SLEEPING BEAUTY
SLEEP YOUR WAY TO BETTER SKIN
It might seem like the greatest luxury in today’s mixed-up world but don’t underestimate just how vital sleep is for healthy-looking skin. And did you know, more sleep will actually make you look younger?
‘A good night’s sleep is like a mini facial for the skin,’ says Rachel Holm, aromatherapist and founder of Hanako.
‘During the day, our skin’s main job is to keep protected, whereas at night the skin switches into recovery mode.’
The time for maximum skin repair is around 11pm, explains Emma Hobson, Education Manager for the International Dermal Institute.
‘Sleep also allows the body to make more collagen, which minimises fine lines, and releases more human growth hormone, which increases muscle mass and strengthens skin,” says Emma, “Blood flow to the skin increases too, resulting in a healthy glow. And when you get your rest, you can see noticeable skin benefits within two to three weeks of improved sleep.’
WHY IT’S MESSING WITH YOUR FACE
‘The odd night of missing your seven to eight hours and surviving on three to four will just make your skin look a little dull and lacking lustre, but it should bounce back quickly,’ says Emma. ‘However, keep it up and there will be more visible signs of lines and wrinkles; loose and tired skin texture; poor skin function; dry, dehydrated and sensitised skin; dark circles; puffy eyes; sallow skin; and skin with poor immune capability.’
WHAT’S WITH BROKEN SLEEP? ‘A 2am wake-up could be an indication that the liver is in disharmony,’ says Rachel. ‘A distressed liver can lead to dry, itchy redness, acne, and dull and sagging skin. Poor sleep is often accompanied by reduced collagen and poor skin elasticity, which can lead to permanently wrinkled and saggy skin.’
ROUTINE, ROUTINE, ROUTINE ‘Go for thorough double cleansing, and use active serums, night-time oils and moisturisers,’ explains Emma. Did you know? Pure essential oils of eucalyptus, ylang ylang and lavender are beautiful sleep inducers.
Here’s Emma’s healthy go-to bedtime routine:
1: Turn of electronics and dim lights 30 minutes before bed.
2: Make your bedroom cool and as dark as possible.
3: Avoid alcohol, sugar and caffeine before bedtime.
4: Meditate before bedtime.
5: Have a warm bath with calming essential oils.
6: Don’t watch action movies before bed.
7: Write a to-do list before going to bed, so you can switch off your mind.
8: Drink a relaxing herbal tea.
9: Go to bed at the same time every night.
MY BESPOKE PRE-SLEEPING ROUTINE:
Dermalogica’s relaxing night-gel crema, Sound Sleep Cocoon, $124, dermalogica.com.au (A longtime favourite of mine)
Hanako Dream Mist, $24.95 , hanakotherapies.com This instantly relaxes
Natio Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser, $59.95, natio.com.au Could not live without this one. I like to use just a few drops of pure lavender oil.
NOTE: I’m not paid to endorse any of these products. I only recommend what I know really works.
