What One Night of Not Taking Off Your Makeup Does to Your Skin
You don't want to know—but you should.

After a night of F̶o̶u̶r̶ ̶L̶o̶k̶o̶ - tequila-soaked revelry, it's all too easy to stick a toothbrush into your mouth (Is there even any Marvis on this?) then fall sideways onto the covers fully clothed with the lights on until 4:13 a.m. when you wake up with the Cuervo sweats. You're a rare bird indeed if you *haven't* done this, but would-you-jump-off-a-bridge logic aside, how bad is going to bed without taking your makeup off, really?
Tune out now if you want to continue living in ignorance (not us!)—straight ahead, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian at Schweiger Dermatology Group shatters our illusions about what failing to do even the bare minimum really does to your precious skin.
It f*cks with cell renewal
When the sun goes down, new skin cells come out to play. "One of the most basic problems that occurs when you don't clean your face before bedtime is that natural skin sloughing, where dead skin is replaced with new cells, is impeded," Dr. Nazarian says. "Dead skin cells accumulate, leading to dull, dry skin." Whoopee.
The micropollutants from outside? They're still there!
And they're trapped beneath layers of foundation, sunscreen, and dirt. Like when the cut side of an apple browns, these free radicals cause oxidative stress, which in turn leads to early aging: wrinkles, sagging, cheeks that don't spring back when you poke them. Ready your Melisandre necklace, that's all we've got to say.
It causes inflammation not all the turmeric in the world could fix
Whether your blush is food-grade or drag-show-proof industrial-strength, overnight, grime will build up in your pores, agitating the skin. This means small blood vessels bursting (lovely), conditions like rosacea flaring up (even better) and zits (joy). And that's *before* that early-morning spinach-artichoke slice comes into play.
The bad stuff on your face ➡️ your eyes
Which doesn't just leave gluey, inky residue in the inner corners when you wake up—the transfer of bacteria, dirt, and oil can lead to eye infections and eyelash breakage AHHHH. Suddenly, the well-smudged eyeliner you can only achieve via keeping it on doesn't seem so worth it anymore.
Conclusion: Get thee a Schwasty Nightstand—and use it.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Chelsea Peng is a writer and editor who was formerly the assistant editor at Marie Claire. She's also worked for The Strategist and Refinery29, and is a graduate of Northwestern University. On her tombstone, she would like a GIF of herself that's better than the one that already exists on the Internet and a free fro-yo machine. Besides frozen dairy products, she's into pirates, carbs, Balzac, and snacking so hard she has to go lie down.
-
What to Know About the Cast of 'Adolescence,' Netflix's Must-Watch Family Drama About a Shocking Crime
A newcomer leads the gripping yet heartbreaking British miniseries.
By Radhika Menon Published
-
This Royal Was Once Asked to Become King of a Small European Country and Refused
It's giving Hallmark movie plot.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William Could be Getting a New Title Very Soon Following Exciting News
The Prince of Wales would be taking on a very important role.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Jenna Ortega’s New Burgundy Hair Has Me Ready for Season 2 of 'Wednesday'
Wednesday Addams, is that you?
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Doechii’s Best Paris Fashion Week Beauty Looks Deserve a Standing Ovation
The Grammy winner cemented her place as a beauty and fashion icon.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
The 11 Best Spring Makeup Trends Are Sexy, Sensual, and Perfectly Luminous
It's dew or die time.
By Jamie Wilson Published
-
Simone Ashley’s Indie Sleaze Glam Is a Cool-Toned Dream
The actor was spotted in New York City looking like the epitome of cool-toned beauty.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Jenna Lyons Has Me Convinced the Viral Red Lipstick Theory Is Real
Bonus: it only costs $15.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Sulwhasoo’s New Concentrated Ginseng Cream Is a Wrinkle-Erasing Time Machine for My Skin
This Seoul-based brand is the key to plump skin.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
The 10 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2025, Tested by Editors
Expensive and healthy-looking hair on lock.
By Marisa Petrarca Published
-
New York Fashion Week’s Fall/Winter 2025 Best Beauty Moments Are a Lesson in Juxtaposition
The week's best beauty looks were a maximalism master class.
By Ariel Baker Published