5 Ways to Avoid Looking Tired When You’re Sleep Deprived

Life can be busy--an extended work schedule, a mile long list of errands, and time for family and friends can often result in not getting enough sleep. But that doesn't mean looking tired and showing your age is the only answer. Even when you're sleep deprived you can have great skin. Ample sleep is what keeps us looking young but for those times when you're sleep deprived, here’s how to avoid looking tired:

1. Cucumbers and Tea Bags These natural remedies really work to combat puffy eyes. Steep tea bags in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes and let cool. Place on your eyes for 15 to 30 minutes (And consider a power nap while your eyes are closed!). The same goes for cucumbers. Cut thick slices, place on your eyes, and voila, no more puffy eyes.

2. Turn upside down. When your face is washed out and dull from lack of sleep turn your head upside down for a minute or so. Your face will look flush and vibrant. Use this as a canvas to put on your makeup.

3. Choose eye cream with cucumber extract. In those few minutes of sleep that you do get at night, consider adding an under eye cream to your repertoire. Choose products with cucumber extract. These types of products have a higher concentration of cucumber than just using cucumber slices. The extract soothes and moisturizes your eyes so you can avoid looking tired.

4. Put on caffeine, but don’t drink it. Topical products with caffeine are great because they are a natural anti-inflammatory. They effectively reduce the amount of swelling under your eyes by constricting blood vessels. On the other hand, drinking caffeine to unnaturally extend your non-sleep hours isn’t doing your skin any good. Drink water instead of coffee and your skin will thank you.

5. Add a pop of color Distract from pale, tired skin with a pop of color on your lips. Consider a bright lip stick or gloss to bring the attention away from your tired eyes and toward your defined lips.

Sara Novak is a Natural Health Care Expert for Zax Health. Follow her on Twitter at @sarafnovak.