5 top ways to boost beauty while you sleep
It might sound like a dream, but ‘beauty sleep’ is a scientifically backed approach that can help support radiant skin and overall wellbeing.
We’ve all uttered the phrase “I need my beauty sleep” when we’re feeling and looking tired.
But have you ever wondered what actually happens while we slumber?
Science is finding[1] that sleep plays a role in beauty and that beneath the surface of those blissful zzzz’s, various processes are quietly working away to enhance not just our appearance but our health in general.
Sleep is when your body repairs itself (including skin)
Sleep is essential for overall health, allowing our bodies to rest, repair and recharge.
And what about our skin?
When we’re awake, our largest organ takes a battering from environmental stressors such as UV rays, aircon and pollution.
But research[2] shows that as we sleep, skin repairs.
Meanwhile melatonin, a hormone that works as an antioxidant reducing skin ageing[3] by fighting free radicals, is also typically higher at night.
Research[4] shows lack of sleep can have an impact on your facial appearance, affecting hydration and elasticity.
It seems “You look tired” really is a thing!
5 ways to lock in your beauty sleep
1. Cleanse and moisturise
Cleansing your skin before you sleep removes accumulated dirt, oil and impurities, preventing clogged pores and allowing your skincare products to penetrate effectively, while moisturising helps to restore hydration[5] and repair the skin’s barrier function.
2. Invest in a silk pillowcase
What you’re laying your face on is also important.
Silk pillowcases not only feel smooth and cool on your skin, they can be good for it, with one study[6] showing silk can help control the severity of atopic dermatitis, and another study showing silk has antimicrobial and antibacterial[7] properties.
3. Adopt a relaxing bedtime routine
Winding down in the evening helps the body relax and prepare for sleep.
Whether it’s taking a bath, reading a book or mindfulness meditation, all can help get you into the right state for quality slumber.
4. Create the right sleep environment
A quiet, dark room kept at a cool temperature has been shown[8] to create a relaxing environment that promotes healthy sleep.
Choose a mattress and pillow that work for you and keep electronics off and out of reach.
5. Consider Evening Elixir to promote rest
WelleCo’s antioxidant-rich Evening Elixir is a delicious, naturally sweetened hot chocolate that has been specially formulated to help you achieve beauty while you rest.
The 12-ingredient formulation includes magnesium, vitamin B3, natural vitamin C from super fruit acerola, and botanical extracts passionflower, chamomile, lavender and lemon balm.
It’s a combination that has multifaceted benefits, from boosting skin collagen formation and helping to maintain skin structure and function for healthy, glowing skin, to supporting nerve and muscle function.
Meanwhile, its antioxidants help to protect cells from free radical damage.
With only 13 calories per serve and easily dissolved in milk or water, it is vegan, gluten and dairy free and Australian made.
Simply mix two teaspoons (5g) with 200ml of hot water an hour before bed each day and relax, unwind and embrace the restorative power of rest.
* This post is brought to you by WelleCo Evening Elixir. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. This product is a formulated supplementary sports food. It is not to be used as a sole source of nutrition and should be consumed in conjunction with a nutritious diet and an appropriate exercise program. Not suitable for children under 15 years of age or pregnant women.
[1] Kahan et al, 2010, Can poor sleep affect skin integrity? Medical Hypotheses, Volume 75, Issue 6, 535-537, retrieved March 2024, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030698771000246X
[2] Lyons et al, 2019, Circadian Rhythm and the Skin: A Review of the Literature, The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 12(9), 42-45, retrieved March 2024 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6777699/
[3] Bocheva et al, 2022, Protective Role of Melatonin and Its Metabolites in Skin Aging, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(3), 1238, retrieved March 2024 from https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/23/3/1238
[4] Leger et al, 2022, “You look sleepy…” The impact of sleep restriction on skin parameters and facial appearance of 24 women, Sleep Medicine, Volume 89, 97-103, retrieved March 2024 from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1389945721005761
[5] Purnamawati et al, 2017, The Role of Moisturizers in Addressing Various Kinds of Dermatitis: A Review, Clinical Medicine & Research, 15(3-4), 75-87, retrieved March 2024 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5849435
[6] Hung et al, 2019, Influence of silk clothing therapy in patients with atopic dermatitis, Dermatology Reports, 11(2), 8176, retrieved March 2024 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7137929/
[7] Parlin et al, 2020, A laboratory-based study examining the properties of silk fabric to evaluate its potential as a protective barrier for personal protective equipment and as a functional material for face coverings during the COVID-19 pandemic, PLoS One, 15(9), e0239531, retrieved March 2024 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7500605/
[8] Grandner et al, 2022, Development and Initial Validation of the Assessment of Sleep Environment (ASE): Describing and Quantifying the Impact of Subjective Environmental Factors on Sleep, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(20), 13599, retrieved March 2024 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9602531/