to an infection, as makeup can block the pores, leading to an infection.

three makeup brushes on top of compact powders

3. Clogging pores

Sleeping with eyeliner on increases the risk of eye makeup clogging pores because it traps pollutants inside the skin and blocks pores, preventing oil from leaving the skin. It is like when you sleep with your head under a blanket. This can lead to breakouts, skin inflammation, redness, and irritation, which can contribute to premature aging, increased pigment production, and collagen degradation.

It can also cause an allergic reaction or irritant contact dermatitis on sensitive skin, as well as clogged eyelid pores and a stye, and can increase the risk of developing eyelid dermatitis or conjunctivitis.

4. It increases the risk of acne

Sleeping with eyeliner increases the risk of acne caused by eye makeup because it traps pollutants inside the skin and prevents oils from leaving the skin. Over time, this is leading to breakouts. Artificial colors and fragrances in makeup may cause an allergic reaction or irritant contact dermatitis on sensitive skin.

For people with sensitive skin, even one night of sleeping with makeup on can lead to skin armageddon.

5. Developing a stye

Sleeping in eye makeup may increase the risk of developing a stye, which is a blocked oil gland in the eyelid. It creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and cause an eye infection.

6. It causes clumps

Sleeping with eyeliner on can increase the risk of eye makeup causing clumps because the powder or mascara flakes can get underneath the eyelids and cause painful damage.

7. Pulling out eyelashes

The eyeliner can clump and pull out eyelashes during the night, and it can clog the oil glands and hair follicles around the eyes, resulting in infections and styes. The eyelashes may become fragile and easily shed or break, and the delicate skin around the eyes may become inflamed and irritated.

7. Skin damage

Sleeping with eyeliner can increase the risk of skin damage caused by eye makeup by trapping dirt and environmental pollutants inside the skin, causing increased free radicals which can lead to DNA mutations, collagen degradation, and premature aging.

8. Wrinkles and dark circles

Wearing makeup while getting some Zzz’s can also block necessary oxygen from reaching the face, dry out the skin around the eyes, and increase the risk of wrinkles, fine lines, and dark circles. For these reasons, it is always best to remove eyeliner before going to bed and to cleanse the face thoroughly afterwards.

FAQs

Is it safe to sleep with eyeliner on?

No, it is not safe to sleep with eyeliner on. Wearing eyeliner overnight can increase the risk of developing skin irritation, cause breakouts, and clog pores. Additionally, the chemicals in eyeliner can irritate the eyes and lead to eye infections, and the eyeliner can flake off while sleeping and transfer to the pillowcases.

Can sleeping with eyeliner on cause irritation?

Yes, sleeping with eyeliner on can cause irritation. Wearing eyeliner overnight can cause irritation to the delicate skin around the eyes, as well as block oxygen from reaching the area, disrupting the skin’s natural healing process.

How can I avoid irritation when sleeping with eyeliner?

To avoid irritation when sleeping with eyeliner, it is important to take the necessary steps before going to bed.

  1. Remove your makeup with a gentle cleanser and makeup remover: Before sleeping, be sure to use a gentle cleanser and makeup remover to remove all eyeliner and other makeup from your eyes. This will help prevent any clogged pores or breakouts that can be caused by leaving makeup on overnight.
  2. Invest in a high-quality, non-toxic eyeliner: If you must wear eyeliner to bed, make sure to invest in a high-quality, non-toxic formula that is safe for your delicate eye area. This will reduce the chance of irritation or any other negative effects.
  3. Use an oil-based remover: When removing your eye makeup, be sure to use an oil-based remover instead of tugging or pulling your eyelids, as this can cause further irritation.
  4. Avoid rubbing your eyes: To prevent the eyeliner from smudging or transferring onto your pillow, make sure to avoid rubbing your eyes while you sleep.

What are the risks of leaving mascara on overnight?

The risks of leaving mascara on overnight include eye irritation, redness and swelling due to bacteria buildup trapped against the eyelids, inflammation or infection of the cornea, infection of the tear drainage canal, clogged eyelid pores, styes, and lash loss. Eye irritation occurs because eyes are constantly blinking and moving while you sleep, causing the mascara to rub off onto the pillowcase, spread onto other parts of the face, and even make its way into the eyes.

Long-term wearing of mascara can increase the risk of chronic inflammation or infection in the tear drainage canal. Bacteria from the eye area can also get into the mascara tube and cause infection.

What are the potential consequences of leaving lipstick on overnight?

The potential consequences of leaving lipstick on overnight include clogged pores, breakouts, skin inflammation, redness and irritation, increased free radicals, increased pigment production, and collagen degradation. Lipstick can also trap pollutants inside the skin, which can cause further inflammation and damage. Additionally, when lipstick is left on overnight, it can zap the lips of their natural moisture, causing dryness and chapping.

Do I need to use a makeup cleanser before going to bed?

Yes, you should always use a makeup cleanser before going to bed. Cleansing your face and applying a moisturizer before bed can help promote the quicker rates of cellular regeneration that happen during sleep and help keep your skin healthy.

Additionally, it is important to wash your pillowcase frequently to ensure your skin isn’t being exposed to any leftover makeup or bacteria.

How can I protect my eyelashes when sleeping with eyeliner on?

If you must wear eyeliner when you sleep, there are a few steps that you can take to protect your eyelashes.

  1. First, make sure to use a gentle makeup remover to completely remove all traces of eyeliner before bed. This will help prevent clogged pores that can cause breakouts and irritate the delicate skin around your eyes.
  2. Second, use a lash primer with nourishing properties to protect your lashes against dehydration.
  3. Third, after removing your makeup, apply a serum or moisturizer to help keep your tiny lash hairs hydrated.
  4. Finally, make sure to change your pillowcases and sheets regularly to prevent any residual makeup from irritating your eyes while you sleep.

Following these steps will help to protect your lashes and keep your eyes healthy while you sleep with eyeliner.

What are the best methods for removing eyeliner before bed?

Removing eyeliner before bed is an important part of any skincare routine, and it can be difficult to do correctly. To ensure that your eyeliner is properly removed

  • it is best to start by selecting an eyeliner remover that is suitable for your skin type.
  • massage a small amount of remover around your eyes to help break down the eyeliner, and leave it on for a few minutes.
  • a cotton pad should be used to gently remove the eyeliner in downward motions.
  • Finish the process by washing your face with a gentle face wash.

For a quicker alternative, facial wipes designed to remove makeup can be used instead of a cotton pad. These wipes can be saturated with oil-based or dual-phase makeup remover, then pressed against the eyes for 20 seconds before wiping the eyeliner off with straight, downward strokes.

Additionally, a cotton swab soaked in a gentle cleanser can be used to make sure all of your eye makeup products are removed from your upper eyelids.

What happens if you sleep in makeup and false eyelashes?

Sleeping in false eyelashes and makeup can have a variety of unwanted effects on your skin and eyes. Clogged pores caused by makeup can lead to breakouts. Waterproof makeup can even migrate, leading to morning puffiness. False eyelashes can rub against your eyelids, causing irritation and inflammation. The glue used to attach false lashes can weaken your own lashes and cause them to fall out, leading to permanent damage.

It is important to remove your makeup and false lashes before going to bed to avoid these potential problems.

lezt

By lezt

Lez Taylor, Founder and CEO of Corala Blanket. She tried every sleep system and trick to conquer her insomnia for good.