In the movies, the heroine always wakes up looking perfectly refreshed and gorgeous. Sure, she may have Hollywood magic on her side, but the rest of us have a potent beauty weapon too: sleep!
It turns out, there really is such a thing as beauty sleep. “Sleep allows the body to go into several stages of non-REM and REM cycles for restoration of body functions,” says Dr. Vermén M. Verallo-Rowell, a research dermatologist.
Further, the emerging science of chronobiology – the study of the impact of biological rhythms and their effects on the body – has uncovered subtle differences in skin behavior at night.
When we sleep, the skin is more permeable. In fact, it expends fewer defenses against the daytime’s free radicals, pollution and sun damage. And interestingly, oil production is lower as well. All these changes help active ingredients absorb more effectively at 2 a.m. than at 2 p.m.
Here’s a guide to the types of treatments and products that work their magic in the dark.
Heavy-duty Moisturizers to Heal Skin During Sleep
Quick-absorbing, lightweight hydrators with built-in sunscreen are perfect for protecting the skin during the day and providing a satiny base for your makeup.
Nighttime is when you’ll want to slather on the thicker, richer, more emollient moisturizers that may look greasy but provide more reparative moisture benefits. This deeply penetrating moisture can have a carryover benefit into the daytime.
Retinoid Skin Therapy for Night Skin Care
Dermatologists suggest that patients use over-the-counter and stronger prescription retinoids (tretinoin, tazarotene, adapalene) only at night because these topical forms of vitamin A can degrade in light and make the skin more vulnerable to sun damage and more likely to burn.
“They have become the gold standard of what dermatologists recommend to help exfoliate, lighten brown spots, stimulate collagen production and clean out pores,” says Dr. D’Anne Kleinsmith, a Michigan cosmetic dermatologist.
Learn about different types of vitamin A for skin care in this detailed Anti-Aging Retinoid Therapy post.
Active Treatment Products for Nighttime Skincare
Many treatment products work best when they’re not competing with layers of cosmetics and sunscreen, says Dr. Patricia Farris, a Louisiana dermatologist.
What’s more, active ingredients such as salicylic acid, which exfoliates dead skin cells, as well as peptide – tiny proteins that stimulate collagen to help reduce the signs of aging – are most effective when they’re not being diluted by perspiration or fending off daytime environmental stressors like pollution and sunlight.
The increased blood flow to skin at night, along with nocturnal water loss, may help these ingredients better penetrate the skin’s barrier layers.
Rough-skin Erasers to Use on Hands for Night Care
Products made to soften rough skin on the feet or hands are likely to get the best results if they’re applied at bedtime. Many include alpha hydroxy acids (lactic, glycolic and citric acids) that penetrate the outermost layer of skin to promote exfoliation.
Or, try this softening treatment suggested by Dr. C. Ralph Daniel III, clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center:
Soak hands and feet in room-temperature water for up to five minutes. Apply an extra-thick moisturizer, such as shea butter. For the best overnight penetration, pull on a pair of light cotton gloves or socks.
All Natural Antiperspirant for Night Time
Some extra-strength antiperspirants are specially formulated for nighttime use, but a regular formula can also be more potent during the night’s optimum conditions.
“For people who have problems with excessive perspiration, it makes a lot of sense to apply an antiperspirant before you go to bed,” says Kleinsmith. “When you’re not already perspiring, you can block the sweat glands more easily and let the medication work more effectively.”
Hair Conditioners for Night Use During Sleep
Sometimes called “deep conditioners” or “reparative masks,” these temporary leave-on hair products can work even better when they’re allowed hours, not minutes, to absorb deeply into the hair shaft.
Before bedtime, massage the mask along the ends and mid-shaft of dry hair and comb through. Rinse and style as usual in the morning.
And YES a Good Mattress, too!
Valli Herman is a veteran journalist. With a passport and scads of beauty products in tow, he has covered international fashion, beauty and travel for the Los Angeles Times, Dallas Morning News, and other print and online publications.
20 thoughts on “Skin Care Products for Night Time to Get Beautiful in Your Sleep”
I had no idea there are special night creams, these are awesome! I will definitely check them out.
The night, as well as day, skin care routine is very unique. Understanding the principles of your skin functions and what works for it is the key to finding a close match in skin care products.
They did say that you should put on skin care stuff at night since it’s also when you sleep that the body heals.
Kathy,
Yes, that’s what the majority of dermatologists recommends.
However, in many cases we need very specific products to take care of skin concerns.
More often than not, our faces, neck areas are very much swollen from the fluids that do not have a good drainage routs. Adding moisturizers to such skin will only exacerbate such condition.
Myofascial massage is the beginning point to the skin’s radiance.
So love how you explained everything one at a time, those products are surely worth some recommendations.
Gideon,
Sometimes information is really well received and understood when offered in small bites.
I can’t use any hair mask or conditioner at night! But, yes, I have a super rough hands and feet , so I love to use heavy-duty hand & feet creams every night 🙂 Great suggestions 👌🏻
I usually change my products as the needs and seasons change. Sometimes heavy creams are great for a good night mask for my feet and hands. The next morning, the skin looks and feels awesome. In addition, the extra moisture from the cream protects my skin during the day.
Nice tips for skin care. I am sometimes so lazy with my skin. Will definitely try to be careful, your post is an eye opener for me.
Kuntala,
You’re not alone. But having a daily skin care routine will for ensure you look gorgeous at any age.
I am pleased to be introduced to these products. I will be checking them out. Thanks for sharing.
I didn’t know there are natural antiperspirants at night, but I’ve read that there are people who really perspire profusely, they must need this.
Using special products during the night time against perspiration is rare, but some people do need them. The underlying health condition is most likely, but it can be known only with the doctor’s help.
Those are some great selections of products to check out. It’s good to invest in skincare products for night routines.
Lyanna,
In this post, I just wanted to focus on the principals and main product groups that any woman can consider for her daily night time routine.
Sounds like I have new products I need to look into!
Krysten,
I tried to put together the principles of a night time regimen. The products can differ for every individual.
Glad to know about this product.. Thanks!!
Sounds really great to learn about this products. I would really love to my skin to be moisturized or healed while sleeping.
Ryan,
Super important to know your skin’s condition and your body’s condition.
Let me explain. As we age, our lymphatic drainage becomes less fluid. To eliminate swollen and puffy faces, eyes, and even necks, we need to begin with a simple self-myofacsial massage of our tissues and skin. Adding extra moisturizers can only increase our puffiness and swollen look.