Sleep is undoubtedly one of the most essential and overlooked steps in a skincare regime. While we are at rest, our skin repairs and recovers itself, which is highly beneficial for our skin. The key to beautiful skin lies in attaining 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night.
According to Ayurveda, the term ‘Beauty Sleep’ not only comprises of enough hours, but also sleeping at the right time of the day. Moreover, it must be complemented by a healthy diet pattern and an overall healthy lifestyle.
Effects of following a regular sleeping pattern
Radiant and Glowing Complexion
Regular sleep results in improved blood flow to the skin and hence, you wake up with glowing, healthy-looking skin. Skimp on sleep and the skin tends to look dull.
Brighter and Less Puffy Eyes
Puffy eyes and under-eye circles are a few signs of the body not getting enough sleep. Puffiness can easily be avoided by sleeping enough and at roughly the same time every night. It is also recommended to stay hydrated and elevate your head with an extra pillow at night to reduce puffiness.
Reduced Fine Lines and Signs of Aging
Our skin produces additional collagen when we sleep, which eventually prevents it from sagging. This is an essential step in the skin repairing process. Additional collagen means the skin is plumper and less likely to wrinkle.
Healthier, Fuller Hair
Various hair problems like hair loss, breakage, and damage is often caused by a lack of sleep. Hair follicles gain nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from the blood flow and due to a decrease in blood flow caused by a lack of sleep, hair tends to get weaker over time.
Some Effective Ayurveda Remedies to Get Your Dose of Beauty Sleep
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is a natural sleep-inducer and is well-known as sleepy time tea. It has stress-relieving properties and can be trusted to relax your body and mind, helping you sleep better. You may brew a cup of chamomile tea and drink it half an hour before sleeping.
Aromatherapy with Lavender Essential Oil
The aroma of Lavender relieves anxiety and cures insomnia. Lavender improves the quality of our deep slumber, resulting in a calmer heartbeat, and relaxed body muscles. It assists us in sleeping better at night and hence ensures we have ample energy during the day.
Sprinkle a few drops of Lavender Essential Oil on a piece of cotton and place it under your pillow. You may even use an aromatherapy diffuser.
Natural Alternative to Melatonin
Melatonin is referred to as the ‘sleep hormone’ time and again, when in fact it is not so. Rather, it is the ‘hormone of darkness’ because melatonin production in the body is stimulated only in the dark.
If you do not wish to take any supplements, you may try having certain foods that boost the production of melatonin in your body. Some of these include: pineapples, bananas, oranges, oats, sweet corn, rice, tomatoes, and barley.
Inculcate Sleep Hygiene Practices
Sleep hygiene includes various practices that are necessary to attain a goodnight’s sleep and hence full daytime alertness.
- Avoid napping during the day.
- Avoid stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol too close to bedtime.
- Exercise can promote good sleep.
- Food can be disruptive right before sleep.
- Ensure adequate exposure to natural light.
- Establish a regular relaxing bedtime routine.
- Make sure that the sleep environment is pleasant and relaxing.
Products to Get the Best Out Of Your Beauty Sleep
Beauty sleep along with the right skincare products is the key to long lasting beauty. Dry Skin types may use Forest Essentials Advanced Eternal Youth Formula Date and Litchi; Combination Skin types can try Forest Essentials Night Treatment Cream Jasmine and Patchouli; and Oily Skin types can choose between Forest Essentials Light Hydrating Moisturizing Facial Gel Pure Aloe Vera and the Advanced Sanjeevani Beauty Elixir.