These Nighttime Skincare Hacks Are the Key to a Glowing Complexion

Sure, you can buy all the expensive creams and serums in the world, but if you're not drinking lots of water and getting proper sleep, it may be in vain. Basically, things you should be doing anyway for your overall health, but you don't always make a priority. But you will now you know it's also the secret to glowing skin.

There's nothing worse than being told you look tired. It's a mild way of saying, "Your skin looks dull and dry." A full night's rest helps blood flow efficiently (which keeps your skin glowing) and encourages the production of human growth hormone, a necessity for collagen production (think natural Botox). After a full night's rest you should wake up with perfectly plump, glowing skin. There's a reason they call it beauty sleep.

This might sound silly, but keeping your head slightly elevated will prevent water from building under and around your eyes while you sleep. You may still feel exhausted when your alarm goes off, but you won't have the puffy eyes to prove it.

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While sleep can do wonders for your skin, most people tend to dehydrate while they sleep. Try to consume one large glass of water before bed (and make a visit to the bathroom before tucking in to avoid midnight trips) and wake up refreshed. This is especially important if you've had any alcohol.

Your bedding spawns bacteria over time, and while you sleep, with your face smushed into your pillows, mouth slightly ajar, that nasty bacteria can be transferred to your own skin (which explains where those pesky morning pimples come from). Washing your bedding each week will cut down on those surprising morning blemishes significantly.

SEE MORE: 10 foods to eat for beautiful, clear skin.

You may be one of the lucky ones, flaunting that coveted pregnancy glow, or you could be faced with a complexion as pimply as your high school boyfriend’s. While you can’t do much about the hormonal rollercoaster ride, you can ensure you’re cleansing your skin really well every day to maintain clear pores and to remove dirt and makeup which only adds to the problem.

Serums sound like potions, and potions are magic and some days the only thing that could possibly make our skin look better is magic. And thus: why you should use serums. But seriously, serums are packed with vitamins that promote healthy, glowing skin. They should always be applied first after cleansing, so they're the closest thing to your skin (it goes serum, then moisturizer).

Depending on your skin type, you may need an added dose of moisture after applying your serum. If your skin is on the oily side, you might decide to skip this step, but moisturizing will help hydrate your skin before heading off for nine hours of sleep.