For how long can you wear make-up without harming your skin?

With more and more beauty brands promising long-wearing make-up, how do you ensure minimum damage to your skin? 

Why is taking off your make-up before you go to bed one of beauty’s golden rules? The answer is simple: leaving make-up on for too long can wreak havoc on your skin—clogged pores, dryness, dehydration, and acne are just some of the common spin-offs. And yet, every make-up brand has jumped on the long-wearing make-up bandwagon. Foundations, eyeliners, mascaras, and lipsticks aren’t just segregated based on a variety of formulations, colours, and textures but also their staying power. Today, long-lasting make-up products can offer a stay of anywhere from six to 48 hours. While this may provide momentary relief from melting make-up woes at weddings and parties, the long-term effects of leaving make-up on the skin for so many hours are concerning. We speak with three dermatologists to find out more about permissible durations to leave make-up on the skin, and how potential skin damage can be minimised in the process.

Can make-up pose any risks?

It’s not a secret that make-up products are loaded with chemicals, and so many of them are toxic. Leaving your skin exposed to such chemicals can inevitably result in skin issues. “Make-up tolerance is dependent on multiple factors like skin type, type of the make-up product, layers of make-up applied, as well as the prep and post-care,” says Mumbai-based celebrity dermatologist Dr Madhuri Agarwal. “You can wear make-up throughout the day provided you are taking care of your skin. At the end of the day, however, make-up is an additional layer of certain chemicals on the skin and will eventually impact it.”

The perils of leaving make-up on for too long

“In my practice, I often encounter skin issues related to make-up,” reveals Dr Nishita Ranka, a Hyderabad-based dermatologist and aesthetician. “Heavy formulas can clog pores, leading to acne, while certain ingredients may cause irritation. I always recommend selecting make-up that is non-comedogenic and includes SPF to protect the skin from harmful UV rays,” she explains. Certain cosmetic formulations incorporate harmful chemicals like parabens and phthalates, which have been associated with endocrine disruption, informs Dr Kiran Sethi, a New Delhi-based dermatologist and the author of Skin Sense. “Parabens—used as preservatives—mimic estrogen and may interfere with hormonal balance. Phthalates, found in some fragrances, can potentially disrupt the endocrine system, raising concerns about their impact on overall health. Another significant concern is the presence of allergens and irritants such as fragrances, preservatives, and dyes. These substances can trigger allergic reactions, causing redness, itching, or inflammation, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin.” 

Sethi points out how oily skin can be the most vulnerable skin type to jeopardies associated with unmonitored exposure to make-up. “The risk intensifies for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin because prolonged use of make-up—especially if not removed properly—may lead to clogged pores, resulting in acne or exacerbating existing skin conditions. Heavy or oil-based cosmetics have the potential to worsen comedogenic conditions, contributing to the formation of blackheads and whiteheads,” she says.  

Why is long-wearing make-up a no-no?

Make-up products devised for extended wear often contain specific chemicals to enhance their durability. “Common ingredients in these formulations include silicones, polymers, and film-forming agents. Silicones, like dimethicone, create a smooth, water-resistant barrier on the skin, contributing to the product’s long-lasting adherence,” begins Sethi. “While these chemicals are generally considered safe in cosmetics, problems can arise from prolonged exposure and potential sensitivities. Silicones, for instance, are non-toxic but may cause skin irritation or exacerbate acne in individuals with sensitive or oily skin. Additionally, certain long-wear formulations may include preservatives such as parabens to prevent microbial growth, raising questions about their safety due to their association with endocrine disruption when used excessively,” explains the dermatologist. More often than not, products offering long wear are sweat-resistant, waterproof and smudge-proof, which invariably means that they can dehydrate and dry out the skin, and even worsen sebum secretion in some cases.

“Long-wear make-up contains polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that make them water-resistant and sweat-proof. What many don’t know is that these chemicals are also used to coat pans,” cites Agarwal. “Though most claims are not adequately proven by large-scale control studies in make-up, I find the problem of allergic reactions and pigmentation more immediate and worrisome with long-wear make-up.” The eyes are particularly sensitive and can become susceptible to worse reactions when left unprotected in make-up. “Mascara and eyeliner—when used for long periods without changing or cleansing the brushes—can lead to fungal and bacterial infections of the eye. Tightlining the eye or applying kajal on the waterline of the eye can block the tear glands, causing dryness and irritation,” opines Agarwal.

How can make-up last minus skin damage?

First things first, invest time in skip prep—apply a serum, moisturiser, SPF (in case you’re stepping out during the day), and primer to create a sturdy barrier between your skin and the make-up. Ideally, it is recommended to limit daily make-up wear to 8-12 hours, says Sethi, as it allows the skin to breathe. “Choosing lightweight, non-comedogenic products and incorporating make-up-free days can help,” she advises. “I recommend choosing products with added SPF, which provide sun protection without the need for frequent reapplication. In case of touch-ups, SPF-infused loose powders are a great option,” shares Ranka.

Investing in high-quality products—not essentially exorbitantly priced ones—reduces the likelihood of reactions. Sleeping with make-up on is a very, very bad idea. “The skin undergoes a renewal process overnight, and leaving make-up on can hinder this natural regeneration. Pores may become clogged, leading to inflammation, breakouts, and a dull complexion,” apprises Sethi. Your best bet to rid your skin of make-up thoroughly is then to double-cleanse. “Consistent overnight use may compromise the skin's overall health. Thus, pay extra attention to your skincare if you are wearing make-up for long periods of time. Indulge in cleansing, moisturising and, once in a while, exfoliating,” concludes Sethi.

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