Get Better Skin While You Sleep

Just because you’re out cold doesn’t mean your skin is off the clock. In fact, the hours you’re sleeping may be the best time to help your skin look its best. Take advantage of the epidermal downtime with these easy tips to make you a sleeping beauty.

Just Add Water (and Soap)

Sounds like a no-brainer, but many women don’t bother washing their face at night, especially if they don’t wear makeup. Any dirt, debris, and oil that has collected on your skin will clog your pores while you sleep — and lead to inflammation and acne. If you don’t wash first, any product you apply won’t be as effective if there are layers of grime in the way. SSo, at night, be sure to wash your face with a gentle daily cleanser like, Pro+Therapy MD Skin Balancing Cleanser that removes environmental impurities, makeup and excess oil. You’ll want to take off any eye makeup as well — pigments from liners and shadows can get into your eyes and create irritation, and left-on mascara may cause your lashes to break.

Brighten, Hydrate, and Restore

“When asleep, your metabolic rate is lower, so you’re not producing as many skin-damaging free radicals. Plus, you’re not exposed to environmental pollutants or UV light that can harm the skin,” explains Mary Lupo, M.D., a New Orleans based dermatologist. “Because your body doesn’t have to work at skin protection overnight, it can instead focus on repairing the damage done throughout the day,” she says. So any products you use will be that much more effective at hydrating, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and brightening.

Assume the Sleep Position

Your most comfortable sleeping state may not be the best for your beauty. “The single biggest reason for accelerated aging of the skin is sleeping on your face,” warns Lupo. “The skin is compressed and doesn’t get enough circulation, so it breaks down and creases, forming wrinkles.”

And if you sleep face down, fluid pools and causes puffiness. Experts recommend sleeping on your back, with two pillows under your head to keep the blood flow moving. If it’s too tough to change your sleep position, consider a silk or satin pillow that won’t pull at the skin and use an eye cream like, DermaQuest C-Lipoic Eye Therapy to reduce dark circles and eliminate under eye puffiness.

What is your night time skin care regimen?