Take Your Makeup Off At Night!

All my lazy people, raise your hands!

Honestly, I can be quite bad at taking my makeup off at night and I’m a sucker for those makeup remover wipes (don’t shun me, I know they’re not great!). This article is as much of a kick in the pants to me as it might be for you. Taking off your makeup at night is absolutely essential! There are so many reasons for this and your skin will thank you if you remember to do this every night. Even if it’s the only skincare thing you can manage some nights, it can help immensely.

Your skin goes through its most important regenerative processes at night, shedding dead skin cells and cycling them out for new ones. If you leave your makeup on, it impedes that natural exfoliation process. Your skin will become increasingly duller over time and potential other issues may arise. No thanks.

Unfortunately, the problems don’t stop there. There are many ways failing to remove your makeup at night can affect your skin and even your overall health.

• Premature Aging and Collagen Degradation: Makeup, when left on at night, traps dirt and pollutants inside the skin which can break down collagen and cause early aging (fine lines and wrinkles). Who knew something as simple as going to bed before your skincare routine could cause early aging! Oof.
• Breakouts and Blackheads: Even for those who wear non-comedogenic makeup, your pores can still clog and cause acne when left on overnight. If you’re prone to acne, this is even more of an essential step.
• Dull Complexion: The dirt and debris traps dead skin cells on the surface overnight, leaving skin rough, dull, and lackluster. You might even load up the makeup the next day to compensate for this and cause even more problems until you break the cycle.
• Dry Skin: Leftover makeup residue can prevent the absorption of skincare products. It creates a barrier between your skin and any products you are putting on top of it meaning all of those amazing ingredients in your skincare products aren’t able to penetrate the skin. What a waste of perfectly (probably expensive) skincare goodies!
• Skin Irritation: Makeup can contain ingredients that irritate like dyes and perfumes. If it’s left on the skin for long periods of time, these irritants can cause inflammation, irritation, and redness.
•  Eye Infection: Leaving makeup on can even lead to eye infections and/or irritation. A sty can form from mascara clogging glands connected to your eyelashes. Dang!

Taking off makeup at night is arguably the most essential part of your evening skincare routine.  And if you're not doing this, chances are you don't have a nightly skin-care routine, which, depending on your skin type and concerns, might be one factor standing between you and great skin. If you’re struggling to come up with a solid skincare regimen at night, there are a few key tips you can take from this.

Start off with an oil based cleanser which will help remove traces of makeup and dirt and grime from the day. If you are someone who wears a full face of makeup on a daily basis, you might want to consider a double cleansing at night, going with a gentle cleanser (one that works with your skin type) for your second wash. After the cleansing, you’ll want to add a moisturizer too!