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: Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator, Arbonne RE9 Advanced Night Repair Cream, Avène Hydrance Aqua Cream-in-Gel, or for men: Lab Series Age Rescue Water-Charged Gel Cream.
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 and essential oils or candle, the therapeutic effects of scents throughout your home, may well be conducive to a restful night’s sleep.
Try: Natio 100% Pure Natural Essential Oil Blend - Sleep, Jurlique Chamomile Pure Essential Oil, or endota spa Spirit Essential Oil
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: or The Body Shop Wellbeing Deep Sleep Dreamy Pillow and Body Mist
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: Aveda Stress-Fix Soaking Salts or Weleda Arnica Muscle Soak
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.
In Essence Sleep Easy Pillow Mist
In Essence Sleep Easy Pillow Mist is a soothing blend of pure essential oils of lavender, chamomile Roman and Valerian for a peaceful night's sleep. The aroma will help to unwind and rest, leaving the body feeling refreshed and bright the next morning. To use, spray a fine mist on your pillow or bed linen. It can also be used in the surrounding air.
Oil Garden Lavender Spray
Oil Garden Lavender Spray is a spray that calms and nurtures the body, promotes a restful night’s sleep and offers antibacterial 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: , NIVEA Q10PlusC Anti-Wrinkle + Energy Skin Sleep Cream, Innoxa Anti-Ageing Anti-Wrinkle + Firm Sleep Mask, Alpha-H Beauty Sleep Power Mist or Garnier Skin Naturals Miracle Sleeping Cream