1. Use a Silk Pillowcase

Silk pillowcases are the latest beauty must-have, praised by celebs and Instagrammers alike for their benefits to skin and hair. But are they worth the high price tag? I spoke to experts—including a dermatologist, hair stylists and the founder of a skin care line—to find out how sleeping on silk can help your beauty routine.

Silk is known for being gentler on skin than cotton, which can be a major plus for those with acne-prone complexions. The slick material also reduces friction, which could make wrinkles less likely. (Though further research is needed to confirm this claim.) And it may prevent those pesky sleep wrinkles—fine lines and creases caused by your face being smushed into your pillow overnight. In addition, it might reduce breakage and frizz from your hair rubbing against the case.

2. Apply a Facial Oil

While many people associate face oils with acne and breakouts, this old-school beauty secret is making a comeback as the next must-have ingredient in our skin care regimens. In fact, Moringa Oil has been used by ancient Egyptians to keep their skin glowing and vibrant, and it is now one of the most popular facial oils on the market. Face oils can be used alone, or layered with serums or moisturizers. Gothamista blogger Renee says that it is best to apply a serum first, followed by a face oil to lock in hydration and enhance the effects of the product. This cruelty-free oil features jojoba, argan, baobab, and marula oils to help support your skin’s natural barrier, as well as coenzyme Q10 to fight free radical damage.

3. Use a Lip Balm

One of the most basic and essential beauty products you can have on hand is a lip balm. And not only do they soothe dry lips, but they also serve as a smooth canvas for lipstick or lip gloss.

A basic balm formulated with ingredients like shea butter or shea oil can be a good daytime option. Strategist writer Kat Gillespie swears by Lucas Papaw, which she says is “like Vaseline mixed with fermented papaw.”

If you want something a little more luxe, there are options that look and feel more like a lip gloss than a traditional chapstick. One that Strategist editor Liesl Goecker recommends is a lip treatment from Summer Fridays that uses thick butters (like shea and murumuru) to moisturize, along with vegan waxes for a shiny finish.

And if you want to add a pop of color, there are tinted lip balms that offer both moisture and a hint of pink for a natural flush. Another option is a two-in-one formula that works as both a nourishing balm and a lip exfoliator from Dior.

4. Apply a Facial Mask

Face masks help enhance the results of your regular skin care routine. They come in a variety of formulas aimed at specific skin concerns. These occlusive treatments can be beneficial because they reduce the amount of water that skin loses to the air due to evaporation, which helps skin look hydrated.

They also help draw out impurities that can be trapped under the surface of the skin, which makes them great for minimizing the appearance of pores. A clay mask, for example, can be particularly effective at this, and will leave your skin feeling cleansed and refreshed.

Repechage’s Vita Cura B3 Lifting Mask is formulated with niacinamide to minimize fine lines and pore size, while shea butter, squalane, and glycerin nourish skin. It’s also clinically-demonstrated to improve the appearance of forehead lines, crow’s feet, and nasolabial folds. For best results, follow-up with a moisturizer that locks in the serum your skin just absorbed.

5. Apply a Face Mask

Whether it’s a thick green goop or a plastic sheet that you adhere to your face, a good face mask can give you an intense burst of nourishing and therapeutic skin care ingredients in a concentrated form. It is also a great way to moisturize your skin because it reduces the loss of water due to evaporation.

While it might be tempting to slather on an inch-thick layer, less is more when it comes to masks. Hollmig recommends applying a quarter-sized amount and spreading it evenly across the skin, paying special attention to the neck and décolletage since these areas can take on visible signs of aging earlier than the face.

If you’re not quite sure what kind of face mask you need for your skin type, consider mixing two different ones together! For example, the Bamboo Age Corrective Masque can be enhanced with the Snow Mushroom & Reishi Mushroom Masque to improve hydration and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

6. Apply a Face Mask

Face masks aren’t miracle-workers, but together with a proper skin care routine they can help improve your complexion. Depending on the formula, they can cleanse and hydrate your skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, minimize pores and dark spots, and even plump your skin (although, always make sure that you use the right type of mask for your specific skin concerns).

Because they are occlusive, masks naturally moisturize your skin by reducing the amount of water your skin loses to the air due to evaporation. However, you can further moisturize your skin by applying a cream or serum before using your mask.

When you apply your mask, remember to use only a quarter-sized amount and be sure to include your neck and decolletage. These areas are often neglected and show signs of aging earlier than your face. Also, be gentle when removing your mask, especially around the delicate eye area.

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