UrbanUpdate

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A lack of sleep has been linked to pretty much every bodily ailment out there (heart disease, obesity, cancer, death...) but here’s one that might actually get you to shut down earlier: wrinkles. A study from scientists at University Hospitals (UH) Case Medical Center found that the sleep deprived were more likely to have increased signs of aging. (Researchers say sleep allows the skin to repair itself with the help of melatonin, a natural antioxidant that fights off age spots and fine lines, as well as collagen, the stuff that keeps skin from sagging.)

Since getting a solid eight isn’t always possible, see three ways to maximize the hours your skin does spend in the dark after the jump.

**1. Cleansing at Night > Cleansing in the Morning

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By evening, a hefty layer of grime (think: germs that have jumped from your phone to your chin; saliva particles from someone who sneezed too close) is sitting on top of your skin, which is why you’ve got to wipe down before hitting the sheets. (As long as you don’t have skin issues or sleep in a grimy frat house, a splash in the morning is really all you need after that.) Make your evening routine painless on late nights by keeping cleansing pads near your bed. (Try Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads.)

2. Wash Your Face Last in the Shower

If you work out in the evenings and take your shower afterwards, make sure to cleanse your face after washing your hair. Otherwise, residue from your shampoo and conditioner could sit on your skin and clog up pores (leading to acne) while you snooze.

**3. Go to Bed Hydrated

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Evenings are the best time to layer on the super-rich moisturizers that we skip during the day for fear of shine. And since some vitamins don’t hold up well in the sunlight, you’ll get more bang for your buck using anti-agers (try Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Anti-Wrinkle Cream) in the evening.

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