Washing your face before bed is important, just take a minute to think about all those chemicals, germs, and dirt that have been collecting there all day long, ick. Now try and think about going to bed without washing and rubbing all that build up into your pores, that’s not a pretty picture. Washing your face before bed is the simplest way to improve your skin overnight. For best results use a gentle natural face wash, or for those more crafty step into the kitchen and create a food based alternative, such as plain yogurt which will pull any makeup or dirt off the skin; simply massage a small amount onto face using fingertips leaving for a few minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
Gently exfoliating using a natural exfoliate is another win. Homemade sugar scrubs or konjac sponge two to three times per week gives as nice glow, you can also indulge in a homemade scrub using bananas and oatmeal. Whichever method chosen be sure that you use gentle pressure to avoid micro cutting the skin.
Natural face masks can bring moisture to skin and reduce inflammation, oatmeal honey masks are just lovely, and can even be made at home. Combine ½ cup of hot water with ⅓ cup of oatmeal, let settle for 3 minutes then mix in 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons of honey, and one egg white. Apply a thin layer to the face for up to 15 minutes and rinse with warm water, patting dry with a soft clean towel.
Try to avoid picking at pimples, it can actually make it worse causing infection and scars. You are really tearing the skin when you push on a zit to pop it, then introducing bacteria into that freshly opened tear, especially if hands and face aren’t clean, and really you could be turning a molehill into a mountain.
Dabbing a bit of tea tree oil on to pimples and blemishes before bed will help to dry it up overnight. It is not recommended to apply to the entire face as it can have a negative reaction, but this strong oil is just perfect for ridding acne when you sleep, and you avoid all those chemicals in over the counter spot treatments.
Skin can dehydrate easily, so it is important to make sure you stay hydrated and moisturize properly before bed. Keeping skin hydrated will help to keep oil production under control and and eliminate breakouts. Natural oils such as jojoba, pumpkin seed, and hemp seed oils are best for nourishing and will not clog pores.
Drinking plenty of water during the day is most important. Moisture is released overnight as we sleep, making sure the body has adequate amounts of water will help skin recover better after a night of sleep.
Aloe vera is a wonderful non greasy moisturizer that can also treat acne, and help treat oily skin. Aloe contains auxin and gibberellin hormones which promote wound healing, reduce inflammation, and act as a stimulant to grow new skin cells.
Humidifiers in the bedroom can be beneficial, helping to ensure continual moisture to keep skin looking dewy. Try adding a few drops of lavender oil to a water based oil diffuser to stay hydrated and sleep even better.
Pillowcases must be changed on the regular, as they collect fragrances, products, oils, and dirt from skin and hair, which can lead to acne breakouts.
A sure way to help fight wrinkles and aging signs overnight is to use lotions which include vitamin A and retinoid derivatives which reduce dark spots and wrinkles while increasing smooth skin. Over 700 published studies can be found on retinoids as tried and true.
It’s probably best to avoid coconut oil as an overnight skin moisturizer, but it works wonders on the lips overnight. Cracked, chapped lips will see a difference in just a few days.
Fluids move around the body as we sleep. Sleeping on the side or front may make you wake up puffy. Sleeping on the back with a few comfy fluffy pillows supporting the neck and head will help to reduce puffiness in the face, helping a more gracefully aging process.
Collagen is produced in the skin while at sleep as part of the natural repair process. The less sleep one gets the quicker one looks older. Getting five hours of sleep at night leads to twice as many fine lines and wrinkles as one will get with seven. So as it turns out you really do need that beauty sleep after all.
