First For Women

Wake up younger!

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It’s called ‘beauty sleep’ for a reason. “Studies prove that getting a good night’s rest speeds collagen production, increases hydration, nixes inflammati­on and more,” says Gretchen Frieling, M.D., a triple boardcerti­fied dermatopat­hologist in Boston. “Those beautifyin­g benefits help reverse signs of aging in the hair, eyes and skin.” But just in case you don’t get that full 8 hours, these simple strategies will ensure you look youthful by sunrise

To volumize

hair

The friction created between hair and the pillowcase from a night of tossing and turning leads to breakage that results in a thinner-looking head of hair. Plus, traditiona­l pillowcase­s are made of porous cotton that absorbs moisture from hair, leaving it dry, brittle and flat, says Dr. Frieling.

PREVENT IT: Sleep on a silk pillowcase (like LilySilk 19 Momme Terse Silk Pillowcase, LilySilk.com). 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 lustrouslo­oking 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 Tbs. of olive oil (its oleic acid adds shine), 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 can cause blood vessels under the eyes to swell and leak, leaving dark circles behind.

PREVENT IT: Wear a chilled eye mask (like Earth Therapeuti­cs Gel Bead Mask, Ulta.com) to bed. The cold, gentle pressure shrinks vessels, stops blood from pooling and blocks out light!

REVERSE IT: Dab on a turmericin­fused eye cream (like Derma E No Dark Circles Eye Cream, Ulta.com) twice a day. The spice’s vitamin K strengthen­s veins and increases blood flow to nix dark circles in one month.

To smooth the

décolletag­e

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

PREVENT IT: Place a silicone patch (like SilcSkin Decollette Pad, Walmart.com) onto the chest before dozing off. 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 plumps skin) and rose hip seed oil (its vitamin A boosts collagen production) onto the chest twice a day for tauter skin in 30 days.

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