You know the drill: you come home from a fun night out, or a long day of work, and there it is - your comfy bed, waiting to serenade you with a warm embrace until you are ready to seize the next day. Nowhere is there a mention of washing your makeup off. I mean, your bed was calling your name and your face wash was too far away. Right? Wrong. They don’t have makeup that washes itself off (yet - let’s be optimistic) so for all those who are guilty of doing the dirty, it’s time to face the facts of what sleeping in your makeup can do to your skin and put bad habits to rest.
Aside from baking in the sun, research tells us - time after time again - that not washing your makeup off is *one of the worst things you can do to your complexion.* Here, you’ll find some facts on what actually happens at makeup slumber.
Premature Aging and Degradation. Makeup can trap dirt and environmental pollutants inside the skin and this type of environmental stress can result in increased free radicals that cause DNA mutations, collagen degradation and, over time, premature aging.
Acne Flare Ups. The obvious; prolonged wearing of makeup can clog pores and cause breakouts.
Dry complexion. Long-term sleeping in makeup can potentially interfere with the natural shedding or exfoliation process of skin. This can result in a duller and dry complexion.
The not so obvious. Sleeping with eye makeup can cause eyelash breaking, shedding and styles. In particular, mascara can harbor harmful pathogens which can result in inflammation and infections both in and around the eyes. Note: the delicate skin around the eye is the most vulnerable.
So what’s next? Find a gentle cleanser that works for your skin and make a commitment to be faithful to your face wash. These are a few of my favorite skin saviors!
AHAVA Refreshing Cleansing Gel: I picked this up while in Israel and this Dead Sea cleansing gel is the ultimate godsend. Apply a dime-size amount to palms, massage over a wet face and rinse off with warm water. The soapless gel leaves oily skin feeling fresh, clean and conditioned!
Pangea Organics Facial Cleanser: This cleanser uses the most bioavailable herbs and oils that Earth has to offer! The luxurious formula is infused with Calendula, Blood Orange, Vitamin C, Aloe, to name a few, and leaves skin more smooth, rejuvenated, toned and radiant after just one wash.
Perricone MD Blue Plasma Cleansing Treatment: Hold the water! The Blue Plasma Cleansing Treatment is a non-rinse formula that deeply cleanses makeup and skin-aging debris as it gently exfoliates and conditions, leaving an instantly smooth and radiant appearance. Your skin will feel fresh, healthy and glowing!
Flynn&King Small Batch Soaps: The small batch soaps are GMO-free and made with natural and organic oils and luxurious organic herbs, clays, and natural essential oils for added benefit. Just add water, lather, and indulge in the moment. Each of the soaps are gentle and designed to cleanse without over stripping your skin of it's natural oils.
