Dear Heloise: Since I read your column almost daily, I see people who write in and brag that they don’t wash off their makeup yet have lovely complexions. Having worked with a dermatologist for over 20 years, I believe I can say that they may think they have nice facial skin, but 99% of people we see who sleep in their makeup usually have very coarse complexions.

People don’t seem to realize that your skin is actually a breathing organ. When you leave makeup on overnight, it’s much harder for the skin to breathe, causing your skin to dry out and fine lines to start forming. The skin cannot exfoliate dead skin cells, and it traps free radicals and pollution on the skin when makeup is blocking the pores.

We don’t see ourselves as others see us, so it’s possible that someone thinks their skin is just fine. But if you sleep in your makeup night after night, you are damaging your skin and causing premature aging. It only takes a few minutes to wash your face and apply a night cream. — Kathy L., in Paterson, New Jersey

Kathy, I have advocated for washing off makeup every night, but I still get letters from women who sleep in their makeup nightly and refuse to wash it off. I hope your letter has made a few of my readers understand how important it is to take care of their skin. — Heloise

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INDOOR POLLUTION

Dear Heloise: My doctor said he thought my respiratory problems have been caused by indoor pollution. I could understand it if it was outdoor pollution, but indoor pollution? Is there really such a thing? — Jacob E., Hagerstown, Maryland

Jacob, yes, indoor pollution is a serious problem for thousands of people. Cigarette smoke, gas stoves, air fresheners, and even “off-gassing” on some products such as rugs, wallpaper or furniture (especially if it’s new) can cause air pollution. Ask your doctor if they have a list of air pollutants that they can provide you with. — Heloise

AFTERNOON SLUMP

Dear Heloise: I found a great way to beat the “afternoon slump” we all seem to get after lunch. A new girl came to work in our office, and she would bring a light lunch, which would be some almonds or walnuts, a banana, and maybe some yogurt or cheese. Afterward, she’d go for a brisk walk outside in the sunshine.

One by one, we all began to follow her example until there were about 20 of us walking down the sidewalk. At first, my boss thought we were protesting but later joined us when he discovered that none of us got the afternoon slump!

By the way, we all love reading your column for its terrific ideas. Thanks! — Julie G., in Dallas

STRESS IS A KILLER

Dear Heloise: I recently read an article about how stress causes us to become more accident-prone. If it’s financial, marital, career-related or some family drama, it’s hard to get it off our minds, so we often don’t pay attention to what we’re doing. Too many people keep thinking, what if? “What if I lose my job?” “What if he/she leaves?”

Instead, if possible, ask for help, seek counseling or talk to your minister. But most importantly, do whatever it takes to relieve the stress. — Agnes M., in Tempe, Arizona