After all the assaults your skin takes during the day — from the sun, pollution, and makeup — the opportunity for your complexion to restore and renew while you sleep is important for maintaining youthful skin as the years go by. It pays off: Sleeping well has been associated with less premature skin aging, and according to an older study, those who lacked shut-eye were more likely to have a compromised skin barrier, and they were less satisfied with their appearance.
All that to say, beauty sleep is a real phenomenon, and you can help make the most of it by practicing good skin-care habits at night. “Your skin is in repair mode every night. Unlike during the day, you’re not sweating off what’s on your skin, so products can be nicely absorbed,” says Deirdre Hooper, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Audubon Dermatology in New Orleans and an associate clinical professor in the department of dermatology at Louisiana State University and Tulane University.
But don’t get in your own way by skipping smart skin-care ingredients, slathering on products meant for the daytime, or increasing your risk of irritation. Here are the nighttime mistakes experts say could be contributing to skin problems.
1. You’re Not Washing Your Face Before You Hit the Sheets
It’s been a long day, you’re dog-tired, and all you want to do is face-plant into your pillow. But don’t forget to wash your face first. “I don’t think you need to wash your face in the morning, especially if your skin is sensitive or dry, but it’s an absolute must at night,” Dr. Hooper says.
2. You Ditched Your Retinoid Regimen
That said, retinoids also boost skin cell turnover, and they can leave you with irritation. While it’s usually safe and well tolerated, it can cause side effects such as dryness, burning, redness, and peeling. That irritation may convince you that your complexion can’t tolerate it, causing you to stop completely.
Not so fast!
If you’re seeing minor peeling or redness, or if your face stings when you wash it, simply back off for a night or two, advises Charisse Dolitsky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Long Island, New York. Once your complexion calms, resume use. Always apply a small, pea-sized amount.
While prescription retinoids are more potent than over-the-counter ones, Dr. Dolitsky usually steers patients toward over-the-counter formulas, which are less likely to cause irritation. Follow up with a moisturizer on top to improve hydration.
Read the full article here
