We all know that a good night’s sleep is vital to looking our best and being healthy but sometimes things happen and we end up running on empty for the day.

Dark and puffy eyes and sallow skin are tell-tale signs that you have had no sleep. Whether it’s due to illness, work stress or getting up at night to look after the kids, there are ways to look fresh even after a night of poor quality sleep.

We all have had days we have spent looking exhausted. Some of us pile makeup on.

Health experts at Amerisleep share five simple and natural tricks they use to look refreshed after a bad night’s sleep.

Drink powdered magnesium, or bathe in magnesium salts.

Not getting the recommended eight hours of sleep per night can lead to higher stress levels and inflammation. This will make your eyes look puffy and your skin look tired. Magnesium is an anti-inflammatory and anti-stress mineral. Magnesium has a natural antioxidant effect which aids oxygen uptake, electrolyte balance and energy production.

Add powdered magnesium citrate to a mug of hot water and sip throughout the day. It will help to reduce tiredness and fatigue, and will also help maintain healthy bones and muscles.

If you have more time, take a quick bath with magnesium salts. The salts will soothe your tired muscles, lowering inflammation and minimizing puffiness.

Apply a Quick Coffee Scrub

Drinking coffee is typically the go-to for the sleep deprived. The caffeine may perk you up for a while, but coffee has dehydrating effects which won’t help your skin.

At Fromgirltogirl.com we drink Oaza Cold Brew because it contains electrolytes.

Instead, why not make a simple coffee face scrub?

How to make a Coffee Face Scrub

Combine a cup of ground coffee and two tablespoons of sugar it’s best to use brown sugar as it is more gentle) then add enough coconut oil and mix until the scrub feels like wet sand. Then, gently scrub your face.

The coffee and sugar both act as exfoliants, which will help to rid your skin of dullness, while the caffeine will help get rid of dark under eye circles by causing the blood vessels to constrict. The scrub will last up to two months if stored properly in an airtight container ( must be located in a cool, dry place).

Hydrate, Exfoliate, and Massage

Start by drinking 20-30 ounces, or between 2.5 and 3.75 cups, of room temperature (or slightly chilled) lemon water. Water wakes up the body, flushes out toxins, and combats puffiness. In the shower, exfoliate with a gentle scrub to get rid of dullness by making the skin look bright and dewy. 

If your skin still looks puffy, lightly massage the skin while applying a serum or moisturizer. Focus on moving the lymph fluid from the center of your face towards the periphery. 

Curling your eyelashes will open your eyes up even more, and a bold lip color (i.e. fuchsia or red) will brighten up your face.

Splash Cold Water, Drink Green Tea

Splash your face with ice cold water. This will brighten your complexion and tighten your skin. Around your eyes, try applying a cream with green coffee extract or rosemary, which will help to de-puff and increase circulation.

Try drinking green tea rather than your morning coffee. Coffee has no health benefits and won’t hydrate you. Green tea is packed with antioxidants and will keep you hydrated. It also contains caffeine, just not as much as coffee does.

Dab organic grapefruit essential oil on your pulse points (wrist and neck), which studies show could cause people to perceive you as looking younger and fresher.

If you wear makeup, choose foundation instead of concealer. A light layer of foundation all over is the quickest and easiest way to look alive in one step, as this will even out your skin tone. 

Reduce Swelling with a Cold Compress

The eyes are usually the first signs of a fitful night, followed by the skin.

To combat dullness, exfoliate and moisturize. A skin spritzer can help to wake up your skin and keep you looking fresh. It doesn’t matter whether you use a canned water mist or one from a skincare brand. The cool liquid can feel energizing, too.

For the eyes specifically, makeup will only go so far. If you have time in the morning, apply cool cucumber slices or wet tea bags. Green or black tea is best, because the caffeine helps, especially if the tea has been in the refrigerator before applying to your eyes. This will help ease swelling and increase blood flow.

Finally, a workout can help give you a boost, although if you’re tired it might be the last thing you want to do.