When you’re as iconic and influential as Dolly Parton, you can pretty much get away with anything. Known both for her musical talents and distinct look, the 73-year-old singer recently revealed one of her unusual skincare habits.
While most beauty gurus warn against the negative effects of sleeping with makeup on, the Country Music Hall of Famer is doing just that.
Overnight Makeup
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Parton revealed that she sleeps with her makeup on at night and washes it off after waking up in the morning. Why, you ask? Well, apparently, she just wants to look good in case of emergencies.
Totally unapologetic for her habit, Parton says that she just never knows when a fire might start at the hotel she’s at or something might happen in her tour bus, so she keeps her makeup on while sleeping, always camera-ready.
In another interview, she also says how she’s afraid of hearing somebody say she looks bad when they see her dressed down in public. Parton would rather people say that she looks ‘overdone’ instead of the opposite. But, knowing this, you’d be surprised just how fast the singer can get ready in the morning.
According to Parton, she starts her day with breakfast and spiritual work. After which, she fixes her hair and puts on her makeup in just 15 minutes. Though considering how long she’s been in the entertainment game, it only makes sense that she’s mastered her makeup technique.
Dermatologists Weigh In
While sleeping with a full face of makeup seems to work for Parton, most dermatologists would advise the average woman against it. According to Dr. Gary Goldenberg, a clinical professor of dermatology, going to bed with makeup on is one of the worst things people can do to their skin.
Trapping pollutants, bacteria and dirt in the skin, a layer of makeup worn too long can lead to acne and skin infections.
What more, it can also hasten the skin’s aging. This is because of the oxidative stress that sleeping with makeup on causes, Dr. Goldenberg said. Constantly being under this stress prevents the skin from renewing itself.
Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Mount Sinai Medical Center’s director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology, also weighs in on the topic.
As Dr. Zeichner advises, people who wear a full face of makeup should also use makeup remover products on top of their traditional cleanser.
And for busy people who just can’t be bothered to get up from the bed after a long day, keeping some makeup remover wipes by the bedside table for emergencies is a great idea.
Meanwhile, Dr. Goldberg also recommends makeup-wearers to use a retinol-infused serum and some moisturizer as part of their routines to give their skin a little boost.