How to get better skin as you sleep

When it comes to skincare, if there’s a way around it, I’ll take it. Make-up wipes are my best friend, and I struggle to stick to a routine with any more than two steps. I’ve spent a good portion of my life looking for an easy, effective way to get a glowing complexion and I’ve finally found my answer – sleep! Here’s how to put the ‘beauty’ back into ‘beauty sleep’ (as if you needed another excuse to hit that snooze button)…

#1 Rest easy

Have you ever noticed when you don’t get enough sleep, it shows on your face? Puffy eyes, dark circles and lacklustre skin are all signs that you missed out on some vital zzz’s.

As you sleep, your skin renews itself. New skin cells grow and replace older ones. Scientists say we need seven to nine hours of sleep every night, but we all know getting a good night’s rest is much easier said than done. I’ve found that switching off all electronic devices, drinking a cup of chamomile tea and heading to bed at a similar time every night all help me to fill my quota.

#2 Turn off the air con

Sleeping with the air conditioner on full blast can be very tempting (especially during a hot Australian summer!) but it’s doing your skin more harm than good. Air conditioning can leave skin extremely dry, and contributes to premature ageing in a big way. Instead, use a rotating fan to circulate air around your room.

#3 Wash your face

As pretty as it looks, we all know that sleeping with make-up on is a beauty no-no. It clogs pores, which often leads to imperfections. During the night, skin undergoes a renewal process and in order to regenerate to the best of its ability, it must first be clean. We recommend using Garnier Skin Naturals Micellar Cleansing Water before bed as it removes even the most stubborn of make-up. For those nights when you just can’t be bothered, keep a pack of Biore Gentle Make-up Removing Wipes on your nightstand.

#4 Invest in a silk pillowcase

Swapping your regular pillowcase for a silk one is an amazing thing you can do for your skin. Silk pillowcases are suitable for all skin types, but especially ideal for those concerned with premature ageing. The natural fabric does not scratch or tug on the skin, or cause sleep-crease lines (which often turn into permanent crease lines). Slip offers a range of silk pillowcases in several colours to match most bed linens. ($79.95, www.slip.com.au)

#5 Sleep on your back

If you can’t justify the cost of a silk pillowcase (or want to be certain you aren’t creating dreaded wrinkles as you sleep), then lay on your back. If you’re a natural stomach or side sleeper, this one takes a bit of work, but you’ll get there – I promise! Your face will be open to apt airflow, with nothing pushing against it.

#6 Apply a treatment

There’s honestly no better time to apply a treatment than overnight. Whether your skin is prone to blemishes, dryness or wrinkles, pop on a treatment before lights out to target your specific skin care needs.

For oily and blemish-prone skin, try Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Overnight Treatment. If you suffer from dry skin, give The Body Shop Seaweed Clarifying Night Treatment a go. And if anti-ageing is a priority, apply ALPHA-H Age Delay Intensive Anti Wrinkle Night Treatment each night.

Have you tried any of the above tricks? What do you do to improve your skin as you sleep?