Almost 40 per cent of women admit to sleeping in their makeup when tired while nearly half don't bother cleansing after workouts, according to new research.
The survey of 2,914 women in the UK and Ireland revealed these concerning habits that experts warn could have serious long-term consequences for skin health.
To demonstrate the potential damage, beauty brand Sculpted by Aimee collaborated with cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Nora Jaafar to create an AI-generated image showing how founder Aimee Connolly's skin could deteriorate over 30 years without proper cleansing.
"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," explains Dr. Jaafar.
Makeup artist and brand founder Aimee Connolly was shocked by the visualisation: "Seeing what my skin could look like in 30 years if I didn't prioritise cleansing was shocking. It solidified my belief that good skincare isn't just about makeup - it's about long-term health and feeling confident in your own skin."
Dr. Jaafar highlights five major skin problems caused by consistently neglecting makeup removal: chronic inflammation, uneven texture and pigmentation, blackheads and enlarged pores, accelerated ageing, and increased risk of skin infections.
In response to these findings, Connolly developed the DuoCleanse system, which combines a universal makeup remover with targeted second cleansers designed to address specific skin concerns.
"At Sculpted by Aimee, we believe that everyone deserves healthy, radiant skin, regardless of their schedule," Connolly added.
