Despite what you may otherwise assume, beauty sleep isn’t a meaningless excuse to hit snooze in the morning. Studies have shown that when you don’t get an adequate amount of shut-eye night after night, your skin’s appearance could suffer. Just as important as the number of hours you commit to snoozing is the quality of it. Tossing and turning can lead to poor quality sleep, which can be detrimental to your skin’s appearance. “Poor sleep affects all body systems, compromising the ability to fight off and recover from stress, including sun exposure, pollution, and inflammation,” says board-certified dermatologist, and Skincare.com consultant, Dr. Ted Lain (@DrTedLain) says. “Over time this translates to premature skin aging.” Since it is during deep sleep that skin regenerates itself, you won’t want to strip that precious time away. Read on for 12 ways to get the most out of your beauty sleep! 1. Cleanse Your Skin Thoroughly Before BedSleeping is your chance to relax, but while you’re winding down your skin is getting to work. As your skin regenerates itself while you snooze, it’s imperative that your canvas is clean. Take the time before bed to remove all makeup and impurities with a gentle cleanser. Consider opting for one of these facial cleansers we took the liberty of testing out for you. 2. Sleep on Your BackAre you a side or stomach-sleeper? Switch to a position on your back to help keep wrinkles at bay. “Wrinkles that are formed from either repeated muscle contraction (such as the "11" between the brows) or from repeated pressure (from sleeping), can get etched into the skin and become permanent over time,” says Dr. Lain.   3. Use a Humidifier in Your BedroomRegardless of season, investing in a humidifier is never a bad idea. The reason? They’re great for adding moisture back into the environment. Consider it an easy solution to helping your skin retain its moisture while you catch up on those zzz’s.4. Apply Night CreamSpeaking of moisture, it’s important to moisturize your skin from head-to-toe before hitting the sack. If you bathe at night, apply body lotion while your skin is slightly damp after exiting the bath. For your face, reach for a powerful night cream formulated to target your skin concerns, whether it be dryness or signs of aging.5. Use an Overnight MaskFor a little extra TLC, reach for an overnight mask a few times per week. They’re meant to be worn while you snooze, helping you wake up to better-looking skin. For a list of our favorites, check out our recommendations on the best overnight face masks here.6. Clean Your PillowcaseWhen was the last time you changed out your pillowcase, or gave yours a wash? If you can’t remember, you’re likely overdue for a wash. Your pillowcase is a breeding ground for bacteria, makeup, and other dirt that can build up over time. In other words, cleansing your skin thoroughly will be for naught if you rest it up against a dirty pillowcase every night. 7. Tie Your Hair BackYour hair carries with it residue of products, shampoo, conditioner, and more. While you sleep, keep your hair out of your face by tying it up in a loose bun or ponytail. 8. Eliminate DistractionsOne way to ensure a better night’s sleep? Putting aside all distractions that may be keeping you up at night. Set the thermostat to a cool, but comfortable temperature, and ease into a deep slumber. If you need a number recommendation, the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) advises setting the thermostat to 65 degrees for better sleep. 9. Go to Bed EarlierNot getting enough sleep has a lot to do with going to bed later than you should. Try setting your bedtime at least 7 hours before you have to wake up in the morning. That said, you don’t want to overdo it. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, sleeping more than 9 to 10 hours a night can result in poor sleep quality. 10. Learn to Control Your StressIf your mind races before you sleep, try to find a way to relax. Read a book to take your mind off your hectic schedule or pencil in a relaxing bubble bath to help your mind and muscles wind down.  11. Create a RoutineStick to a solid sleep routine so you can fall asleep faster, hence better-quality sleep. According to the Mayo Clinic, doing the same routine before bed every night can help prep your body for rest. 12. Ditch the Electronics Not only is your smartphone a breeding ground for bacteria, the bright light it emanates can be distracting before bed. Get in the habit of powering down at least an hour before bed. Studies have shown that the light from your computer, phone, and television can interfere with your ability to sleep.
