It’s a fact: sleep is literally at the core of everything we do. Without eight hours of shut eye, work, relationships and even our skin can suffer. Thankfully, there are products bridging the gap between sleep, beauty and wellness…
What happens during sleep
Even though we may look fast asleep when we’re snoozing, our body is actually still very active. It’s in repair mode busy reversing the day’s damage. A typical night of sleep comprises five different cycles, each lasting around 80 minutes. Each phase plays an integral role in the quality of sleep (it’s not just about quantity!), so when this is disrupted the body’s ability to regenerate is too.
Poor sleepers, it’s bad news for your skin – you’re likely to observe diminished skin barrier function, poor stem cell activity and most notably an increase in transepidermal water loss, collectively leading to a dehydrated and drained complexion, as well as premature signs of ageing.
Look for a moisturiser that addresses water loss: , Arbonne RE9 Night Repair Cream or Eau Thermale Avène
Remedies
The power of scent
Of all senses, olfaction (scent) is regarded as our most powerful and influential – studies have found scent receptors to be about 10,000 more accurate than taste buds! Stimulating the brain with scent has the ability to instantly trigger memories and evoke emotions, which is the basic premise of aromatherapy. Keep stress at bay and help promote sleep by adding one of the below to your self-care arsenal.
- Home scents
Whether dispersed via a diffuser or candle, the therapeutic effects of scents throughout your home, may well be conducive to a restful night’s sleep
Leverage the sedative effects of essential oils: Instant Calm Synergy Blend, Natio 100% Pure Natural Essential Oil Blend - Sleep, Signature Diffuser
- Calming mists and pillow sprays
Utilise essential oils in spritzing form with a pillow spray or calming mist - simply spray onto your pillow or face before bedtime.
Try:
Bath soaks
A bath at night is a bedtime ritual with real merit. When you come out of a warm bath into a cooler bedroom, your body temperature will drop. This drop in temperature signals to your body that it's time to rest, slowing down essential functions like your heart rate, breathing and digestion.
Try: Epsom Salt Bath Soak Soothe & Sleep – Lavender
Scented skin creams and oils
Swap out your night creams with those that contain both beautifying and stress-relieving benefits. Look for formulations that are predominately natural to ensure you reap the rewards of the blend.
Try: Dermalogica Sound Sleep Cocoon™ or LUSH Sleepy Body Lotion
Natural stress relief and sleep aids
Ease away the day’s anxieties and encourage healthy sleep patterns with one of the below remedies.
This 100 percent natural elixir is a powerhouse blend of aromatherapeutic herbs and essences that can induce a deeper level of sleep. The hero ingredients are Manuka and Kahikatea, which contain homeopathic melatonin and are renowned for their sedative properties.
Fatigue-fighting skincare
If the above falls short, mirror the glow of a full night’s rest with these masks and creams, which conceal signs of fatigue like puffiness, dark circles and a tired complexion.
Try: , , , MITOQ® EYE CREAM or
