Benefits of Beauty Sleep
Sleep's Beauty-Boosting Benefits
Slumber is nature's most powerful beauty treatment. Not only do the optimal seven to nine hours a night leave you looking luminous, but also many hair, face, and body products are most effective overnight because they penetrate better when you're at rest.
What is the science behind beauty Sleep & why is it so very important?
Early in the night time sleep cycle, we typically have a surge in growth hormones. These hormones are linked to repairing and regenerating collagen-producing cells, giving an appearance of youthfulness through your skins elasticity and tightness.
Many of the body’s tissues also show increased cell production and slower breakdown of proteins during deep sleep. Since proteins are the building blocks needed for cell growth and for repair of damage (damage caused by things like stress and ultraviolet rays), sleep is essential to keep your skin rejuvenated and in top condition.
Deep sleep also reduces cortisol (the stress hormone). Cortisol is not a friend of our skin! It can break down collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm and plump.
How can we pack even more power into our sleep?
Supplement your sleep. Magnesium is well known for its ability to relieve insomnia. One study found that it helps decrease cortisol, the “stress hormone” that can keep you up at night. It also helps muscles relax, to give you that calm “sleepy” feeling and help you unwind after a long day.
Moisturise. We naturally lose moisture during the sleep process, so it's very important to moisturise pre-sleep. Look for products that include hyaluronic acid or shea butter to lock in hydration and attract moisture to the surface of the skin—on your face and body. We recommend adding Overnight Repair Serum, by Dermalogica to your at night time moisturiser. Or using Pure Night Nourishing Overnight Treatment Cream by Dermalogica. Which packs some serious brightening Vitamin C.
Stick to a sleep schedule. Set aside no more than eight hours for sleep and go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Try to limit the difference in your sleep schedule on weeknights and weekends to no more than one hour. Being consistent reinforces your body's sleep-wake cycle. If you don't fall asleep within about 20 minutes, leave your bedroom and do something relaxing. Read or listen to soothing music. Go back to bed when you're tired. Repeat as needed.
Pay attention to what you eat and drink. Don't go to bed hungry or too full. In particular, avoid heavy or large meals within a couple of hours of bedtime. Your discomfort might keep you up. Nicotine, caffeine and alcohol deserve caution, too. The stimulating effects of nicotine and caffeine take hours to wear off and can wreak havoc on quality sleep. And even though alcohol might make you feel sleepy, it can disrupt sleep later in the night.
Create a restful environment. Create a room that's ideal for sleeping. Often, this means cool, dark and quiet. Exposure to light might make it more challenging to fall asleep. Avoid prolonged use of light-emitting screens just before bedtime. Consider using room-darkening shades, earplugs, a fan or other devices to create an environment that suits your needs. Doing calming activities before bedtime, such as taking a bath or using relaxation techniques, might promote better sleep.
Include physical activity in your daily routine. Regular physical activity can promote better sleep. Avoid being active too close to bedtime, however. Spending time outside every day might be helpful, too.
Manage worries. Try to resolve your worries or concerns before bedtime. Jot down what's on your mind and then set it aside for tomorrow. Stress management might help. Start with the basics, such as getting organized, setting priorities and delegating tasks. Meditation can also ease anxiety.
