We’ve all been there — too exhausted to remove our makeup and ending up falling asleep in it, or rushed through a skincare routine just to check it off the list.
If it makes you feel any better, new research from Irish beauty brand Sculpted By Aimee, reveals that nearly 40% of women admit to doing the exact same thing.
The makeup and skincare brand, founded in 2016 by makeup artist Aimee Connolly, had 2,914 women based in the UK and Ireland participate.
Studies show that 36.8% of participants sleep in their makeup when tired and 47.3% don’t remove their makeup after exercising.
These seemingly harmless patterns could, in fact, have serious consequences for your skin’s health.
To better illustrate the potential damage, Sculpted by Aimee collaborated with cosmetic dermatologist Dr Nora Jaafar, and used advanced AI technology to create ‘Uncleansed Aimee’.
This alarmingly realistic image depicted what the brand’s founder, Aimee Connolly’s, flawless skin would look like in 30 years if she neglected her habitual routine of proper cleansing.
Dr Nora Jaafar highlights the five biggest skin problems that can be caused by consistently not removing makeup :
1 . Chronic inflammation: The lack of proper cleansing can lead to persistent irritation and inflammation, weakening the skin barrier and causing redness, sensitivity, and long-term damage over time.
2. Uneven skin texture and pigmentation: Without proper cleansing, impurities, dead skin cells, and pollutants build up, leading to a dull, rough skin surface. Combined with UV exposure, this can also trigger excess melanin production, causing dark spots, discoloration, and uneven skin tone.
3. Blackheads and enlarged pores: Dirt and oil trapped in the pores result in blackheads and make pores appear larger and more prominent.
4. Accelerated aging: Without regular cleansing, free radicals from pollutants remain on the skin, increasing oxidative stress. This can lead to premature aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity.
5. Increased risk of skin infections: Over time, a lack of cleansing could lead to a higher likelihood of bacterial or fungal infections, particularly in areas where sweat and oil naturally collect.
Dr Nora explained, “Cleansing is an essential step in maintaining healthy skin. Without it, impurities and toxins accumulate, clogging pores and disrupting the skin barrier. This can lead to long-term issues such as uneven tone, and inflammation.”
Founder Aimee Connoly also offered some valuable tips.
Do you have a solid skincare regimen you would recommend?
I’m a huge believer in a simple, effective routine that’s easy to stick to. For me, it’s all about double cleansing, especially in the evening. This is the cornerstone of the Sculpted routine. First, use a balm or oil-based cleanser like our Double Cleanse: Cleanse & Brighten to melt away makeup, SPF, and daily grime.
This first step is crucial as it preps the skin for the second cleanse. Follow up with a lighter, water-based cleanser to thoroughly cleanse the pores and leave skin feeling fresh and balanced. After cleansing, a hydrating serum, moisturiser, and SPF during the day are essential. Exfoliating once or twice a week is also key for brighter, smoother skin.
Do you have any steps or treatments you would avoid?
I’d advise against harsh scrubs or anything that leaves your skin feeling tight or stripped. Over-exfoliating can damage the skin’s protective barrier, leading to irritation and sensitivity. Also, be cautious with DIY skincare trends you see online.
Not everything is suitable for all skin types, and some ingredients can do more harm than good. It’s always best to stick to products formulated by experts.
What do you recommend for anti-ageing?
Consistency is key! Start with a good skincare routine early on, focusing on hydration and protection. Ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid are fantastic for plumping and hydrating, while SPF is your best defence against premature ageing caused by sun damage. Retinol can be a powerful anti-aging ingredient, but it’s important to introduce it gradually and use it as directed. And don’t forget the power of a healthy lifestyle – a balanced diet, regular exercise, and plenty of sleep all contribute to healthy, youthful-looking skin.
Are there any products on your skincare line that are personal favourites and why?
I’m incredibly proud of our entire range, but the Double Cleanse: Cleanse & Brighten is a true hero product for me. It’s the product that started it all and the double cleanse method is something I am so passionate about. It effortlessly removes even the most stubborn makeup (including our Full Face Edit Cream Base!), leaving skin feeling soft and clean, not tight or dry.
I also adore our Beauty Base. It primes, perfects, and hydrates the skin, creating the perfect canvas for makeup. It’s my everyday essential. And finally, our Full Face Edit Cream Base is a game-changer for a quick and easy makeup look. It combines skincare benefits with buildable coverage, making it perfect for busy days.
