You might not be aware of it, but a lot of things happen to the body during sleep. Most of it, skin deep. Sleep and skincare go hand in hand together, for better or worse.
No, it’s not just waking up with puffy eyes and dull skin; the causes and effects are long term. Sleeping gives the skin a chance to heal itself and ward off unwanted toxins (and breakouts). That said, poor sleep can be associated with faster aging because it reduces the skin's ability to repair the damage it gets during the day.
If you're looking to wake up with healthy, blooming skin, it's important to check the materials you put on it before you sleep. Here’s a guide to proper skin care before you hit the sack.
Cleanse before bedtime. If you're a makeup enthusiast, there's a good chance that your face is covered with the pore-clogging elements of your foundation, blush, and bronzer. On top of that, there's dirt that has accumulated on your skin as you walked down the street during your trip to the office. Cleansing is an important part of your beauty regime – something you can't just skip. Start off the process by using a gentle cleanser (such as a micellar water) to remove the grime. Some products have moisturizers locked in, so you can cleanse and moisturize at the same time.
Use the right kind of creams. There are so many skincare products on the market that it's easy to be confused which one will suit your skin type. There are serums that target age spots, tonics to zap wrinkles and peels that bring out a younger looking skin. If you're wondering which tub to take, pick the night-specific products – ones that offer cell repair and regeneration as you sleep. Make sure it's packed with retinol and anti-oxidants which penetrate the skin and helps in a faster turnover.
Exfoliate regularly. Exfoliation removes the dead skin cells to bring out a fresh new layer, making you look younger and glowing. But keep your hands off those loofas; you don't want to irritate your skin before bedtime. Exfoliate using gentle scrubs and cleansers once or twice a week. Avoid scrubbing around the eyes; this may lead to broken blood vessels and unwanted dark circles.
Having problems with acne and wrinkles? Check your pillows. Fabric with harsher cotton can aid in the development of facial creases. To avoid them, it's best to use a satin or silk pillowcase, both of which reduces skin trauma and line formation. To protect your skin, slather on a night cream with collagen, hyaluronic acid or silicon, all of which contains slip elements and decreases friction against your pillowcase.
Treat yourself to a face mask. Face masks contain active ingredients that can be easily absorbed into the skin. Putting it on gives you the feeling of your own spa – some masks even have light fragrances for aromatherapy. Cooling and moisturizing, masks are a perfect way to end your nightly beauty routine as you take your much-needed sleep.
Finished your skincare routine? It's time to slip into your satin pyjamas, pull the blankets, and dream away. Feel like Sleeping Beauty and wake up with your skin fresh and glowing with these skin care tips.
