We’ve all seen the studies about why sleep is so important, a full eight hours keeps our bodies and brains fitter, happier and more focused. The results of these wonder hours are also just as effective on our skin, leaving you with a healthier glow after a night’s rest.
While we are sleeping, our cells go into overdrive to help repair the damage incurred during the day, for example from environmental pollutants and UV radiation. During this time our blood vessels dilate, allowing an increased flow of nutrients and oxygen to the skin, which helps stimulate the removal of toxic cellular products. Using this cell regeneration to your advantage, it is most effective to feed them with products to optimise healing, hydrate for improved barrier function, and regulate oil production.
To get the full eight hours of rest needed to give your skin a boost, you need to start winding down several hours in advance. Follow our 5 essential tips to perfect your bed time routine, and ensure your skin and body is revitalised in the morning.
Cleanse
Cleansing your skin before bed is a step to never skip. An evening cleanse allows you to take off your makeup and wash away any grime and oil that your skin has accumulated throughout the day. Twice a week elevate this to a scrub with an exfoliator, to buff away dead and dull skin cells.
Hydrate
From serum, to anti-aging products or luxe night creams, this is your time to get the most action from them. Apply just before bed and you will boost the effects. Eye cream is one not to skip as this area of skin is more fragile, more prone to dryness, and quicker to show age and fatigue.
Disconnect
Bright lights such as those on your computer or TV screen activate the brain, keeping your mind alert before bed. Studies suggest electronic devices right before bedtime can interfere with the quality of your sleep, so switch everything off and relax before bed to help you sleep.
Position
Avoid sleeping on your face as it creates a lack of circulation to the skin, which is squashed into the pillow. This can lead to wrinkles, fine lines and creases. If breaking the habit is too hard, try sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase, which won’t compress the skin as much.
By Eliza Scarborough
