You know you should at least wash your face before going to bed, but how often do you just crawl under the covers without even removing the dirt and grime of the day? Here are ten tips to a better bedtime for your skin:

1. Cleanse – If you do nothing else, you have to at least wash your face each night.  If you leave make-up and daily build-up on your skin, you are more likely to have issues such as acne.
2. Remove Makeup – Sometimes soap alone isn’t enough – eye makeup can be particularly difficult to remove. Try using a pea-size amount of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or olive oil and gently smooth it across your eyelids and through your lashes. Then use a cotton pad to wipe the makeup off.
3. Exfoliate – You should exfoliate no more than two or three times a week; more often than that can dry your skin.  Remember that even though you’re exfoliating, you shouldn’t scrub too hard as that can irritate sensitive skin.
4. Use Toner – Use a toner that is specifically made for your skin type. For example, if you have dry or normal skin you shouldn’t use toners that contain alcohol as they can irritate or dry your skin.  Toners help to remove any extra makeup and cleanser still on your face.
5. Moisturize – Moisturizing your face should always come after cleansing. When you wash your face, you wash away essential oils and moisturizing your skin helps replenish it. If you have oily skin, make sure you are using a moisturizer that is water based and meant for your skin type.
6. Seek Silk – Pillowcases, that is. Your facial skin can actually be tugged and pulled, depending on the position you sleep in and how much you move around in your sleep. Silk pillowcases can help eliminate the pull on your skin.
7. Sleep on Your Back – Again, it comes down to how much your skin is stretched and pulled while you’re sleeping. If you sleep on your back, your skin won’t be smashed into the pillowcase, which can contribute to wrinkles and creases.
8. Use a Humidifier – Especially during the winter months, the air gets extremely dry and therefore so does your skin. A humidifier helps keep moisture in the air and your skin will thank you.
9. Brush Your Hair – Don’t forget about those locks. Take time before going to bed to brush your hair. During the winter months try using a leave-in conditioner to add moisture to dry tresses. Avoid keeping hair in a ponytail, too, since that increases breakage.
10. Get Enough Sleep – All of these things are really for naught if you don’t get a good night’s sleep. While you’re sleeping, your body is healing and restoring daytime damage – including damage to your skin.