By Patricia Uyeh

Sometimes after a long day, it’s all too easy to skip a step in your nighttime routine and go to sleep without washing your face. Do you know that you are doing much harm to your skin by sleeping with make up on. According to James Ralston( MD dermatologist and founding president of the Dermatology Center of McKinney), makeup and oil buildup can cause breakouts, infections, rashes, enlarged pores, wrinkles and a dull complexion. Here’s why that 30 seconds of cleansing is worth it:

1. You could breakout, big-time
Not washing off makeup, like foundation and concealer, can bring on the pimples. “When makeup clogs the pores, the bacteria involved with acne formation can get trapped in those pores and cause breakouts,” Dr. Ralston says. Lip-gloss and lipstick, which often contain pore-clogging waxes, are zit culprits, too. Sleeping with lipstick on results to blackheads or acne right around your lip area.

2. You could get an eye infection
Leaving your mascara or eyeliner on overnight can lead to clogged eyelid pores and a nasty infection . Plus, “rubbing your eyes on the pillowcase while you’re sleeping can get makeup in your eye, and can cause inflammation or an infection,” Ralston explains.

3. You could add years to your skin
A clean face gives your skin room to breathe and repair itself overnight. While you’re sleeping, melatonin in your skin fights the development of fine lines and hormones help collagen-producing cells improve elasticity and tightness. “Pollution and free radicals collect on your skin throughout the day and—if skin isn’t cleansed properly at night—stay on your skin, breaking down collagen. This causes wrinkling and gives you a dull complexion,” Ralston says.

Ensure you keep your face-washing regime simple so you will stick to it. In general, wash your face for 30 seconds at night with warm water and a gentle cleanser. Dermatologists recommend mild cleansers that are fragrance-free and have a neutral pH to avoid irritation and dryness. Lastly, see your dermatologist to discuss a skin care routine that is appropriate for you.

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