Beauty sleep isn’t exclusive to fairytale princesses; adequate slumber is the cornerstone of overall health and a youthful, radiant appearance. While you sleep, your body is busy at work repairing itself after the day’s demands. Blood flow increases, collagen rebuilds cells, and hormones release to help you recover — and even stave off wrinkles.
An evening skincare routine can boost the body’s natural recovery process and reverse the visible signs of aging. Maximize the effectiveness of the recommended seven-plus hours of sleep each night by augmenting your z’s with powerful skincare.
1. Rejuvenate Your Complexion With Retinoids
Tretinoin cream is the superhero of your skincare sleepover, thanks to the power of retinoids, a class of vitamin A. These potent concentrations promote cell turnover, boost collagen production, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Tretinoin cream is also known to reduce acne and blackheads, which often persist even as the signs of aging appear.
This prescription-grade formulation of vitamin A is offered in varying concentrations based on your skin type and needs. Start slow, as this effective treatment requires patience and diligence in its application. Apply once every three nights, allowing time between uses for the skin to transition. Tretinoin and other vitamin-A products heighten your skin’s photosensitivity, so sunscreen and additional sun protection are a good idea the day after.
2. Let Acids Do The Dirty Work
Combination skin can be tough to care for, and as the aging process advances, it’s even more challenging. Let acids like alpha hydroxy acid and beta hydroxy acid slough away spent skin cells for a complexion boost.
Solution-soaked pads make application easy and reduce product waste, meaning your investment goes further. After cleansing, swipe your chosen acid across your face and neck, avoiding the eyes and mouth. Alternate applications with your tretinoin cream, as using them simultaneously may irritate. Like tretinoin, acids can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so top your morning routine with sun protection, too.
3. Steep Your Skin With Moisture-Boosting Agents
Your skin craves moisture, but the day’s rigors and your preferred makeup routine may be getting in the way. Leverage your sleeping hours as prime moisture-restoration time sans cosmetics.
Apply hydrating serums like hyaluronic acid, which helps the skin retain moisture. With consistent use, skin can appear more plump, smoothing out wrinkles and skin texture. Look for moisturizers with ceramides, which help rebuild and restore the skin’s protective barrier. Ceramides are safe to use day and night, so products featuring this skincare hero can be applied with abandon.
4. Enlist Your Home’s Anti-Aging Assistance
Where you lay your head matters, especially after you’ve dedicated significant efforts toward your skincare routine. Swap your cotton pillowcase for one made of silk for the ultimate skin-loving sleep experience. The breathable, smooth surface can reduce tugging on delicate skin, especially for side sleepers.
Then, break out the family humidifier and give it prime placement in your bedroom. Environmental change and conditioned air can take your skin for a ride. Restore moisture balance by sleeping with a humidifier running, which can increase the effectiveness of your skincare products. Humidified air can also help moisturize nasal passages, a bonus for allergy sufferers and those in smog-laden cities.
5. Don’t Forget The Lip Service
Anti-aging efforts often focus on the skin, but neglecting your lips can counteract years of dedicated skincare. Give some love to your lips by exfoliating and nourishing them regularly.
A homemade sugar scrub is easy to make and gentle enough for weekly use. Brush your teeth afterward to whisk away ingested granules and follow up with a sleep mask. During the winter months, don a lip mask nightly to prevent cracked lips and flaking. Lock in moisture both day and night with a moisture barrier like Aquaphor balm between treatments.
6. Put The (Face) Mask On Yourself First
Upgrade your routine with an esthetician-approved face mask. Today’s face masks aren’t all the wash-off variety; many are safe and most effective when left on overnight. Look for plant-based and natural ingredients like honey, shea butter, and glycerin for gentle restoration.
Overnight masks don’t have to be greasy; many lightweight formulas pack in the moisture without leaving a thick layer. Go for a spa-like experience with a sheet mask, allowing the sheet to sit for the recommended time. Afterward, distribute excess product across the face, decolletage, and even beside the ears for full coverage.
Closing Out The Day With A Nourishing Nocturnal Regimen
Reward your skin each day with a thorough cleansing, removing dirt, oil, and cosmetics. Double cleanse, swipe away trace mascara with micellar water, and dedicate time to your routine. Your skin needs a chance to recover from sun exposure, pollutants, and oxidative damage. Apply your product lineup in the most effective order (e.g., toner before moisturizer), as some may be neutralized if used out of sequence.
Incorporate your routine with your nightly sleep-friendly regimen, reducing blue light exposure and over-stimulation. Sip herbal caffeine-free tea, listen to calming music, and develop a rhythm as you shift toward sleep mode. Your skin-nourishing routine will help support healthy sleep habits, rewarding you by day with a well-rested, radiant, and youthful appearance.
