We all know that a lack of sleep is detrimental to our skin. Whether it's dark circles, puffy eyes or a dull complexion, nothing good comes from not getting enough shut-eye. Fortunately for the sleep-deprived among us, there's a plethora of products to revive tired skin – and we're not just talking brightening eye creams and under-eye concealers.
Dr. Murad, dermatologist and founder of Murad Skincare, explains why we should be using treatments that work through the night: “The skin heals and repairs while we sleep so products such as a night cream are full of renewing and regenerating ingredients to aid this function. Environmental aggressors sap the skin of hydration so products are always richer and more nourishing to replenish the skin. Think of it as allowing the skin to rid itself of toxins and aid renewal so the skin is at its best to protect itself for the day ahead when we awake."
We've put together our favourite overnight treatments for all manner of skin concerns. Whether it's adult acne, uneven skin tone, eczema or fine lines, click through for our pick of the top work-while-you-sleep products.
For sensitive skin sufferers, sleep often offers no respite. La Roche-Posay's Overnight Moisturiser delivers intensive relief from the discomfort of itchy, red and tight skin. Using vitamin E, the formula relieves signs of irritation, so if you're prone to eczema on your face, this is essential.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Overnight Moisturiser, £17.50, available at Boots
Votary's Night Oil is enriched with active ingredient, rosehip oil and anti-ageing retinoids to provide a smoother skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Founder Arabella Preston explains the importance of active ingredients within overnight products: "It's a great idea to use overnight products that have some kind of active in them. It's your skin's opportunity to recharge and renew and using a product like our night oil which has a retinoid, can be really beneficial."
Votary Intense Night Oil – Rosehip and Retinoid, £135, available at Space NK
This moisturiser works to combat the visible signs of ageing that are accelerated by daily exposure to pollutants and the blue light emitted from digital devices. Dr. Murad goes into more detail: "This formula, with supercharged antioxidants from marrubium plant stem cells, neutralises pollutants and strengthens skin’s barrier while you sleep. Vitamin C helps brighten and even tone, while nourishing botanicals plump skin to help visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles." He goes on to explain the difference between daytime and nighttime moisturisers. "Daytime moisturisers combine lightweight moisture and sun protection, while nighttime moisturisers hydrate more intensely while taking advantage of your body’s natural restorative cycle.”
Murad City Skin Overnight Detox Moisturiser, £52, available at Murad
This paraben-free, intensely hydrating formula works to aid your skin's natural nighttime recovery process. Infused with lavender and primrose essential oils, omega-6 fatty acids and squalane, it improves radiance and delivers a softer, smoother complexion. Simply apply to cleansed skin before bed.
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate, £38, available at Kiehl's
Central heating, UV rays and cold weather are some of the (many) factors that deplete the skin of moisture, leaving it feeling dehydrated. This overnight mask by Origins, infused with avocado oil, orange peel wax and mango butter, prevents future dehydration by building up a strong moisture barrier overnight.
Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask, £25, available at Look Fantastic
A concentrated blend of essential oils, jasmine, frangipani, rose and tuberose come together in a serum-oil that recreates the renowned Sarah Chapman Skinesis facial overnight. The potent cocktail of anti-inflammatory omega oils and antioxidants rejuvenates the skin to deliver a plump, smooth and firmer texture.
Sarah Chapman Skinesis Overnight Facial, £49, available at Feel Unique
Rich in omega 6 and vitamin E, this facial oil provides a burst of nutrition to repair cells damaged by environmental aggressors, while increasing collagen production. The 100% natural formula helps to speed up cell renewal so you'll wake up with a glowing, fatigue-free complexion.
Caudalie VineActiv Overnight Detox Oil, £30, available at Cult Beauty
A mix of fruit enzymes and glycolic acid works to reduce the appearance of sun-induced ageing, scarring and fine lines. The balance of potent exfoliating ingredients together with shea butter and mango seed butter means you'll wake up to softer skin with a healthy-looking glow.
Alpha-H Beauty Sleep Power Peel, £54, available at Beauty Bay
This serum refines dull, uneven skin texture using a blend of alguronic acid, algaprotein and nutrient-rich coconut water. The creamy texture breaks into a serum on application to provide smooth, supple and radiant skin.
Algenist Power Recharging Night Pressed Serum, £68, available at Space NK
If sun spots and fine lines are your concern, apply a few drops of Pixi's exfoliating gel each evening before bed. Formulated with 10% glycolic acid, cucumber and aloe vera extract, it nourishes the skin and delivers a more even skin tone.
Pixi Overnight Glow Serum, £26, available at Look Fantastic
This moisturiser isn't limited to providing a radiant glow in the morning, it also smooths mild to moderately acne-scarred skin, and keeps new skin soft and hydrated.
Clinique Turnaround Overnight Revitalising Moisturiser, £36, available at Feel Unique
Featuring a mix of 5% glycolic acid to exfoliate, salicylic acid to unclog pores, lactic acid to remove dead skin and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, these cleansing pads will result in brighter and plumper skin following a good night's sleep.
Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Extreme Night Pads, £14.95, available at Boots
Wake up to a smoother, revitalised complexion with this overnight treatment by Ren. Gently infused with a blend of active ingredients and omega oils, it works to raise the skin's pH to attract water and promote hydration, improve uneven cell pigmentation, and exfoliate.
Ren Wake Wonderful Night-time Facial, £32, available at Space NK
Dr. Perricone, founder of Perricone MD, explains why it's important for us to use overnight treatments such as this indulgent night cream: "During the waking hours, stress can play havoc with our skin; it is only during the hours of sleep that we can undue the harmful effects." This multitasking product works to improve elasticity, redefine facial contours and supports the skin's natural regenerative process, restoring radiance while you catch some shut-eye.
Perricone MD Multi-Action Overnight Treatment, £89, available at Cult Beauty
Applied directly before bed or used as a 10-minute mask, this serum is a solution to problematic skin. With a formula combining lactic acid, salicylic acid and azelaic acid, it reduces pore size, blackheads and breakouts.
Lixir Skin Night Switch BHA/AHA 10%, £20, available at Lixir Skin
This overnight gel helps to clear congested skin, prevent future breakouts and soothe aggravated, painful bouts of adult acne. The rosemary and spirea extracts stimulate the skin's natural antimicrobial agents for a clearer, healthier complexion.
Dermalogica Medibac Overnight Clearing Gel, £45, available at Look Fantastic
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