We put our skin through a lot each and every day – holidays in the sun, life in polluted cities and the stresses of our daily lives. Our faces are the first thing that people notice, and they reveal all of the decisions that we making our hectic lives. From redness and puffiness to blemishes and wrinkles, we can take steps to protect our skin and keep it looking healthy, youthful and glowing.

Here are 11 beauty habits to add to your nighttime routine in order to keep your skin looking healthy and glowing:

1. Use a Silk Pillowcase

Many beauty and skin care experts are now pointing to silk pillowcases as an answer to the many concerns of the impact of sleep on your face. It is said that the silk will avoid creating visible creases on your face from the impact of your pillow on your face, reduce puffiness and limit redness in the skin. As a bonus, it is also credited for preventing knotting and tangling of your hair through the night.

 

2. Pay Attention to Your Oral Care

While your oral care may not, in most cases, directly impact your skin, a number of infections and diseases can present themselves along the lips and around the mouth, so we do believe it should also be listed here! Take the time every night to properly brush and floss your teeth to encourage optimal dental and oral health, as well as reduce the likelihood of germs and cavities.

 

3. Don’t Forget Your Beauty Sleep

We have all heard about the benefits of beauty sleep, but is there fact behind these stories? Michael Breus, PhD., a board-certified sleep specialist explained that less than 6 hours of sleep each night can have an impact on your appearance. He suggests slowing adding 1 to 3 hours of sleep to most people’s nighttime routines in order to see a positive impact. “Within 2 to 3 weeks, people will notice that you’re sleeping better by the way you look.”

 

4. Remove Makeup Before Bed

Nearly every woman who wears makeup on a regular basis is guilty of this cardinal sin. You get home after a long day, quickly wipe a damp cloth across your face declaring it ‘good enough’ and climb into bed. Christine Choi Kim, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist says, “Always take all of your makeup off at night – the last thing you want is residue of last night’s mascara on your face in the morning.” The truth is that this isn’t good enough, and the makeup you failed to remove can clog your pores causing dark spots and acne. Take the time to fully wash your face clean of all makeup and products.

 

5. Select Products for Your Skin Type

It is important to use products that will work for the conditions of your own skin. In an article for HowStuffWorks.com Joshua Fox, MD states, “Knowing your skin type can help you choose the right skin-care cleanser to enhance your skin’s appearance. You can help avoid adverse effects and improve your skin texture by knowing which ingredients to use for your specific skin type.” If you are unaware of what type of skin you, make an appointment with a dermatologist – they will be able to provide you with a knowledgeable answer as well as recommending some great products for your unique situation.

 

6. Pin Back Your Hair

Whether you choose to simply pull it back into a braid, or wear a nightcap, many beauty experts believe that keeping your hair pulled out of your face at night will help to promote better skin. Your hair contains dirt and oils that can promote blemishes and acne. When your hair is left done throughout the night you will often find that it is in constant contact with your skin. Tying your hair back will help to Keep your skin clean and clear while you sleep as well as preventing tangling for healthier hair.

 

7. Use a Good Quality Eye Cream

Neal Schultz, MD, a Manhattan dermatologist states, “The eye area ages 5 to 10 years faster than the rest of your face. Every time you squint or smile, the fibers break down.” Adding a good quality eye cream to your nightly routine will help to hydrate the layers of skin the area, minimizing and preventing wrinkles, and reducing the visibility of dark circles.

 

8. Sleep on Your Back

Sleeping on your back has been credited for a number of health benefits, however, beauty experts say that it can also benefit the health of your skin! One way that this will benefit you is to remove the contact between your skin and the pillow, preventing creases and reducing the dirt and oils that are transferred from the pillowcase to your skin. Mona Gohara, MD., a New York City dermatologist shares another benefit, saying “Sleep on your back to drain away fluid from the face so you’ll be less likely to look puffy in the morning.”

 

9. Stay Hydrated

Keeping yourself hydrated throughout the day helps to reduce bloating, flush toxins out of the body and boost the moisture in your skin. While you should be drinking water continuously throughout the day, experts also suggest a glass of water before bed. Christine Choi Kim, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist suggests, “Staying hydrated is an important habit of people with great skin. Be sure to have a glass of water before bed if you’re feeling thirst, especially if you’ve been drinking alcohol that night.”

 

10. Cleanse with Toner

After you have removed your makeup for bed, take the time to clean your face with a toner. Dr. Hadley King, a New York City board-certified dermatologist believes that toner is the secret weapon in the battle for healthy skin. She explains, “Toners are most helpful and necessary for people with oily or acne-prone skin, or for people who want extra cleansing after wearing makeup or other heavy skin products such as sunscreen.”

 

11. Use Petroleum Jelly for Softer Feet

The skin on your face isn’t the only skin that you should be concerned about! Your feet take a steady beating each day, and the skin on your feet, especially your heels, can show the wear and tear. Clean your feet thoroughly with soap and water, either in the shower or in a foot bath, and towel them dry. Apply either food cream or petroleum jelly to the skin and massage it in gently. This will help to heal dry patches and prevent cracked heels.