We are all familiar with the shame that is falling asleep with makeup on. We wake up startled and disappointed at ourselves that we may have ruined our chances of blemish-free skin. However, many of us sit in our makeup for hours during the day, so what makes it so detrimental after the sun goes down and it’s time to go to sleep? Could it be that makeup is bad for our skin in general or is it only when slept in or worn for hours at a time? As the saying goes, all things in moderation, so keep reading to find out whether this applies here or if our beloved makeup is, in fact, bad for the skin.

woman exfoliating face with chemical exfoliant on cotton round

Does makeup cause breakouts?

Let’s begin with whether or not makeup causes breakouts. When blemishes pop up, makeup can quickly get the blame. It’s never down to evening take-aways, late nights or a general lack of nutrition. However, Perricone MD believes in beauty from the inside-out and outside-in. It takes a holistic approach to glowing skin through a three-tier philosophy: a healthy diet, nutritional supplements and finally, potent topical skincare to keep the skin in tip-top shape.

Having said that, there are certainly times when our skin simply needs to breathe. That’s not to say that makeup is bad for the skin, but it is important to wash it off properly to avoid clogging pores. For example, start off with a No:Rinse Micellar Cleansing Treatment to remove the bulk of the makeup. Follow up with another cleanser such as No Makeup Easy Rinse Makeup-Removing Cleanser for a thorough, deep cleanse of the pores and to remove any leftover product that may have gathered in the crevices of the nose or in the hairline.

Before jumping to the conclusion that makeup is bad for the skin, consider what you’re using to apply the makeup. Makeup brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria and if not washed as often as they should be, this bacteria will spread into pores, causing breakouts.

Brushes used to apply foundation should be cleaned at least once a week. Swirl them around a sink filled with a gentle shampoo and warm water and massage the bristles to get out all of the build-up. Rinse, squeeze, and lay out to dry.

Does wearing makeup everyday cause wrinkles?

An old wives tale claims that wearing makeup everyday can cause wrinkles. Makeup itself isn’t going to cause this, especially when your foundation is actually good for the skin, containing SPF. However, what can cause wrinkles is how you’re applying it. For example, stretching the eyelid back may seem like a great way to achieve that smooth feline flick, but unfortunately the surrounding skin will pay for it later on in life. Pulling and tugging at the face are big no-no’s. Use gentle, light strokes and dabs always.

If wrinkles are a big concern, dig deep to find makeup that contains wrinkle-preventing ingredients. For example, Perricone’s No Makeup Foundation Serum contains neuropeptides. These are powerful, protein-like building blocks which offer the ultimate visible antidote to wrinkles, sagging, dullness and discolouration.

What happens if you sleep with makeup on

We’ve established that if makeup isn’t double cleansed off at the end of the day, a blemish or two is likely. However, this isn’t all that can happen if you sleep with makeup on. There’s good reason to avoid turning this slip up into a habit.

Some makeup alone may not be bad for your skin. However, throughout the day, the makeup on your face collects pollutants in the air, as well as dirt, sweat, oil, and toxins. Without a bedtime cleanse, this nasty combination sits on the face and seeps into the skin. Not only pore-clogging, it actually breaks down collagen and elastin, causing premature aging.

What’s more, as you sleep, the cell’s turnover process pushes new cells to the surface whilst shedding old cells. With a barrier of makeup on the skin, these dead skin cells become trapped, leaving a dull complexion.

Is there a foundation that is good for your skin?

It’s not all doom and gloom. Although some formulas may clog pores and contribute to skin woes, there are foundations that are good for your skin. In fact, Perricone’s No Make Up range is an entire skincare infused makeup collection that works to promote and accentuate glowing skin rather than act as a mask to hide behind. For example, the No Makeup Concealer Broad Spectrum Spf 20 counteracts colour imperfections and darkness with soy and rice peptides. Therefore it not only instantly conceals dark circles, but visibly improves them as well as puffiness, wrinkles and sagging over time. While you’re at it, why not add a touch of No Makeup blush and highlighter with Vitamin C Ester for an extra glow?

So to answer the question, once you know how to apply and remove it, makeup is not bad for your skin. Dab with clean brushes and avoid the temptation of a baby wipe. Revitalise yourself with a healthy diet, nourish your body with the nutrition it needs and treat your skin to potent topical skincare. These are the steps towards achieving that natural, radiant base, with or without makeup.

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perriconemd

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