Experts Share the Real Reason You Shouldn’t Sleep With Eye Makeup On

As much as we know we probably shouldn’t do it, sometimes we can’t help but fall asleep with our eye makeup on. It’s just a part of being human, but how does it impact our health? Even though waking up with runny mascara and “just got out of a breakup” eyes aren’t a cute look for anyone, it can also seriously hurt your eyes, experts say.

It’s no surprise that sleeping in a full face of makeup can lead to annoying breakouts and skin damage. Anyone who’s gone to bed in makeup could probably tell you that (unless you’re Dolly Parton). However, the effects on our vision health are often overlooked.  

To get to the truth of the matter, we sat down with eye doctors and dermatologists to get the rundown on the real reason why you shouldn’t sleep with eye makeup on. 

How Does Sleeping With Eye Makeup Affect Your Eyes?

Regularly sleeping with eye makeup on can damage your eye health. It can appear in the form of irritation, redness, and the formation of uncomfortable bumps (called styes) on your eyelids. 

“It can cause eye irritation, infections, and clogged hair follicles, which may result in styes. Mascara and eyeliner can transfer to your pillow, leading to further contamination and irritation,” Dr. Joel Kopelman, facial plastic surgeon at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery, tells Sleepopolis. 

Not only that, but research suggests that sleeping with eye makeup is also connected to increased risk of eye infections like keratitis. (1)

What is Keratitis?

Keratits is an eye infection that occurs when your corena is irritated. This often leads to redness, eye pain, watery eyes, blurred vision, and light sensitivity. (2) 

Bacteria build-up from regularly wearing eye makeup overnight is often how keratitis can set in. 

“Keratitis is the inflammation of the cornea, often caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Trauma or wearing contact lenses overnight can also trigger it,” says Dr. Kopelman. 

When Should You Be Concerned?

Before you start freaking out, experts say that those who sleep with eye makeup on every once in a while shouldn’t worry about developing long-term eye condition unless it becomes a regular habit.

“Occasionally falling asleep with eye makeup on might not cause significant harm, but making it a habit can lead to chronic irritation, increased risk of infections, and long-term skin damage,” says Dr. Kopelman. 

Other experts say that while doing it once in awhile won’t have serious effects on your eyes, it could still have short-term negative effects on your skin. 

“It only takes one time for irritation to occur or a pimple to develop, but with consistent sleeping in makeup, the chance of problems is much higher. Your best bet, remove your makeup every night,” suggests Mary Alice Minna, board-certified dermatologist. 

As always, if you have any concerns about your health it is best to consult your doctor.

Can You Reverse the Effects of Sleeping in Makeup?

None of the side effects of sleeping in makeup sound like a walk in the park, but is there anyway to minimize the effects when you wake up?

Best case scenario we all wash our faces and makeup off before bed. Seeing as we don’t live in a perfect world, there are a couple ways you can help reduce the potential effects on your eyes and skin if you find yourself skipping the face wash at bedtime. 

“To minimize the effects, I always advise my patients to gently cleanse their face and eye area immediately upon waking. Use a gentle makeup remover or micellar water to ensure all residue is removed. Applying a soothing eye cream can help reduce any inflammation,” says Dr. Kopelman.

If you like to wear eye makeup, dermatologists suggest a two-part face washing routine.

“For heavy makeup and any waterproof makeup, consider a double cleanse. First wash your face with an oil-based or micellar water cleanser, then follow that with your normal gentle cleanser. The oil/micellar water cleanser first will help remove makeup including eye makeup,” adds Mina. 

I know it can be hard to muster up the energy to wash your face at the end of a long day, but trust me, your skin and eyes will thank you for it. 

Emma Ernst

Emma Ernst is an editorial intern at Sleepopolis. A rising senior at the University of South Carolina, studying public relations and Spanish, Emma is originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and loves to talk about anything Midwestern!