Sleeping is an opportunity for your skin to rest and regenerate. That’s why a nighttime skincare routine is SO important.
During the day, our skin cells are actively working to protect us from UV exposure and free radical damage[1]. While we sleep, our body temperature drops, blood flow to the skin's surface increases and a daily renewal routine takes place. In essence, waking hours are the skin's defensive period, whereas sleep time is an important regenerative phase[2].
With this in mind, how can we help our skin perform at its best?
Cleanse
To make way for the skin's restorative nighttime routine, removing makeup, dirt and oils from the skin’s surface is key. An evening cleansing routine assists to wash away these irritants from the skin’s surface and reduce clogged pores. There are a number of types of cleansers that you’re able to use depending on your skin type. For example, a cream cleanser may be best for dry skin as it's gentle and moisturising. Or, if you’ve worn heavier make-up throughout the day and are prone to an increased blockage of your skin’s pores congestion, an oil-based cleanser will deeply penetrate and clean.
Moisturise
Moisturising is key to keeping your skin feeling soft, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and creating a smoother appearance. To maximise absorption and keep your skin soft and smooth, use a moisturiser on damp skin and at least 15 minutes before going to bed for best results[3], as the moisturiser will take this time to penetrate the skin (and you don’t want to lose any on your pillow!).
In addition to ensuring that you cleanse and moisturise, there are some additional steps that you can take to ensure your skin is feelings it’s best:
- Ensure that all of your skincare products are dermatologically tested.
- Get a good nights sleep! It’s called ‘beauty sleep’ for a reason, as poor sleep quality will reduce moisture in your skin and cause dullness.[4]
- Regularly wash your pillowcase and sheets, as the dirt and bacteria from your bed is exposed to your skin for long periods of time.
- When you first wake-up, splash your face with some water to kickstart your skin’s circulation.
For dermatologically tested skincare products suitable for the whole family, why not click here to explore the Alpha Keri range.
References:
1. International Journal of Molecular sciences (UV Radiation on Skin):
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3709783/
2. International Journal of Molecular sciences (Biological rhythms of Skin)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4926335/
3. Book: ‘Cosmetic Formulation- Principles & Practice’- Digital access: shorturl.at/fR057
4. Science Daily (Sleep deprivation linked to aging skin): https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/07/130723155002.htm
