Feeling Droopy? 3 Ways To Look Refreshed After a Bad Night's Sleep

It’s called "beauty sleep" for a reason. Not only do you feel more beautiful after a full night of rest, but you also look more refreshed. Your skin and eyes seem brighter and more alive, and the world, as a whole, seems like a better place. But let's face it: A full night of sleep isn't always possible. The good news is that you can still achieve a restful glow upon waking, even if you tossed and turned all night. Check out these tips from a professional to help you wake up on the right side of the bed.

The Importance of Beauty Sleep

Sleep is vital for refueling your body. But did you know that it also helps you look your best? Lack of sleep can make your eyes look droopy, red and swollen, and it can even make you appear paler and less happy. “Studies prove that getting a good night’s rest speeds collagen production, increases hydration, nixes inflammation, and more,” says Gretchen Frieling, MD, a triple board-certified dermatopathologist in Boston. “Those beautifying benefits help reverse signs of aging in the hair, eyes, and skin.”

If you find yourself having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor for help — getting the rest you need is important for your health. But for the occasional restless night, these beauty tips may help you look more energized so you can get through your day with confidence.

To Volumize Hair

The friction created between hair and the pillowcase from a night of tossing and turning can lead to breakage. Plus, traditional pillowcases are made of porous cotton that absorbs moisture from hair, sometimes leaving it dry, brittle and flat, says Dr. Frieling.

PREVENT IT: Sleep on a silk pillowcase like LilySilk 19 Momme Terse Silk Pillowcase (Buy from LilySilk, $39). 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 tablespoon of olive oil (its oleic acid may add softness), 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 may cause tissues and blood vessels under your eyes to swell and leak, leaving dark circles behind.

PREVENT IT: Wear a chilled eye mask like Earth Therapeutics Gel Bead Mask to bed (Buy from Ulta, $9). It will block out light, and the cold, gentle pressure may shrink under-eye vessels, which can reduce swelling and the appearance of dark circles.

REVERSE IT: Dab on a turmeric-infused eye cream like Derma E No Dark Circles Eye Cream twice a day (Buy from Ulta, $20.50). Turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant that may reduce dark-circle-causing inflammation.

To Smooth the Décolletage

Constant movement during sleepless nights or sleeping on your side can put pressure on skin that worsens creases on the chest.

PREVENT IT: Place a silicone patch like SilcSkin Decollette Pad onto the chest before dozing off (Buy from Walmart, $25). 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 may plump skin) and rose hip seed oil (its vitamin A may boost collagen production) onto the chest daily for tauter skin.

A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, First For Women.

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