Do you wake up with a dry face that makes you want to dive under the covers? Known to doctors as xerosis, dryness occurs when low moisture levels, sun exposure, harsh soaps, acne treatments and other abrasive factors reduce the skin’s natural moisture barrier, leading to Peeling, irritation and cracks occur.
The condition often worsens in winter, thanks to cold temperatures, bitter winds and dry indoor air.
But when the sun goes down, you can’t worry about your skin. Treat your dry complexion throughout the day by wearing a moisturizer with SPF, choosing a gentle cleanser and avoiding dehydrating products or cosmetics. When it comes to serious prevention and treatment, they don’t call it beauty sleep. Because cell turnover and water loss happen faster when you snooze, nighttime is the perfect time to really lock in moisture and eliminate flakiness.
But how can you maximize those precious eight hours (or, let’s be honest, seven or six) of rest and rejuvenation? With the right products and a little dedication, you can turn your nighttime nap into a full-scale assault on thirsty, rough skin. Keep reading to learn more.
To maintain proper moisture while you sleep, use a richer, creamier moisturizer than you wear during the day, recommends dermatologist Doris Day. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which plumps skin cells, and shea butter, which is a natural absorbent, she says. Chances are you’ll be out in the sun, so skip your lotion with SPF and invest in a thick, luscious night cream. These products contain higher concentrations of moisture-retaining humectants than their daytime counterparts.
If you don’t want to use an expensive night cream, try one of the oldest balms in the book: Vaseline, otherwise known as petroleum jelly or petrolatum. Many people swear by the multi-purpose ingredient, which keeps skin hydrated by creating a barrier that prevents water from evaporating. Unlike moisturizing creams, however, it won’t add any new moisture to dry skin. [source: Stanell]. For another overnight treatment that won’t break the bank, natural skin care experts often recommend cocoa butter or coconut oil, both rich in fatty acids that are natural skin helpers.
Whether you choose a night cream, petroleum jelly or a natural emollient, get the most out of your system by preparing your face for maximum hydration. This means removing all traces of makeup and washing thoroughly before hitting the grass. No matter how dry it is, your skin can’t breathe and regenerate under a day’s worth of cosmetics, sunscreen, bacteria, dirt, pollution and oil. Not only will you be at risk of clogged pores, fine lines and dullness, any moisturizing products you use overnight won’t be able to penetrate the grime.
To avoid stripping natural oils, wash with lukewarm water and a mild, non-foaming, soap-free cleanser that does not contain fragrance, alcohol or antibacterial chemicals such as triclosan. Then apply your cream or product while your skin is still damp, trapping any remaining moisture on the skin’s surface. [source: Schaefer].
Other Ways to Beat Dandruff Overnight
Consistently using a night cream or hydrating product is important, but there’s more you can do while you sleep to combat dry, flaky skin. Here are some tips to try:
Use a humidifier. The dry heat inside dehydrates your skin, so add some water vapor to the air in your bedroom – especially during the winter. As an added bonus, humidifiers can also help prevent sore throats, itchy eyes and sinus problems. [source: Way]. Just be sure to prevent bacteria growth by cleaning the tank and replacing the water daily. And don’t let the air get too stuffy (the ideal humidity level is between 30 and 50 percent): too much humidity creates mold and triggers allergy flare-ups.
Try a silk pillow case. Cotton absorbs moisture, so it can dry out your skin and hair. There is no solid evidence behind this trend, but some beauty experts recommend sleeping on a silk pillowcase. There’s even some speculation that switching to silk can help prevent wrinkles. [source: Lavinthal]. At the very least, your bed will feel soft and luxurious. And if you have thick hair, you may get the added bonus of less frizz.
Apply a night mask. Formulated to deliver skin-enhancing ingredients while you snooze, overnight masks can be especially effective at retaining and replenishing moisture. Unlike masks that you wear a day for a quick 20-minute treatment, these products are relatively lightweight, so they won’t stick to your hair or pillow.