In the movies, the heroine always wakes up looking perfectly refreshed and gorgeous. Sure, she may have Hollywood magic on her side, but the rest of us have a potent beauty weapon too: sleep!
It turns out, there really is such a thing as beauty sleep. ?Sleep allows the body to go into several stages of non-REM and REM cycles for restoration of body functions,? says Dr. Vermén M. Verallo-Rowell, a research dermatologist. Further, the emerging science of chronobiology — the study of the impact of biological rhythms and their effects on the body — has uncovered subtle differences in skin behavior at night. The skin is more permeable; it expends fewer defenses against the daytime?s free radicals, pollution and sun damage; and oil production is lower. All these changes help active ingredients absorb more effectively at 2 a.m. than at 2 p.m. Here?s a guide to the types of treatments and products that work their magic in the dark.
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Heavy-duty Moisturizers

Quick-absorbing, lightweight hydrators with built-in sunscreen are perfect for protecting the skin during the day and providing a satiny base for your makeup. Nighttime is when you?ll want to slather on the thicker, richer, more emollient moisturizers that may look greasy but provide more reparative moisture benefits. This deeply penetrating moisture can have a carryover benefit into the daytime.
Retinoids

Dermatologists suggest that patients use over-the-counter and stronger prescription...