Did you know, skin repairs and rejuvenates while you're sleep? Here are some of the best beauty buys to help you get a great night’s sleep, says editor Trudi Brewer.
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The concept of beauty sleep isn't a myth. Science tells us that a great night's sleep not only maintains sound mental health, and long-term it's a great way to prevent stress and skin ageing. Here's our recipe on how to get the best night's sleep.
SUPPLEMENTS
More than ever, we live in a world that is hard to switch off. Many of us are guilty of too much screen time, making it impossible to get the recommended nine hours of sleep each night. Add to this, the tedious task of tuning out of that never-ending 'to-do' list we have in our thoughts. While it's not as simple as popping a pill, when it comes to sleep, there are some very effective supplements with ingredients such as magnesium, tart cherry, 5-HTP, bach flower, vitamin B complex and passionflower that work to help you relax and rest well. Here's our edit of supplements to enhance beauty sleep.
TIP
Sleep is food for your brain, body, and skin. We need seven hours of sleep minimum each night to truly feel well-rested, but a recent Southern Cross survey says Kiwi’s are sleep deprived. According to the health provider, 80 percent of New Zealanders would rather have a full night's sleep than a big night out.
Sleep helps your brain detox, helping you to free refreshed and think more clearly when you wake up.
The survey was of 1650 New Zealanders aged over 18.
Bach Rescue Remedy Sleep Spray, $25. Swisse Ultiboost High Strength Magnesium Powder Orange, $34.. Sleep Drops, Adults, $41. Sleep by Remifemin 30 Tablets, $31.
NIGHT CREAMS
Not only are they that luxurious step in any evening skincare regime, but many night creams are also laced with sleep-enhancing essential oils while being designed to repair, replenish, and regenerate your skin while you rest. Take the time to massage these highly concentrated, thick and creamy formulas into the skin, and make sure you apply them to onto the neck and decollete; they work to undo the environmental damage pollution, temperatures fluctuations, and UV exposure.
TIP
While you sleep, your skin cells are busy too. It's at night that the cell rejuvenation process takes place. A restless night, affects the moisture levels in your skin, lowering your complexions pH levels, compromising the skin's barrier, causing unnecessary dryness, sensitivity, redness, and it can even trigger breakouts - and no one wants that.
Snowberry Sweet Dreams Night Cream, $54. Shiseido White Lucent Overnight Cream & Mask, $129. Eau Thermale Avène Physiolift Night Cream, $70. Trilogy Rosapene Night Cream, $58.
EYES
If you don't use an eye cream, it's time to start. These light and luxe-y creams have been specifically designed to tackle fine lines, puffiness, and pigmentation around this delicate area. For best results, use only the smallest amount and don't get too close to the eye area. Pat a little on the brow bone and just above the cheekbone, don't go any higher than the orbital bone, as the cream warms with your skin and will travel into the eye area while you sleep.
TIP
Dark circles are the result of your blood vessels dilating, while puffiness often occurs if you sleep on your stomach. Fluid can pool under-eye the eye throughout the night and cause puffiness, or applying too much eye cream. To combat this, slip on a silk sleep mask, and prop up your head with an extra pillow to keep the fluid in your body flowing downward, instead of pooling under your eyes. If you're reading this and currently have under-eye bags, a chilled, skin-tightening caffeine-packed eye cream will help, and a slick of concealer will always help cover-up the look of tiredness - but nothing works a well as a great night’s sleep.
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream, $42. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matrix, $138. Clarins Extra Firming Eye, $98. QVS Deluxe Sleeping Mask Black, $11.
LIPS
Moisturising your lips before bed is a great habit to start. These areas are often forgotten about but will benefit the most from some extra TLC. Before you drift off, pop on balm on your lips or any dry areas such as cuticles or heels - you'll be amazed at the softness of your skin in the morning.
TIP
Blue light from your smartphone will keep you up at night. It's hard to step away from Instagram or your iPad while relaxing in bed. While you are scrolling and your device is glowing the blue daylight spectrum light, which is the colour of the sun, stimulates and energizing your system because your circadian rhythm is right behind your eyeball, this impacts your melatonin levels, keeping you awake. Remember a good night's sleep, equals great-looking skin.
Trilogy Everything Balm, $28. Aveeno Intense Relief Hand Cream, $14. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Lip Repair Balm, $46. Burt’s Bees Pomegranate Lip Balm Tube, $9.