Imagine maintaining healthy skin simply from getting enough (regular) sleep! The truth is you pretty much can––beauty sleep is real. The problem is it's really easy to underestimate the value of sleep and what it can do for your skin.

When you’re asleep, your skin is in recovery mode, working to regenerate itself and repair your damaged skin cells caused by pollution, sun and free radicals throughout the day. If you don’t sleep well, or you don't get enough sleep, your skin doesn't have enough time to fix the damage. This can lead to an accumulation of dead skin cells – resulting in dullness and acne breakouts – early signs of ageing, dehydrated skin, dark circles and puffy under eyes. 

What's The Ideal Amount of Sleep?

Of course, there’s no magic number when it comes to beauty sleep because we're all unique and it will differ for everyone. However, we recommend the ideal amount is around 7-9 hours of sleep each night for adults. It's important to keep in mind, though, that it’s not always about quantity. 

It's about quality, too. For sleep to reflect well on your skin and to help it properly regenerate, a consistent sleep pattern is key. Pressing the snooze button is certainly tempting, but it's important to fall asleep and wake up around the same time on a regular basis, (even on weekends). 

Here’s How You Can Maximise Your Beauty Sleep

Sometimes, sleeping well is easier said than done. We get it, it's often hard to switch off after a long day of work. Or you might be a light sleeper and wake up multiple times throughout the night. But fret not, there are lots of things you can do to potentially improve your sleeping habits and get a proper night's rest: 

1. Optimise Your Bedroom Environment

It's best to optimise your bedroom environment to prep yourself for sleep. Try to regulate your room temperature to something you are comfortable with and that won't be too hot or cold while you sleep. On top of that, shut your windows to minimise any external noise, and draw the curtains or blinds to eliminate as much street light as possible. It has been proven that darkness boosts the production of melatonin – a hormone that makes you sleepy. 

2) Take a Warm Shower

If you’re struggling to fall asleep or want to maximise your beauty sleep, a warm shower or bath right before bed can help you relax and is a well-known sleep remedy. Here's how it works: once you step out of the shower, you start cooling down – this signals your body that it’s time to sleep. Pro tip: use bath oils or shower gels with lavender to add an extra touch of luxury and relaxation!

3. Meditation and Relaxation Techniques

It’s simple – if you’re stressed out, you’re going to find it difficult to fall asleep. Yoga, meditation, and relaxation techniques will help calm your mind and therefore help you sleep better. You'll find tons of free calming yoga tutorials and videos on relaxing breathing techniques on Youtube. We also recommend downloading the Calm app!

4. Put Your Phone Away

At the risk of sounding preachy, we want to talk about the distractions that come with scrolling on your smartphone in bed or right before bed. The blue light that comes from your phone screen can affect your melatonin production –– the hormone that controls your sleep-wake cycle (aka circadian rhythm). When your sleep-wake cycle is disrupted, it makes it super difficult to fall asleep, and consequently wake up the next day. 

On top of that, being on your phone engages your brain, keeping your mind alert and activated, when really your aim should be to completely switch off! Master the practice of putting your phone away when your bedtime approaches and put it on airplane mode to make sure no buzzes, beeps, alarms or light wake you throughout the night. 

5. Choose the Right Beverages

Caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea), sugary drinks (sodas) and energy drinks are designed to stimulate your alertness. You probably already know this one, but unfortunately, caffeine and sugar don’t help much when it comes to sleeping well. Limit these drinks in the evening and at night, and instead, opt for calming beverages right before bed like chamomile tea.

6. Get That Makeup Off

No matter how desperate you are to get all cosy in bed, sleeping with your makeup on is a big no. Beauty sleep is real, but not if your pores are clogged and your skin can’t breathe. So, make sure you get rid of every bit of dirt, grime, and makeup before you call it a day.

7. Follow your PM Skincare Routine Religiously

Once you've thoroughly cleansed your face from dirt, pollution and makeup, following your regular nighttime skincare routine is important! Your night skincare products are often designed with ingredients to boost skin regeneration and repair (especially if you use Yours!). Good quality sleep paired with good quality skincare will leave you with healthier skin in no time.  

8) Hydrate Sufficiently

Your skin can easily dry out while you sleep, especially if you sleep with airconditioning or heaters. It's important to drink lots of water throughout the day as well as before bed. On top of that consume foods that are rich in water content––sufficient hydration is key to repairing and renewing your skin.

Beauty sleep is real and when done right, it's one of the easiest ways to keep your skin healthy. However, if you find that no matter how much consistent sleep you get and you still struggle with things like dark circles, breakouts and dehydrated skin, we're here to help. Take our free skin assessment and we'll personalise your skincare regimen to help target all your skin needs.