Sleeping Beauty: Get More Beauty Benefits from Your Slumber

By Greer Barnes

All women probably agree on one thing: there’s nothing better than a good night’s rest. The deep sleep and the hours of unconscious relaxation are not only essential to your well-being but contribute significantly to your overall appearance. While sleeping is vital to your health and how you look, there are ways to increase the goodness that comes with a few zzz’s. Inexpensive and easy to do, these respective products and activities will leave you feeling and looking refreshed as soon as tomorrow morning.

Brightening Mask

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Your grandmother’s favorite beauty brand takes it to the next level with this gel-based mask. The Olay Regenerist Luminous Overnight Mask ($25.99-$33.99) contains firming vitamin B3 and brightening mulberry extract to reveal brighter, smoother skin over time. Fans of the mask love its light, non-greasy consistency. The best part: you can get this baby at your local drugstore.

Satin Pillowcase

You know you’re supposed to change your pillowcase regularly to keep your skin clean and clear, but you probably don’t know that your cotton threads aren’t doing your skin or hair any favors. Sleeping on a satin pillowcase will allow your face to move freely without pulling, therefore preventing sleep lines that can lead to wrinkles over time. Also, satin pillowcases don’t absorb the good natural oils in your hair, so your locks stay smooth and shiny throughout the night.

DIY Leave-in Hair Mask

You’ve tried a DIY face mask, but the same ingredients that you use on your skin, like olive oil, are fantastic for hair as well. To defrizz hair and up the shine factor, take a ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil and comb the oil from the roots to the ends of your locks. Cover your head in a shower cap (Plastic wrap also works in a pinch.) and take your nightly snooze. When you wake up, shampoo hair and condition. The antioxidants and vitamins in olive oil will leave your hair smoother and shinier. Repeat once every 1-2 weeks or as needed.

Exercises before Bed

Though it may seem counterintuitive, exercising before bed can actually help you fall into a deeper sleep. Plus, you’ll keep burning calories, even while you’re dozing off. We like these simple moves for the upper body from dating and lifestyle guru Laurel House. The best part: you can do them from the comfort of your bed.

Still worried a nighttime workout will keep you up? Try drinking green tea (You can add a natural sweetener like agave nectar if you want.) before bed. Green tea has natural relaxing agents and boosts your metabolism, among other body benefits. Along with your cup of tea, try a short yoga session, like this one from yogi Adriene Mishler. You’ll get a good workout and be relaxed and ready for some serious slumber.

 

 

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Associate Publisher