When we sleep, our body goes into restore mode. Our skin is going through the process of cellular renewal, fighting free-radical damage (from what was surely another busy day) as well as prepping for the next one.
“[During sleep], our skin enhances its ability to fight environmental and natural damage, to help leave you with a smoother, brighter complexion,” explains Dr Howard Murad, founder of Murad Skincare. “Sleep also helps to fight age spots, fine lines and regenerate collagen, which is responsible for your skin’s elasticity and firmness.”
Even though your skin is hard at work, there are a few things we can do to aid and enhance what our body does naturally – and a couple more just for appearance sake. Let’s break down why these lotions and potions give real meaning to the term beauty sleep.
The night cream
Yes, there is a difference between moisturisers you use during the day and those you use at night – and it’s to do with more than time. Night creams tend to have a more potent mix of ingredients to combat the signs of ageing, and these formulas increase skin’s sensitivity when exposed to UV rays.
Others tend to be ultra-hydrating and richer, which would make them too heavy under makeup. A great general night moisturiser that combines both anti-ageing and hydrating benefits is Trilogy Rosapene Night Cream, $54.90. This tub combines rosehip oil, manuka honey and goji berries to help repair and rejuvenate skin while you nod off.
The serum
Serums include more active ingredients than moisturisers. “Serums are generally step two of a three-step process. You should be cleansing, then treating/repairing the skin before hydrating and protecting it,” says Dr Murad. “A serum will target concerns to help restore your skin by treating it with more active ingredients.”
As with all skincare, you should use a serum that relates to your needs. Dehydration? Wrinkles and sagging skin? Acne? Uneven skin tone? Sensitivity? You can also get serums that target multiple issues like Murad Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum, $103.99. This not only hydrates but also helps to soothe skin irritation and treat redness. It can also be used during the day, under your sunscreen.
The Oil
If you’re anti-oils because you fear they will leave your face a greasy mess and block your pores, think again. Skincare oils have come a long way, especially when it comes to the ones you use after dark. The latest oils are fast-absorbing and tend to be nourishing enough to wear alone or layer with a moisturiser when your skin is extra dry, as is often the case in winter.
A cult product is Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate, $98. With a cocktail of botanical extracts and oils that include evening primrose, squalane and lavender essential oil, this lightweight oil helps to replenish skin and create a radiant complexion by the time you wake.
The mask
If your night cream is just not cutting it, it may be time to bring in some serious hydration in the form of a mask. Your skin loses moisture throughout the day, so it’s important to restore it while you sleep.
There are also some products that have added perks. The Body Shop Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask, $74, contains stem cells to help your skin spring back into shape after your face has been squashed against a pillow for hours. Time to wave goodbye to those morning crease marks.
The Sleep Supporter
For all the good skincare can do, it’s still important to get some quality shut-eye. “It’s not just how long you sleep, it’s how well you sleep,” explains Dr Murad. “While cells repair and rebuild at all stages of sleep, the majority of cell turnover and regeneration occurs during deep REM [rapid eye movement] sleep, when we are truly fast asleep.”
Your body needs a couple of key ingredients to reach this desirable state: magnesium works to ease stress and tension while also relaxing muscles, and tart cherry helps you not only fall asleep but also stay asleep. You’ll find both of these sleep supporters in Go Healthy Go Magnesium Sleep, $32.90.
Photos: Getty / Bauer Photo Studio
