We all know a good night’s sleep makes us feel better, and that it’s also our skin’s best chance to repair and renew itself. While you rest, your skin works hard to produce collagen, repair damage and strengthen its natural barrier. Missing out on sleep can leave your skin looking dull, inflamed and tired. If you wake up looking tired, here are our tips for making the most out of your ‘beauty sleep’.
Satin and silk pillowcases are popular for reducing hair friction, but they can offer so much more than that. Switching out cotton pillowcases for a silkier alternative can help prevent skin creasing, which can help prevent sleep lines and wrinkles over time. These silkier alternatives are less absorbent than cotton, meaning they don’t soak up your night creams or oils, helping your skincare work better through the night. Washing them regularly removes any dirt, oils and bacteria, keeping potential breakouts at bay. How you sleep matters, but your nighttime routine also matters.
A good nighttime skincare routine can make all the difference. Products with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid help plump your skin, while ceramides and niacinamide soothe and support the skin barrier while you rest. Look for gentle, fragrance-free formulas to avoid irritation, even if you don’t have sensitive skin. Applying a serum first and following with a moisturiser locks in moisture without feeling heavy. If you have oily or breakout-prone skin, avoid heavy oils.
Don’t forget your body. Caring for your body as well as your face can be a mindful, meditative self-care ritual to help you relax and wind down before bed. Using a rich but non-greasy body moisturiser before bed will keep skin soft and hydrated overnight. If you’re like me and find that a thick moisturiser isn't enough to keep your skin from drying out overnight, layering products can be a great option. A soothing body oil to lock in that moisture. If your skin isn't as dry, a lightweight lotion followed by an oil or balm can provide extra hydration without greasiness.
Hydrating from the inside as well as the outside can help to revive your skin. Drinking some tea or water, but not too much to avoid disruption, to keep skin hydrated from within. A calming blend to help relax before bed and support restful sleep.
Everyone’s bedtime routine is unique - whether it’s a calming tea, a soothing sleep spray or gentle self-care. Finding what helps you relax is key to waking up refreshed and radiant. Beauty sleep isn’t magic, but with good habits, the right products and prioritising yourself, it’s the best treatment for tired skin.