3 Simple Ways to Wake up Looking Younger
Waking up on the right side of the bed indeed.
It’s called ‘beauty sleep’ for a reason. “Studies prove that getting a good night’s rest speeds collagen production, increases hydration, nixes inflammation, and more,” says Gretchen Frieling, M.D., a triple board-certified dermatopathologist in Boston. “Those beautifying benefits help reverse signs of aging in the hair, eyes, and skin.” But just in case you don’t get that full eight hours, these simple strategies will ensure you look youthful by sunrise.
To Volumize Hair
The friction created between hair and the pillowcase from a night of tossing and turning leads to breakage that results in a thinner-looking head of hair. Plus, traditional pillowcases are made of porous cotton that absorbs moisture from hair, leaving it dry, brittle, and flat, says Dr. Frieling.
Prevent It: Sleep on a silk pillowcase like the LilySilk 19 Momme Terse Silk Pillowcase, ($42, Amazon). The fabric’s glossy surface allows hair to move smoothly and freely against the pillow, stopping the harsh rubbing that roughs up the cuticle, explains Dr. Frieling. “And fibrous silk locks hydration into hair for a lustrous-looking mane come morning.”
Reverse It: Whip up an avocado hair mask. “The stone fruit’s fatty acids coat strands’ shafts to help them retain moisture,” says Dr. Frieling. “And its B vitamins strengthen hair to prevent breakage.” To do: Mix half of an avocado with 1 Tbs. of olive oil (its oleic acid adds shine), apply from roots to ends of damp hair; let sit for 20 minutes, then rinse. Use once a week or as needed for lasting results.
To Brighten Under Eyes
Light in any form (the clock next to your bed, the street lamp outside) can interfere with sleep-inducing melatonin. And that lack of sleep can cause blood vessels under the eyes to swell and leak, leaving dark circles behind.
Prevent It: Wear a chilled eye mask like Earth Therapeutics Gel Bead Mask ($13.51, Amazon) to bed. The cold, gentle pressure shrinks vessels, stops blood from pooling and blocks out light!
Reverse It: Dab on turmeric-infused serum like this one from Aspen K Naturals ($19.99, Amazon) twice a day. The spice’s vitamin K strengthens veins and increases blood flow to nix dark circles in one month.
To Smooth Décolletage
Constant movement during sleepless nights can put pressure on the skin that worsens creases on the chest.
Prevent It: Place a silicone patch, like SilcSkin Decollette Pad ($29.95, Amazon) onto the chest before dozing off. The large, rubbery “sticker” pulls skin taut to keep older wrinkles from deepening and new ones from forming, says Dr. Frieling. “And the silicone draws water to skin’s surface, hydrating it so lines get smoother as you snooze.”
Reverse It: Rub equal parts coconut oil (its lauric acid plumps skin) and rosehip seed oil (its vitamin A boosts collagen production) onto the chest twice a day for tauter skin in 30 days.
This article originally appeared in our print magazine.
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