Sleep is the fountain of youth and the key to beauty, even though it sounds like a cliché. Beauty sleep is very real and it refers to the process by which our skin and body heal themselves from the day. Deep sleep encourages our bodies to produce growth hormones and goes into recovery mode. The growth hormones help create new skin cells that restore damaged skin during the day.

What’s the Secret to Beauty Sleep?

It isn’t just about how many hours you sleep, but also about the quality. A poor sleep cycle can lead to skin problems such as imbalances, dehydration, redness, wrinkles, and even breakouts.

1. Skincare Before Bed

Wash your face before bedtime is the first step. To remove any toxins and makeup that you may have accumulated throughout the day. After that, you need to take care of your skin. Use a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid overnight to keep your skin supple and prevents wrinkles. You can also use products with Vitamin A or Vitamin C, which can help rev collagen production.

2. Take Care of Hair

Keeping your hair hydrated and healthy while you sleep is possible with an overnight hair treatment. It can be difficult to find the time to add treatments and masks to our haircare routines, so overnight treatments are ideal. Keep your hair out of your face while you’re sleeping by wrapping it up in a silk scarf. High, loose ponytail is a great way to keep your most recent blowout intact.

3. Hydrating Foods

Hydration is crucial to your beauty. drinking water is great as it flushes the system and hydrates our bodies overall. In fact, around a fifth of your daily fluid intake comes from the foods you eat. It is recommended to eat more vegetables and fruits rich in water to stay hydrated, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, celery, lettuce, zucchini, watermelon, peaches, oranges, apples and strawberries.

4. Relaxing Sleep Environment

Have a bedroom that signals to your body that it’s time to sleep. Putting a humidifier on your nightstand before bed to mitigate losing any moisture from dry sleep spaces. Choose high-thread-count cotton sheets or silk pillowcases, softer sheets may be good for aging skin. Sleep on your back instead of your side, if you can help it. Don’t let your face rub against the pillow can help keep your skin looking smooth.

Things to Avoid Before Bed

1. Alcohol Intake 

Alcohol dilates the blood vessels, meaning more swelling, specifically in the eyes or face. At least four hours before bedtime, stay away from alcohol and drink decaf tea or warm milk instead.

2. Salty Snacks

Salty snacks close to bedtime can cause inflammation and under-eye bags. It could also contribute to stomach aches and longer sleep latency, or the time it takes to fall asleep. Instead of reaching for that bag of chips you’ve been craving, consider healthier foods that help you sleep. 

3. Dirty Bedsheets

Changing your sheets often should help remove acne-causing bacteria and keep your skin healthy. Most experts recommend weekly washings for sheets, or once a fortnight if you’re pressed for time occasionally.

Conclusion

Your body heals and regenerates itself while sleeping. You can feel and look better with enough sleep duration and quality. By following the steps above, you can wake up feeling refreshed and beautiful.