Feeling overdue for a facial? There's no need to pay a ton of money for a professional treatment, or to spend a ton of time scrubbing and rinsing skin over the sink. According to dermatologist Dr. Megan O'Brien, with the right products you can exfoliate, repair, and moisturize skin — all while you snooze. "Nighttime products should include ingredients that will refresh the skin by turning over the skin cells, stimulating collagen, and providing moisture to the skin to help maintain its barrier fuction."

Dr. O'Brien says that the treatment process starts with a clean slate, so wash off dirt, oil, and makeup with a gentle cleanser. Once your skin is clean, simply select the skin-care ingredient that works best for your skin type. For exfoliation and collagen stimulation, Dr. O'Brien likes products with alpha-hydroxy acids, although she warns that these ingredients can be irritating: "If your skin is sensitive or prone to dryness, avoid concentrations higher than 5% in the colder months as they can lead to irritation and dryness. I like the Physicians Formula Deep Wrinkle Corrector Day and Night Cream."

If you're looking to treat or prevent wrinkles, dermatologist and author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets of a Top New York City Dermatologist, Dr. Debra Jaliman recommends products containing retinol, which will repair your skin and encourage cell turnover while you snooze. But no matter which treatment you choose, both derms stress that it's key to seal in your treatment with a thick moisturizing cream containing hyaluronic acid or ceramides (look for one that's non-comedogenic if you're at all prone to breakouts). For an extra dose of skin-plumping moisture (and to avoid waking up feeling parched from indoor heat), keep a humidifier going while you sleep.

Vicks UV Germ Free Humidifier, $91, available at Soap.com; Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals Purifying Facial Cleanser, $20, available at Sephora.

Photo: MCV Photo