Gone are the days when the freedom to set your sleeping schedule is in your hands. With endless work or school demands, early call times and late work hours, it’s almost impossible to get full 8 hours Zs and have the time for an 8-step skincare routine. Unfortunately, your neglected skin has its way of showing how tired, stressed, and sleep-deprived you are.
When you’re under stress, your cortisol levels increase, breaking down collagen that’s responsible for your skin’s elasticity and youthful glow. The result? Expect dull complexion, dry skin, pimples, puffy eyes and dark circles, and fine lines, and wrinkles that add years to your age. Sometimes makeup isn’t enough to cover them up.
Don’t let busy, stressful days and sleepless nights get in the way of healthy radiance. Next to making simple lifestyle changes (hello beauty sleep), here are 8 skin care products you should always keep in your beauty arsenal.
1. Gel and foam cleansers
Skin tends to build up extra oil and break out when you’re stressed and sleep-deprived. Before trying out any harsh acne treatment products, make sure you’re not skipping the fundamentals – like washing your face regularly.
Cleanse your skin with a foaming or gel-based cleanser, which are better equipped to get rid of oil and dirt. Don’t forget to apply moisturizer to combat dryness.
8 Skin Care Products Every Sleep-Deprived Girl Should Have
" data-orig-size="625,350" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" aperture="aperture" />2. Micellar Water
This is a gift from the heavens, especially to people who often skip their night skincare routine due to exhaustion. Micellar water contains loads of micelles, the tiny cleansing molecules that draw makeup, dirt, oil, and other impurities out of your face. Just apply it on a cotton pad and swipe the product across your face to get rid of any impurities that may potentially irritate your skin.
3. Eye Cream
The eyes are the windows to your soul, they say. However, they could give insights into how tired you are. The skin around your eyes, which is the thinnest and most delicate, is the first to show the signs of aging.
Opt for a hydrating eye cream that lifts saggy areas and reduces dark circles. For optimum hydration, choose creams that are formulated with hyaluronic acid and antioxidants.
It’s not only for the ’30s and over. In fact, you should be using eye creams in your early 20’s, especially if you start noticing dark circles, puffiness, and crow’s feet. A pea-sized amount of eye cream should be sufficient to cover the skin under both eyes.
Also Read: 7 Beauty Hacks That Every Girl Should Know
4. Exfoliating Gel
Exfoliating is one of the most important aspects of skin care – but I bet you’re not paying attention to it the same way you do with moisturizing.
Exfoliating helps get rid of the dead skin cells from the surface, preventing bacteria, sweat, dirt, and oil from getting stuck underneath the skin’s surface. It’ll help renew your sallow skin and reveal a more radiant and youthful glow.
Skip the scrubs, which only strips and aggravate your skin – stick to super gentle formulas to slough away dead skin cells.
5. Pimple Patches
It’s expected to get a huge, red and painful zit after a few nights of missed sleep. If none of your cream-based acne treatment products have worked, give pimple patches a try.
These sebum-sucking stickers are a godsend. They are typically infused with acne-fighting ingredients including salicylic acid. They visibly shrink pimples, absorb oil, promote healing, and even prevent infection.
6. Face Mask
Lack of sleep strips off moisture from your skin and dulls your complexion. To step up your daily moisturizing game, consider pampering yourself with a face mask. Aside from addressing skin care concerns, like dullness or oily skin, face masks can also be a completely relaxing spa-like experience.
8 Skin Care Products Every Sleep-Deprived Girl Should Have
" data-orig-size="866,487" sizes="(max-width: 606px) 100vw, 606px" aperture="aperture" />Choose the one that best suits your needs; if you have dry and dull skin, look for a hydrating mask or a clay mask with skin refining properties. Go for a skin detoxifying or mattifying face mask if you have oily skin. Some should be used 1-2 times a week, others once a month, so make sure to read the labels.
Also note that masks used for anti-aging, exfoliating, and acne treatment, often contain harsh chemicals that may damage the skin if used more often than advised.
Also Read: Skin Care Secrets That Every Woman Need to Know
7. Vitamin C Serum
Stress and lack of sleep prematurely age your skin – they increase stress hormone cortisol, which breaks down collagen, causing poor elasticity. You need a powerful antioxidant that helps with collagen production and neutralizes free radicals – like Vitamin C. Taking Vitamin C supplements aren’t enough – you need to apply it topically.
Dermatologists and beauty experts alike rave about Vitamin C serums for they stimulate collagen production, strengthen skin, and provide protection against UV-induced damage. As a result, your skin will look suppler and brighter. You’ll also have fewer lines and wrinkles, and a better, even complexion.
8. Ultra-Hydrating Overnight Face Mask
Apply a hydrating face mask before going to bed and let it sit overnight. Do this 2-3 times a week. Overnight face masks vary, but traditionally, they are hydrating and are formulated with anti-aging ingredients. They help firm and re-contour the signs of aging while moisturizing your skin.
Nighttime is the best time to pay attention to your skin and its concerns since your skin’s natural repair process takes place while you sleep. Your products work better when the recovery abilities are at their prime.
8 Skin Care Products Every Girl Should Have
