A rejuvenating sleepover

As most of you know by now, our body uses the time spent sleeping for its self-healing functions. Therefore, by making sure you get a good rest, you allow your body more time to regenerate, which is why after a good night’s sleep, your skin feels refreshed! Skin cells are among the most rapidly renewing cells in the body and in the absence of environmental elements, such as the harsh sun, it is easier for your skin to heal and look youthful in the process. What you do to your skin before sleeping plays an extremely important role in how your skin looks in the morning.

Removal of Toxins: Women tend to carry a layer of makeup on their faces throughout the day and all its deposited toxins must be washed off in the evening without fail. Your skin, at bed time, must allow your pores to breathe. Falling asleep with toxins on your face will clog your pores and could lead to break-outs. If you’re too tired to wash and cleanse at night, at the very least, you should splash some warm water on your face and use a cotton ball toner to wipe away the day’s debris. Then slather some serum or some night-time cream.

Cleanse-Tone-Moisturise: Do use a mild cleansing lotion to remove the day’s bacteria, dirt and grime. Pay special attention to your eyes. If you use eye makeup, and follow by applying an alcohol-free toner to remove any residual dirt – this will enable better hydration. Next, moisturise your skin. If you are above 30, use a night-time specific anti-ageing cream on your face, neck and décolletage that will aid in nourishing and repairing the skin. If you are below 30, use a good night-time moisturiser depending on your skin type.

Eyes: If you wish to use an eye cream, there is no time better than bed time. It is a miracle worker if you are prone to waking up with puffy eyes. Apply a light eye cream to the skin under your eye and remember to be delicate.

Lips: Dry lips can be hydrated by applying a light lip balm before you go to bed. During the day, lip balm doesn’t last very long but at night, your skin gets to soak up all the moisture it can, leaving your lips softer.

Neck: Don’t ignore your neck, décolletage, hands and feet. They are equally important. In fact, your hands and neck often show the first signs of ageing. Look for anti-ageing ingredients like Vitamin A and Vitamin C in your beauty products. Moisturising these areas during the nights will help them look softer the next day.

Over-drying: Many women make this mistake, especially if confronted with pimples. When your skin is stripped of its essential oils, it increases sebum production to make up for the loss. This is what clogs your pores, causing pimples. A gentle cleanser, toner and moisturiser can help prevent this additional damage.

Keep Hair Away: Yes, your hair carries dirt and gets oily. When it touches your facial skin during sleep, the dirt gets deposited on your clean face. Pinning or tying it up will help avoid this.

Pillowcase: Silk or satin fibres will keep you from waking up with a bird's nest on top of your head. Silk is easier on hair – it helps to avoid tangles. It’s also better for the skin because there is less friction and this helps prevent creasing and wrinkles.

Change your pillowcases often: Your pillowcases are home to dead skin cells, so be sure to wash and change them at least once a week and flip your pillows over on days you’re not changing them.

— The writer is the director of a wellness spa.