Beauty Products That Work As You Sleep! — As Seen on Telemundo NY’s “Acceso Total”
Like I said in my latest Telemundo NY “Acceso Total” segment, Sleeping Beauty was one sly fox! As beautiful as Aurora might have been before her epic slumber, she awoke looking all the more refreshed and radiant. And though, in real life, no one could possibly sleep for decades and awake with the dewy skin of a 17-year-old damsel, there is a scientifically established connection between sleep and beauty.
Research has indicated that the body’s cells operate on their own schedule and, as it turns out, they regenerate up to 8 times quicker in the evening as they do during the day time. While we dream, then, our skin cells produce the collagen and elastin needed to keep skin firm and supple; as well as melatonin, a powerful hormone with antioxidant capabilities that eradicates free radicals and protects skin cells from oxidative stress. Due to skin cells’ very own circadian rhythm, the skin is also more permeable at night, so that any lotions, serums, oils, gels, and creams are more likely to penetrate the deeper layers of the dermis during this time period.
With all of these factors in mind, then, both skin care and hair care companies have formulated a range of products that work in tandem with the body’s own natural repair schedule, stimulating certain cellular activities to ensure we awaken with more luminous skin and stronger, softer hair. These overnight beauty treatments, then, allow every woman to literally maximize her beauty sleep. And who doesn’t want to wake up looking gorgeous?
Check out the products I discussed in the segment (which you watch see above or by clicking here!)
Tata Harper Moisturizing Mask, $110. Available at TataHarperSkincare.com
Designed to infuse parched skin with long-lasting hydration, this indulgent sleeping mask is formulated with hyaluronic acid, a powerful molecule that can hold up to 3,000 times its wight in water, drawing moisture from the atmosphere and locking that moisture into the skin, as well as: calcium, which stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid and elastin, helping to make skin appear more firm; beet root and hydrolized starch, which strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier; plant sugars that function as natural humectants, further moisturizing and replenishing the skin; avocado protein, which helps skin look softer and denser; rose geranium oil, which tones and tightens the skin; and rose otto essential oil, which revitalizes the skin and boosts its radiance.
Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Water-Max Sleeping Mask, $48. Available at Sephora.com
Next up is my go-to mask when I have a TV segment the following morning: the D. Jart+ Water Fuse Water-Max Sleeping Mask, which is meant to be applied over your favorite night cream 10-15 minutes before hitting the sack, thereby creating a light and protective layer over the skin. The mask has a gel-like consistency (sans the tackiness, of course) and is almost serum-like in its fluidity, so that it never feels heavy or stifling. Once you awake the following morning, you simply have to rinse your complexion, wash with your favorite cleanser, and admire your dewy-looking skin. This top-of-the-class sleeping mask contains moisturizing fructan (a polymer of fructose molecules which are typically derived from agave), olive leaf (which strengthens the skin barrier), cranberry (which is rich in antioxidants that assist in skin rejuvenation), hyaluronic acid, and a blend of relaxing botanicals like lavender, orange extract, chamomile oil, and rose oil.
Boscia Tsubaki Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask, $34. Available at Sephora.com
Developed using the same ingredients employed in ancient Japanese beauty rituals, the Boscia Tsubaki Sleeping Mask provides both instant and long-term hydration while also boasting ample anti-aging and skin tone-correcting benefits. Like the Dr Jart+ Water Fuse Water-Max Sleeping Mask, it creates a veil-like layer over the skin, locking in all the ingredients for optimal results while also allowing skin to breathe naturally. The star ingredient in this mask is tsubaki oil, also known as camellia oil which features antioxidant properties comparable to those of vitamin C, which has been shown to promote collagen synthesis. Other key ingredients include: wakame or Japanese sea kelp, which replenishes dermal proteins, thereby strengthening the skin tissue, and also stimulates collagen production while helping to diminish the appearance of dark spots by inhibiting the synthesis of melanin (the substance responsible for age spots, sun spots, and so forth); rice bran oil, which increases micro-circulation, thereby helping to make skin appear more luminous and pearlescent, and which strengthens the slin’s natural moisture barrier; and serine, a protein-rich amino acid that maintains the skin’s ideal moisture levels.
Laneige Water Sleeping Mask, $23. Available at Target stores and Target.com
Next is a mask I just recently discovered and already adore. The Laneige Water Sleeping Mask contains ionized mineral water infused with six essential minerals (magnesium, manganese, zinc, calcium, potassium and sodium), all of which help dermal cells execute important functions ranging from promoting the production of collagen to regulating oil production, retaining moisture, and preventing mitochondrial DNA damage due to UV exposure. The mask, then, increases the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) levels, allowing it to drink up these nutrients more readily, while also signaling skin cells to strengthen the moisture barrier and prevent future hydration loss. In addition to replenishing parched skin, this mask’s relaxing scent will be an aromatic lullaby, soothing your mind with its blend of orange flower, rose, and sandalwood notes.
Korres Greek Yoghurt Advanced Nourishing Sleeping Facial, $45. Available at Sephora.com
This creamy, soufflé-textured mask practically melts onto skin, delivering a burst of soothing coolness, making it a particularly great choice for the coming summer months when we’re all likely to spend a large amount of time in the heat. The key ingredient in this sleeping mask is a Greek yogurt concentrate that has 2 1/2 times more protein than standard yogurt varieties. The lactic acid within the yogurt also helps to gently exfoliate the skin so that you can wake up to a smoother-looking, more luminous, soft-as-a-petal complexion.
Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask, $25. Available at Origins.com
When your skin is so dry that seems to be sending out an SOS, it’s time to call the cavalry! This rich and creamy mask moisturizes skin immediately, the skincare equivalent of an IV, but it also hydrates skin throughout the evening and improves its ability to retain nutrients, vitamins and moisture down the line. The cream mask is formulated with: orange peel wax, which helps the skin maintain an ideal moisture balance; avocado oil, an excellent emollient rich in fatty acids; mango butter, which nourishes and heels the skin; hyaluronic acid; apricot kernel oil; wheat bran oil, known to improve the skin’s moisture barrier; oat kernel extract to reduce redness, itchiness, and inflammation, soothing even the most irritated skin; and pomegranate, which is rich in antioxidants and therefore both heals and protects dermal cells.
Skin Firming Masks
Though I only had a chance to delve into detail regarding hydrating facial masks, I also showcased some beauty products designed to stimulate collagen and elastin production, lift sagging skin, and smooth out existing fine lines and wrinkles. Here are the products I selected:
Fresh Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask, $92. Available at Sephora.com
In addition to hyaluronic acid, which attracts moisture from the environment and binds it to skin, making it appear more supple, this creamy mask contains a blend of black tea ferment, black tea extract, blackberry leaf extract, and lychee seed extract, all of which have been found to improve skin elasticity. A mix of peptides, meanwhile, works to make skin look more taut and lifted.
The Body Shop Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask, $30. Available at The Body Shop stores and TheBodyShop-USA.com
The newest addition to The Body Shop’s Drops of Youth skincare range, the Bouncy Sleeping Mask is formulated with Edelweiss plant stem cells. Because Edelweiss grows in the Swiss Alps, often at extremely high altitudes and in a bitter cold climate, scientists analyzed its cells to discover whether, when applied topically to human skin, the experiment would result in our own dermal cells enjoying an improved resilience. Their research showed astounding results, with 80% of mask users reporting that their skin felt replenished after just one use. As for the “bouncy” adjective in its name, in addition to it being a nod to the mask’s ability to improve the skin’s elasticity, it’s also an appropriate description for the mask itself since it has a pliability that allows it to adhere to the face like a second skin, as if it were made of memory foam.
Rodial Glamtox Night, $110. Available at Space NK and Rodial.co.uk
This face-lift-in-a-jar will have you questioning whether you’re seeing things — that’s how effective it is! It’s as close to a Sleeping Beauty-worthy effect as a gal can get! This delightful night treatment contains Liposomal Soy Isoflavones that reduce aging signs by thickening the skin, thereby reducing the depth of any existing smile lines, crow’s feet, and forehead rows or “elevens,” as well as Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3, which also works to smooth out fine lies and wrinkles. Retinol microspheres, meanwhile, repair sun damage and help to retexturize skin and reduce pore size. As if that weren’t enough, this night treatment also includes brightening agents like Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate and Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, both of which help to erase dark spots and create a more even skin tone.
Furlesse Anti-Aging Patches, $19.99 per packet. Available at Furlesse.com
As we all know, many wrinkles form due to everyday facial expressions whether it’s furrowing the brow, squinting, or smiling. These hypoallergenic patches prevent those wrinkles from forming simply by holding the skin in place, preventing unwanted furrowing. Though they won’t altogether eliminate existing lines, they can act as a quick fix, temporarily reducing their visibility and also as a preventative measure — particularly during our sleeping hours. And since the patches are completely clear and comfortable, they won’t in any way interfere with your precious sleep. You can buy specially designed patch packets to target some of the most common wrinkle-prone areas of the face: Elevens, for instance, features fan-shaped patches that target the two vertical wrinkles that tend to creep up in between brows; Rows features elongated oval patches to target horizontal wrinkles on the forehead; and Lip-Sticks feature smaller almond-shaped patches to target laugh lines and upper lip creases.
Overnight Hair Treatments
Phyto Secret de Nuit Hydrating Regenerating Night Treatment, $38. Available at Ulta.com, Sephora.com, and Phyto-USA.com
If your ends feel frayed, your strands seem lifeless or straw-like, or you’re grappling with breakage or even frizz, give your mane some CPR with this intensely hydrating treatment from Phyto. To use, you’ll want to dispense a nickel-sized amount of the serum-like treatment onto hands, massaging it in between your palms, and then working it into dry strands, applying it along the lengths of the hair and avoiding the roots. You can repeat the process 2-3 times depending on the length and thickness of your hair, combing the product throughout to make sure it’s evenly distributed. Next, all you need to do is go to bed! The following morning, you can brush your hair and style as desired, without even having to rinse out the treatment. You will, however, notice that strands feel more manageable, softer, and shinier thanks to the powerhouse ingredients in the formula which include macadamia oil, milk thistle extract, black orchid extract, and black grape procyanidins (which protect hair from oxidative stress).
Pantene Pro-V Overnight Miracle, $6.29. Available at drugstores and mass retailers.
Thanks to the usage of histidine, an antioxidant that penetrates deep into the hair fiber core, reducing mineral impurities therein, this leave-in serum targets the most damaged areas of hair and infuses these zones with moisture, helping to improve their texture, make them more manageable, and restore their overall health.
