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 and author of the book Total Skin— hence the term "beauty sleep." But for true overnight miracles, give nature a helping hand. Here, 19 ways for you to be a sleeping beauty.
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. (Try Bio Jouvance Clarifying Iris Extract or Repêchage Hydra Refine Pore Perfecting Serum.)
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. (Try Bare Escentuals BareMinerals Mineral Veil or Jane Iredale Amazing Base.)
Reduce Facial Lines
A cream or serum with vitamin A or retinol will help counteract fine lines, says Dr. Leffell, and since it can make your skin sun-sensitive for a few hours, it's best used at night. (Try Dr. Brandt Skincare "A" Cream Night or Philosophy Save Me.) To treat deeper wrinkles, ask your dermatologist about a prescription for Renova, Retin-A or Avage, a cream that recently received FDA approval. Use every other night to reduce the chance of irritation.
Protect Your Face
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. (Try Clinique Repairwear Intensive Night Cream or Clarins Line Prevention Multi-Active Night Cream.)
Hydrate Dry, Rough Feet
Rub on a foot cream, then pull on cotton socks to hold the moisture in. (Have trouble sleeping in socks? Cut off the toe ends so your feet can breathe. Your heels will still reap the benefits.)
Get Silky
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 (i.e., less harsh) than glycolic acid — plus it's time-released, so it works all night, says Dr. Kunin. (Try M.D. Forte Facial Cream I.)
Defeat Major Skin Flaking
If your skin's still alligator-rough after regular glycolic acid use, try an at-home microdermabrasion kit with a buffing tool and cream. (Try DermaNew Total Body Experience.) Follow with a moisturizer containing a gentle emollient like dimethicone or beeswax. (Try Burt's Bees Evening Primrose Overnight Creme for your face or Lanacane Medicated Body Lotion for your body.) The dermabrasion will exfoliate your skin thoroughly, letting the moisturizer penetrate deeply.
Prevent Puff
Do you retain water in your face and eye area? Lisa Okesson, 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. (Try Dr. Scholl's Memory Foam Contour Pillow, which has a "lip" that props up your head.)
