When it’s time to go to bed, it can be hard to exert the effort to get anything else done. You know what I’m talking about, don’t you? While it’s not going to hurt you to roll into bed without any beauty prep once in a while, making a habit of it can be detrimental to your health and your looks. So to preserve your beauty, you should be doing a number of things before you hit the sack every night. Don’t worry – none of them take that long and you’ll be so glad you put in the minutes to get them done.
1. Wipe off Your Make-up
Going to bed with your make-up on is a surprisingly bad thing to do. It might not seem like a huge deal, but it is. Sleeping in your make-up increases the risk of breakouts because your products will clog your pores. Also, as you go through your day, your face picks up debris and bacteria that need to be removed as well. When all that gunk transfers to your pillowcase, you have the same issues the next night even if you do remove your make-up.
2. Brush Your Teeth
Poor dental hygiene can have a negative impact on your overall health. Gum disease can lead to heart disease if you aren’t careful. That’s why it’s vitally important to brush and floss your pearly whites every night before you go to bed. Make sure you brush for two minutes and floss between every tooth. Thank you, Colgate!
3. Moisturize All over
I love to put lotion all over my body before bed. While I sleep, the product can soak into my skin and work its magic. Dry skin can be really tight and itchy, which makes it hard to get a good night’s sleep. You should rub it into your skin each night before bed, using a facial product on your face and a general one on the rest of your body. Easy, right?
4. Wear Your Hair down
You might think it’s better to hold your hair back while you sleep, but keeping it down is actually better. Why? Experts say that as you move around, the elastics can tear and damage your tresses. If you wind up with tangles without the ponytail holder, consider sleeping on a satin pillowcase, which will help dramatically.
5. Skip the Socks
Wearing socks to bed is cozy and warm, but some experts say it causes your tootsies to sweat, which can lead to fungal growth and bacterial reproduction. Sometimes it’s just too darn cold to go without, but if you can, skip the socks on warm nights to promote healthy feet. If you must wear the socks, trade them out for clean ones in the morning and give your feet a quick rinse before putting them on.
6. Chug a Glass of Water
Water is essential to a healthy body and when you sleep, you go several hours without hydration. By downing a glass before you sleep you boost your intake and protect your body while you slumber. The ideal size should be enough to satisfy thirst, but not so large that you wake up needing the bathroom in the middle of the night.
7. Check the Clock
A lack of sleep can wreak havoc on your body, including dulling and drying your skin and promoting the production of hunger hormones that leave you ravenous the next day. Keep your eye on the clock and head to your bed approximately 7 to 9 hours before you need to get up the next morning.
What do you do right before bed? I usually check on my kids and make sure they are covered up, but I make a point to do all of these other important things too. Do any of these suggestions surprise you?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a good nighttime skincare routine?
- Cleanse your face thoroughly, apply toner, then moisturize to keep your skin hydrated and fresh.
- Should I remove makeup before bed?
- Yes, removing makeup prevents clogged pores and helps your skin breathe and repair overnight.
- How important is hydration before bed?
- Drinking water before sleep keeps your skin moisturized and helps reduce puffiness in the morning.
- Can I use eye cream at night?
- Absolutely! Eye cream hydrates and reduces dark circles and puffiness for a brighter look in the morning.
- What hairstyle is best for sleeping to avoid frizz?
- Try a loose braid or a soft bun to minimize friction and keep your hair smooth and less tangled.
- Is it helpful to apply lip balm before sleeping?
- Yes, it keeps your lips soft and prevents cracking, so you wake up with smooth, kissable lips.
- How does sleep quality affect my appearance?
- Good sleep reduces dark circles, evens skin tone, and gives you a natural glow by allowing skin to repair.
- Should I exfoliate before bed?
- Exfoliate 1-2 times a week at night to remove dead skin cells and promote fresh, glowing skin.
- Can stretching before sleep improve my look?
- Gentle stretches improve circulation, decrease tension, and help you relax for better sleep and skin health.
- Is wearing cotton pajamas beneficial for my skin?
- Yes, breathable cotton helps reduce irritation and keeps your skin comfortable through the night.