All the brightening eye creams and illuminating foundations in the world can’t help a complexion tormented by lack of sleep. Sleep deprivation not only saps your energy levels but leaves you with dark circles under your eyes, heavy eyelids and lackluster skin. Oh, and did we mention it makes you sluggish, slow and slightly grumpy? A good dose of beauty sleep does wonders for your skin, hair and overall attitude.
From face to feet, here are four ways to up your beauty game while you sleep.
Clean Slate
You brush your teeth before you hit the sack (you do, don’t you?) so why wouldn’t you wash the daily muck off your face every night as well? If you’re bone tired at the end of the day and washing your face becomes too much of a chore, at least swipe away makeup and oils with a facial cleansing wipe. Rinse your skin immediately after with water to remove any residue left behind by the wipe.
We like: Neutrogena Night Calming Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes because of their non-drying, soothingly fragranced formula ($7 at most drugstores).
Night Nourishment
Dreamy serums and creamy eye treatments are all well and good (and lovely if you’re loaded), but if you’re budget-conscious, at the minimum, apply a basic nighttime moisturizer to help maintain skin balance and the skin’s natural barrier. Apply to clean skin and be sure to dab on lips and neck too.
We like: CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM because it reduces redness and contains key skin-nourishing ingredients at a price that doesn’t keep you up at night ($14 at most drugstores).
Conducive Vibe
There’s a reason your typical spa has soothing tunes piped in over the sound system and is awash in soft lighting and peaceful hues. Spas want you to relax and your bedroom should be equally, if not more sleep conducive than a spa retreat. Drape the windows in light-blocking shades and set the temperature between 65 and 72 degrees, depending on what is most comfortable to you. Turn off your gadgets and if you crave a little white noise, pop on the humidifier or fan.
We like: Rise & Shine Light Alarm because it lulls you to sleep with a blend of light and sound therapy and when it’s time to wake up, you’re day starts with the sounds of nature not a screaming morning DJ ($99 at gaiam.com).
Extremity Therapy
Don’t forget those hands and feet! Whether you’re bouncing from meeting to meeting in three-inch heels at an office or you’re a stay-at-home mom knee-deep in cooking, cleaning and preening your little ones, your hands and feet take a daily beating. Nighttime is the right time to slather on the TLC. Plus, keeping your fingers and toes moisturized extends the life of your manicure and pedicure.
We like: H2O Spa Hand & Foot Smoother because of the cell-renewing acids and marine botanicals that help replace dead skin with new, refreshed skin ($18 at h2oplus.com).
More tips for beauty sleep:
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