Beauty sleep gets a bad rap. Even on those few and far-between nights that we hit the sack early, looking in the mirror first thing can still make us cringe. (Because really, who actually #wokeuplikethis?)
The thing is, beauty sleep isn't a myth. Nor is it a numbers game. Quantity is important, sure, but as far as quality goes...what you put in is what you get out.
In other words? The truly refreshed, well-rested-looking women you know are using tricks and tools to get that way. Here, courtesy of celebrity aesthetician Renée Rouleau, is exactly how you can do the same:
1. Start by washing your face and performing a complete skin care regimen. "At night, your body is in repair mode, fighting hard to rejuvenate your skin after the day's wear and tear. Before going to bed, you have oil, bacteria, and makeup caked on, which need to be removed to maximize antiaging. After cleansing, exfoliating, and toning, apply a serum with antiaging properties under moisturizer."
2. Incorporate a few key ingredients. "Glycolic acid, retinol, peptides, red marine algae, and Dermaxyl encourage collagen activity. Soothing ingredients like white tea extract, azulene, and chamomile provide anti-inflammatory relief."
3. Arrange you body strategically while you sleep. "The best way to sleep is on your back. Your face will not touch the pillow, so no creases will be made. Also, have your pillow propped up and elevated because it will help to reduce under-eye puffiness by allowing fluid to drain from the face."
4. Don't squish yourself into the pillow. "Squishing your face into a pillow for approximately 2,500 hours per year is like ironing wrinkles into the skin. I'm a side sleeper for the most part, and I use a firm pillow and strategically position my head so the lower half of my face never touches it. Otherwise I'll exacerbate the nasolabial fold wrinkles that come with age. These are the deep creases, also known as the 'parentheses' or 'marionette lines,' that run from the nostril to the corner of the mouth on both sides of the face and are enhanced every time you smile or laugh."
5. Use a silk pillow case. "It provides some extra slip, preventing wrinkle formation and hair breakage."
6. Reduce puffiness with the following trick. "Step 1: Fill your bathroom sink with cold water and toss in 15 ice cubes. Step 2: Pour 1/3 cup of natural witch hazel into the water. Try to use one that is alcohol free. Step 3: Dunk your face (don't just splash) in and out 10 times. Cold temperatures shrink capillaries and stimulate drainage while witch hazel has natural anti-inflammatory, puffiness-reducing properties."
7. Adjust your routine seasonally. "During the warmer months, switching to a lighter moisturizer or a gel moisturizer will aid in minimizing clogged pores. During the winter, hydrating skin is key. Adding a few drops of a skin oil over your night moisturizer is great for the winter to provide extra hydration but also a protective seal over the skin to prevent moisture evaporation from heaters."
8. Invest in a humidifier. "When the air is dry, turning on a humidifier helps prevent moisture loss in your skin."
9. Create a peaceful sleeping environment. "Make your bedroom an oasis for relaxation and healing from daily stressors. No phones or TVs should be in the bedroom!"
10. You knew this was coming: Get plenty of sleep. "Lack of sleep causes the skin to look pale and tired because the circulation has been impaired. In addition, it's important to get a good night's sleep because sleep deprivation also causes stress, which can aggravate all skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Bottom line: When you're tired, you look it!"
