How to Moisturise and Revitalise Your Skin
How many products are in your skincare arsenal? Do you really need them all? There must be a less complicated way to moisturise and revitalise your skin. Over the years, you may throw away a huge amount of money in the pursuit of supple skin. It’s time to find a routine that delivers consistent results.
Sometimes, the best things in life really are free. Sleep, for instance, is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself. There’s a reason that it’s known as beauty sleep – and that’s because a full and restful night’s sleep will heal your body. Proper repose can mend your skin as well as physical and mental ailments.
If you develop healthy habits around bedtime, your skin will benefit quickly. Need some corroboration? Read on for details about how your appearance and your overall wellbeing will improve when you commit to getting a bit more shut-eye.
Let it breathe
We all occasionally neglect this important golden rule. You may stumble in (possibly having had a bit too much to drink) and flop into bed just as the sun is rising over the rooftops. Get up and wash your face! It won’t take long and it’s one of the easiest things you can do to revitalise your skin. You don’t want to take the day’s pollution to your pillow, do you? Imagine what all that dirt is doing to your pores. It’s vital that you gently (but thoroughly) cleanse your skin each night. Clogged pores breed bacteria and inhibit collagen production. When you’re in your 30s and still being asked for proof of age, you’ll thank yourself. Besides, who wants ruddy, spotted skin?
At the end of the day…always moisturise
During the night, your cells are busily regenerating themselves – and they do so more rapidly at this time than they do during the day. Your skin’s cells are also more receptive to treatment at night because they don’t have to contend with sun. You see, active ingredients are less effective when exposed to the sun. You’re doing yoru face a favour if you wash your face and apply a generous dollop of moisturising cream or serum. This habit encourages your skin to hold on to the essential oils that keep it soft and well hydrated. You’ll see a radiant and healthy glow in your morning mirror.
Lip service
Your mouth is, perhaps, second only to your eyes as the feature that gets the most attention. What sorts of messages are your lips sending out? Vanity aside, if they’re dry and cracked, they’re probably also painful. A quick treatment tip for healthy lips: exfoliate! Run a soft toothbrush over them every night. The mechanical action will slough off dry bits and leave supple lips in its wake.
Making eyes
Don’t forget your eyes! Remember what we just discussed? They’re a popular feature of your face and they should express your personality. Unless you want them to tell everyone that you don’t care about yourself, do take the time to give them the hydration that they need. You’ll stop those tell-tale lines and bags in their tracks, too. The skin around your eyes is much thinner and more delicate. It requires a bit of extra effort to moisturise it. Find a light, rich cream or oil and apply it – gently, using circular motions that will stimulate the skin cells.
Exfoliate! Exfoliate!
Out with the old, in with the new. Regular exfoliation will slough off dead cells so that they can be replaced by new ones. The key phrase here, however, is ‘be gentle’. Sensitive skin is susceptible to damage from the sun’s rays as well as from environmental pollutants. This means that night time is the right time for exfoliating. You’ll see the benefits even if you only manage to do it twice a week.
Don’t forget your hands and feet
As the largest organ of the body, your skin covers a lot of real estate. All of it needs appropriate attention, too – not just your face, neck and décolletage. What about your hands and feet? They need love! Find a rich, natural moisturising cream or oil and apply it to your arms and legs to keep them supple. It will stop them getting rough and dry. During the colder months, you might want to wear socks and gloves to bed. Not only does this allow the skin to properly absorb the treatment, but it also promotes good circulation. You may feel less stressed, as well, so you’re more likely to get that all-important eight hours of sublime sleep.
Stay off your stomach
As tempting as it is to lie with your face in the pillow, don’t give in. This habit is known to cause premature wrinkling and accelerate an aged appearance. No matter how comfortable you feel, try to avoid the dreaded stomach sleep. It prevents proper circulation of the blood, leading to a tired and swollen visage. Your best nocturnal position is on your back.
Sleeping masks
No time to moisturise or exfoliate before slipping between the sheets? Sweep on a face mask and get your sleep on. It will stimulate, moisturise and open your pores – though it may leave a mess on your pillowcase. Still, this skin treat saves time and just requires a quick rinse with cold water in the morning. Don’t forget to follow up with your favourite moisturiser and a generous dab of sun protection.
