If you’ve ever worn makeup, you have probably heard plenty of people tell you to be sure to remove it before you head to bed at the end of the night. In an ideal world, we would all heed this advice. Our evenings would consist of a regular routines filled with cotton balls, washcloths, cleaners, toners, serums, and lotions. We would make time for masks as needed, accompanied by soothing music and scented candles.
But in the real world, life is busy. New York nights, filled with glam and glitz, turn into New York sunrises in the blink of an eye. Family schedules throw off our bedtime habits. Work keeps us at the office late. By the time everyone is settled down and ready for sleep, cleaning up your face might be low on your list of priorities.
But it’s time to adjust that attitude. There’s a reason you have been warned to remove your makeup at the end of the day. Keeping it on can cause eye irritation, dried-out skin and lips, and even thinner lashes thanks to mascara. Other side effects can include increased breakouts, clogged hair follicles, and faster aging due to collagen breakdown.
Obviously, forgetting to remove your makeup once or twice is not going to permanently impact your skin, but if the habit sticks and you find yourself routinely skipping the sink in favor of sleep, you’re putting your face in a tough position.
Many times, the patients that I treat have neglected their skin in various ways over the course of the years. If you find yourself in a similar situation, know that you have options to reduce or repair your damage. For example, facials and light therapies can do wonders to turn back time and give you a more youthful look. Similarly, fillers and injections, such as Botox, can reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
If you find that your skin issues are tied more closely to makeup’s short-term effects, like acne or dryness, your solution might be found in a customized skin care regimen that focuses on your problem spots and provides a specialized approach to treatment. I would be happy to set up a time to discuss what cleansing components would be the right fit for your face.
Then again, you might want to consider skipping makeup entirely. Foundation and concealer are often used to cover up spots of insecurity, like uneven skin tone or discoloration. With today’s options for skin care, there’s no reason you should be hiding behind powders and creams. Perhaps the best choice is simply treating your skin so that it has an improved look with no makeup needed. You can also consider semi-permanent makeup, like microneedling and lash tint.
Your skin is the largest organ your body has, and you should make time to care for it. No matter what your skin and makeup goals may be, I’m happy to help you reach them. Call today to schedule a consultation or discuss your options in greater details.