Sleeping Beauty -You can’t wait a second longer to finally crawl into bed after an
exhausting day-we’ve all been there. And that often means skipping your
nighttime skincare ritual. After all, one night won’t hurt, right?
Wrong, says Howard Murad, MD, founder of Murad Inc. “It’s
more than simply not removing your makeup. When you skip cleansing your
face, the pollution and debris your face has been exposed to all day
stay on your face all night,”” he says.
Here, Dr. Murad offers four simple tips for adopting a realistic
nighttime skin routine that can keep you looking and feeling refreshed
each morning.- Prepare your mind for rest. Dr. Murad’s full-spectrum approach to skincare says that for your skin to be at its best, all aspects of your health need to be considered. This includes sleep, he says, and we need to address internal, topical and emotional aspects of rest.Restful sleep allows the entire body to regenerate. “Find ways to calm your brain, especially the 30 minutes leading up to bedtime,” Dr. Murad says. “I recommend a hot bath, yoga or reading a book. Turn off the TV if possible.”
- Load up on water-rich foods before bedtime. You can set the stage for glowing morning skin at dinner. Pair a fresh salad with a salmon fillet, which is more than 60 percent water and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and your skin will thank you. Chicken, beans and pasta are also great choices, but watch sodium content and fatty dressings, which dehydrate skin. By choosing antioxidantrich foods that have high water content, you’re increasing your body’s capacity to heal itself, Dr. Murad says.
- Cleanse and moisturize each and every night. Washing your skin before bed isn’t just about taking off your makeup. It’s crucial to remove the dirt and debris that has accumulated throughout the day so that your moisturizer can be absorbed, Dr. Murad says.In addition to your daily moisturizer, be sure you have a night cream that addresses your individual skin needs, such as acne or aging. Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture is recommended for all skin types, and locks in moisture for up to eight hours, which can help ensure a morning glow. You can also ask your Massage Envy aesthetician for night cream recommendations.
- Think twice about where you rest your head. Because we sweat more at night, our pillowcases become sources of built-up dirt and oil. Wash your pillowcase frequently, and change your pillow on a regular basis. Remember to always choose pillowcases made of fabric that is gentle on the skin, Dr.Murad says. – By Julie Wlodychak Borm