HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR COMPLEXION AT NIGHT?
The role of sleep in facial skin renewal
The skin on your face regenerates up to 3 times faster during the night than during the day. How can I take care of my complexion at night? Then you know that the story of "beauty sleep" is not a myth. Sleep serves as a reset button for your body - to recover from the stresses of the day and to give your skin a rest - from external pollution, from cosmetics and from the sun rays that we know affect our skin even when we're hiding behind a cloud.
Hormones produced during sleep, such as melatonin, also play an important role in improving skin condition at night. Studies have shown that melatonin acts as an antioxidant, which helps to reduce damage to the skin during the day. It helps fight the first signs of ageing and cell damage. Sleep also reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which not only improves sleep quality but also reduces the loss of skin elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles.
To help you get a better night's sleep and boost melatonin production before bed:
- Avoid artificial light sources - phone, computer, TV, etc. Turn off screens at least an hour before going to bed and, if possible, do not bring them into your bedroom;
- enjoy a warm bath. Did you know that it's the cooling of the body, including getting out of a warm bath, that makes you feel sleepy? Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the bath water or lavender bath foam and indulge in a pleasant bedtime ritual.How to take care of your complexion at night?
3 skin-healthy bed linen materials
The pillowcase surrounds your complexion and hair at night, so the quality of its material has a significant impact on the appearance and well-being of your complexion. The choice of bed linen, or more specifically pillowcase, is almost as important as the make-up you use every day. Here are some of the best bed linen materials for a healthy complexion:
- Silk has long been known for its positive effects on hair and skin health. Silk bed linen naturally regulates body temperature and, unlike cotton for example, does not absorb the face cream you apply. This allows the products to be fully absorbed by the skin and prevents dehydration. In addition, a silk pillowcase is the best choice for those with very sensitive skin or frequent acne breakouts.
- However, as silk is relatively expensive, buyers often opt for a more wallet-friendly alternative - satin. Due to its silky texture, satin offers similar benefits to silk, including preventing the absorption of moisture and reducing the formation of 'sleep wrinkles'.
- Egyptian cotton, on the other hand, is well known for its natural origin and its durability, softness and breathability. This fabric is naturally hypoallergenic, so there is little chance of it irritating the skin. Especially if you have very sensitive or dry, itchy skin, bed linen made from this fabric can provide that much-needed soothing sensation at night.
Dirty pillowcases - the cause of many skin problems
The pillowcase absorbs sweat, dirt and environmental dust. If you regularly deal with rashes, acne and all kinds of skin irritations, change your clean pillowcase more often to prevent germs from accumulating on your skin.
That's why I think it's so important to remind you to cleanse your face twice a day with foam, gel or your favourite cleanser to maintain a healthy complexion.
Many people ask: can you really get away with cleansing your face only in the evening, after a long day? After all, you've never been anywhere at night - that's when your face is clean. However, the microbes absorbed by your pillowcase have the potential to harm your complexion even at night.
Plus, your skin is more susceptible at night. What's the good news? It's more permeable not only to dirt, but also to skincare products. Treat your complexion before you go to bed - change a clean pillowcase every 2-3 days and don't forget to apply a nourishing face cream before you go to sleep. Your skin will thank you!
In love,
Maija Rieksta-Riekstiņa
Vegan Fox creator and manager