Sleeping Beauty won't have anything on you.
Our skin loves nighttime, and who can be surprised? When we're tucked in and snoozing, our face, hands, and feet are protected from the sun, wind, and other environmental stressors. Plus, most of the biological activities that repair and restore the body (including the skin) take place while you're at rest, says David Leffell, M.D., professor of dermatology and surgery at Yale University's School of Medicine — hence the term beauty sleep. But for true overnight miracles, give nature a helping hand. Here's how:
1. Zap zits.
Pimples may disappear like magic if, before retiring, you treat them with a product containing an antibacterial ingredient (bacteria can cause acne) and a sebum controller like zinc, says Kansas City, Missouri, dermatologist Audrey Kunin, M.D., associate clinical instructor of dermatology at the University of Kansas School of Medicine.
2. Soothe irritation.
To reduce redness, makeup expert Jane Iredale recommends dusting on a loose micronized mineral powder with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, both of which have anti-inflammatory properties and won't clog your pores.
3. Reduce facial lines.
A cream or serum with vitamin A or retinol will help counteract fine lines, says Leffell, and since it can make your skin sun-sensitive for a few hours, it's best used at night. To treat deeper wrinkles, ask your dermatologist about a prescription for Renova, Retin-A, or Average, a cream that recently received FDA approval. Use every other night to reduce the chance of irritation.
4. Fix daytime damage.
On the nights you're not using vitamin A, try a cream or lotion with antioxidants, which help fight off skin-damaging free radicals. Since you're most exposed to these particles when you're out in the sun and fresh air, nighttime is your best bet for a fix, says Los Angeles-based dermatologist Howard Murad, M.D.
5. Revive lackluster skin.
Plagued by dull or flaky skin? Instead of vitamin A, use a glycolic acid cream to slough away the dead skin cells, which will help increase moisture retention. Check the label: You're not looking for straight glycolic acid, but rather its salt compound form, which will be listed as glycolic acid compound or glycolic and ammonium glycolate. The compound has been buffered to make it less acidic (e.g., less harsh) than glycolic acid — plus it's time-released, so it works all night, says Kunin.
6. Treat roughness with a mini facial.
If your skin's still alligator-rough after regular glycolic acid use, try an at-home microdermabrasion kit with a buffing tool and cream. Follow with a moisturizer containing a gentle emollient like dimethicone or beeswax. The dermabrasion will exfoliate your skin thoroughly, letting the moisturizer penetrate deeply.
7. Fight the puff.
Do you retain water in your face and eye area? Lisa Okeson, national training manager for makeup company Shu Uemura USA, suggests this old Hollywood secret: Sleep on your back and use a slightly elevated firm pillow to help prevent fluids from pooling in your facial tissues at night.
8. Smooth crepey lids.
Heavy creams can cause whiteheads to form on the thin skin of your eyelids. For that area, many doctors like Neova Eye Therapy, a light gel with a GHK copper peptide to help rebuild collagen. Or wear the lightweight Talika Eye Therapy Mask while you sleep — it releases natural wrinkle-fighting ingredients.
9. Treat under-eye dryness.
Hate the taut feeling of too-dry skin but find soothing eye gels too greasy? Dab on TheBalm Time Balm. A concealer created to be worn day or night, it manages to feel super light while delivering a slew of hydration, including beeswax, soybean oil, and panthenol.
10. Hydrate dry lips.
Dry lips seem to crack the most at night, says Iredale, making lipstick application uneven and cakey in the a.m. Stock up on overnight lip treatments to repair damage while you sleep. You might just wake up with super-soft lips.
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