Being well-rested and getting enough hours each night is vital for our body and brain to function at their best. While asleep, the brain “prepares for the next day” by increasing your learning ability as well as attention and problem-solving skills. Physically, it reduces the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, obesity and improves your overall immune system. And, on top of all of that, it also affects the appearance and health of our skin.
So, while buying Goop’s revered 125$ Exfoliating Instant Facial and using SPF every time you leave the house, even during winter, is keeping your skin looking radiant and preventing it from wrinkles and skin-damage- if you’re not getting enough sleep, it’s almost not worth it. Of course, using SPF and taking care of your skin is crucial, but during sleep is when our skin repairs itself: from Saturday night or pollution in the city or that extra slice of pizza.
It’s understandable to put sleep as a second priority when there’s school, money and a career involved. Especially in your 20s, when you want to balance all of that and still have a social life and also have enough time for self-care. It’s hard. But, sleep should be your most important way of taking care of yourself, along with nutrition. To feel great and look great we need it.
According to this study, 40% of Americans aren’t getting enough sleep. Which isn’t surprising if you live in NYC. Our recommended sleep time can depend on how old we are, our health, schedules, and genetics. The National Sleep Foundation lists that adults should be getting 7-9 hours.
To get the most out of your sleep, for your skin, we recommend staying hydrated, not using electronics at least 30 minutes before bed and having a routine. We also recommend these three sleeping masks that will help lock in moisture and speed up the regenerative skin process that happens as we snooze.
Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
Winner of the Allure Best of Beauty Award, Glowpick Consumer Award and Amazon Choice, this affordable, soothing mask will leave your skin plump and hydrated in the morning. Without it being greasy! Apply as if a normal moisturiser, after cleansing and toning all over face (and neck if needed). Wait until it has soaked in, so that your sheets and pillows don’t steal it and simply wash off in the morning. The product recommendation says to use 2-3 times a week, but if you have dry skin like mine, or it’s winter, there’s no harm in using it every night. They have a lip mask, too.
TONYMOLY Panda’s Dream White Sleeping Pack
While this one hasn’t won awards like the previous one, it’s cuter and almost identical in consistency and results. Along with moisturizing, this cream brightens and blurs imperfections over night, such as blotchiness and dark circles. The Korean brand, that if you don’t know about you need to check out, has a wide array of sleeping masks and even snail face masks. They are cheap and have a deservingly adoring following online since the boom of Korean skin care a few years ago. Now sold in places like Sephora and Amazon.
See Also: Tricks To Try When You’re Having Trouble Falling Asleep
Khiels Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Mask
In an ideal world, everyone would be able to afford a whole bathroom cabinet full of Khiels products. But, Khiels is kind of expensive, at least some of it is. Thankfully, though, this product is relatively affordable, especially given its reviews. Consisting of Fountain Plant, Antarcticine and Imperata Cylindrica it “helps boost skin hydration and improve skin barrier function.” Apparently, the cream works best on dry skin, but as it has an Antarctic property to prevent freezing and retaining moisture, it would be perfect for any kind of skin this winter. Plus, even if it’s more expensive that the other two creams, this one is only supposed to be used 1-2 a week, so will last longer.