Everyone knows that getting eight hours of shut-eye a night will ensure you look your best, but did you also know you can harness the power of sleep to boost your natural beauty?
“At night, the skin is in repair mode, just like the rest of the body, and is more receptive to concentrated, targeted treatment during hours of rest,” says Dr Tom Mammone, executive director of skin physiology and pharmacology at Clinique.
“After dark, your skin cell renewal is much more active, eight times more active than at 1pm,” agrees Emma Schulz, national education manager for Darphin. “The biggest mistake people make is not putting anything on the skin before bed, so it uses up all the natural oils.”
And it’s not just your skin that can benefit. Supercharge your beauty sleep with these powerful products…
PEEL AWAY THE YEARS
Want to wake up looking rested and rejuvenated – even when you’re feeling anything but? Superdrug’s Naturally Radiant Glycolic Overnight Peel, £5.99 (www.superdrug.com), uses glycolic acid and antioxidants to exfoliate and fade pigmentation problems while you sleep. Apply after removing your make-up (being careful to avoid the eye area) and simply wash off the next morning.
SUPER SERUM
If you haven’t already added an anti-ageing serum to your evening routine, what are you waiting for? Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturising Serum Concentrate, £40 (www.kiehls.co.uk), contains glycerine, which acts like a magnet to draw moisture into the skin and has been proven to boost hydration overnight. Smooth on a fine layer (it’s thinner than a face cream) and allow to absorb before applying your moisturiser.
MASK THE PROBLEM
“While you are asleep, skin is busy repairing damage caused during the day, but is more prone to dehydration,” says Dr Mammone. Clinique’s Moisture Surge Overnight Mask, £30 (www.clinique.co.uk), is formulated to stem the flow, delivering all-important hyaluronic acid and seed extracts to strengthen the barrier that locks in moisture. Even better, you don’t have to wash it off in the morning.
CREAM OF THE CROP
If you prefer the nourishing feel of a thick, luscious face cream last thing at night, you’ll love The Jojoba Company Intense Overnight Renewal Cream, £34.95 (www.oneway2naturalhealth.com). Packed with skin saviours like vitamin E, marine collagen and argan oil, it plumps and promotes overnight skin renewal. Warm the cream between your fingertips before gently smoothing over the face and neck.
ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT
“Essential oils are drawn to natural oils in the skin,” explains Schulz, which is why she recommends the soothingly-scented Darphin Chamomile Aromatic Care, £44 (www.darphin.co.uk), before bed. “Put five drops in your palm, rub your hands together, breathe the fragrance in deeply then sweep your palms across your face from the nose outwards.”
HAIR HYDRATION
A true ‘hero’ product, Philip Kingsley Elasticizer, £15 (www.feelunique.com) was originally invented by the legendary hair dresser for Audrey Hepburn in 1974 and is still a bestseller. The pre-shampoo ultra-conditioning treatment can also be used overnight and rinsed out in your morning shower. Apply to damp hair and use a shower cap or towel to prevent the chills!
SCENT TO SLEEP
Indulging in a bit of pre-bed ‘me time’ will help send you off to the land of nod in no time. Add a few drops of Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil, £40 (www.aromatherapyassociates.com), to your bath or smooth over your skin before showering and breathe in the calming scents of chamomile and sandalwood.
SWEET DREAMS
Still having trouble sleeping? Andrea Garland’s Sleeping Beauty Collection, £39 (www.andreagarland.co.uk), is a one-stop shop for insomnia-prevention. Housed in a mock book box, it includes a chamomile and bergamot pillow mist, lip balm, an eye mask and even ear plugs to fast-track to you to sweet dreams.