Skin saver: Topical retinoid
"Nothing works better at night to prevent and correct wrinkles
than a topical retinoid," says Doris J. Day, M.D., clinical
assistant professor of dermatology at NYU Medical Center. With
regular use, this potent antiaging ingredient helps speed cell
turnover and ratchet up collagen production, so you awake with
smoother, more radiant skin. If a prescription retinoid is too
harsh for your skin, try retinol, a gentler, over-the-counter
cousin. (We like Roc Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream.)
Since they both can dry out skin, layer a hydrating lotion or cream
over serums containing either ingredient (but wait five minutes to
let the active ingredient sink in).
Rought spot relief: Glycolic acid
Slather on a body cream laced with glycolic acid before bed to
loosen dead skin. Try Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Triple Smoothing
Body Lotion. Apply a second layer to extra-dry areas like feet,
elbows, and hands. In the morning, use an exfoliating body wash to
send those loosened cells down the shower drain.
Puffiness prevention
The flip side of all the good things that happen to your skin while
you sleep? "Lying flat for hours causes fluid to accumulate in
your face, especially around your eyes," says Dr. Wechsler.
Minimize puffiness by keeping your head elevated on at least two
pillows and skipping salty foods like sushi with soy sauce for
dinner.
Condition while you sleep
Deep conditioning can rescue hair that lacks shine or softness.
Still, most women don't have the time to sit still while a
messy, goopy formula sinks into strands. Instead, look for hair
masks meant for nighttime use. Try John Frieda Frizz-Ease Crème
Serum Overnight Repair Formula, which is formulated to go on dry
hair, so you won't have to sleep with a wet head. It's also
lightweight enough not to leave residue on your pillow.
Tan while the sun's down
Applying self-tanner before bed lets you wake up looking sun kissed
and sidesteps the issue of its potentially unappealing scent. Most
self-tanners contain DHA, which gives off the odor of uric acid for
hours as the color develops. But if you apply it before bed, the
smell will be gone by morning, explains Cilmi. Just be sure the
product no longer feels tacky when you hit the sheets. An
alternative: Try lavender-infused Olay Touch of Sun Overnight.
makeup multitaskers
