Eight hours sleep a night, who gets that? Not me, which is why I try every new night cream or sleep aid that promises to give me a blissful night's rest. Here's my latest crush, a cream that hydrates and exfoliates overnight to cheat the look of a well-rested me.
Environ Focus Care Alpha Hydroxy Night Cream, $91
Your skin, like the rest of your body, rejuvenates while you sleep. So, if you need to catch up on some shut-eye, you need to know about the latest beauty weapon that cheats the look of a good night's rest.
What is it?
A night cream that nourishes and exfoliates at the same time.
What's in it?
A blend of glycolic and lactic acids keep skin in top condition by protecting its natural pH, which prevents dryness and irritation. The addition of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) improves the texture of your skin while you sleep.
Who can use it?
Anyone over 30 who is sporting brown spots or a dull complexion after the summer will love the effects of this cream. The mild exfoliating formulation shifts dark spots and dullness to energise a tired, blotchy complexion. And because it's gentle, sun-damaged, dry, acne-prone and even sensitive skin can benefit. Autumn is the ideal time to start using this cream, two or three nights a week.
The sleep tips Trudi Brewer swears by
Keep a notebook on your bedside table.
If you are an overthinker like me, the moment your head hits the pillow your mind runs at a million miles an hour creating a never ending to-do list. Keep a notebook on your bedside table so you can jot your ideas down. This way you won't forget anything and you'll clear your mind, allowing you to relax and get a better night's sleep.
Go to bed at the same time during the week.
Dull but effective. Making sure you have a regular night-time routine will help to clear your mind (now that it's getting chilly, try taking a warm bath). Drinking herbal tea and having alcohol-free nights during the week will also help to improve the quality of your sleep.
Exercise in the morning.
Not my tip; stacks of research backs up the idea that regular, gentle exercise helps you sleep well. It also helps you wake up more alert and enables you to focus during the day. If you’re having trouble sleeping, make sure you do your exercise in the morning, be it yoga, a run or a brisk walk. Exercising before bed will give you a rush of endorphins and make it harder to wind down at the end of the day.