The right pre-bed routine will do wonders for your beauty sleep. We've partnered with My Clarins to bring you the best practices and new My Clarins skincare products that can help send you off to dreamland.
Beauty sleep: you can probably live with hearing about it less, but you definitely can't live without it. From increased brain function and improved immune health to a glowing complexion, we'll spare you the reminders about what a solid seven hours (at least) of sleep every night can do for you. But what if we told you that getting a good night's rest doesn't start when your head hits the pillow? It actually starts much earlier.
The steps you take leading up to those treasured hours of shut-eye play a huge role in determining the quality of your sleep once you get in bed. That's why a well-rounded routine to help you wind down is imperative. We're sharing easy but important ways to set yourself up for success throughout the night and into the following day, from creating the ideal bedroom environment to indulging in a calming evening skincare routine.
Transform Your Bedroom Into a Sleep Sanctuary
It's not just about a high-quality mattress and cosy bedding (although those certainly help). The first step toward a restful night is to ensure your bedroom is a dark and cool place, since your body associates these factors with bedtime. This means no lights, including blue light from your electronics, and no toasty temperatures. Start by dimming the lights early in the evening and adjusting your thermostat to 20 degrees Celsius. By the time you slip into bed later, the cool air will help lower your body temperature, signaling to your brain that it's time to sleep.
Treat Yourself to a Relaxing Skincare Routine
A consistent evening skincare routine is another way you can wind down. Maximise your existing nightly beauty session by seeking out products that have a calming effect on your skin and your senses. First, swipe a cotton pad soaked in the My Clarins Micellar Cleansing Milk over your face to achieve a squeaky-clean, hydrated canvas. The gentle almond-infused formula will help soothe and comfort your complexion. Then use the My Clarins Clear-Out Treatment to target any blemishes followed by the My Clarins Relaxing Sleep Mask to replenish moisture. The sleep mask formula contains alpenrose and huang qi extract to help remove toxins from your skin overnight, while the warm jasmine scent will help lull you right to sleep.
Take a Warm Bath
One answer to instant relaxation? A warm bubble bath. Studies show that a 30-minute long bath in 40-degree Celsius water will help raise your body temperature in order for it to quickly lower by the time you get into bed to stimulate sleep. But the benefits don't stop there. A bath will also help relieve tension in your body, soothe stiff muscles, and reduce anxiety.
Drink a Soothing Cup of Tea
Similar to how herbal ingredients can help calm your complexion and your senses, drinking them can also help ease your mind and body for better sleep. Not only do herbal teas like lavender, chamomile, or spearmint promote relaxation and facilitate drowsiness, the act of sipping something warm can also have a sedative effect in and of itself.
Set Aside Time to Do One Thing You Love
Cap off your nightly routine with something unexpected: a fun activity. While you may think this could be too much stimulation right before bed, your brain relaxes when you do something delightful. Engaging in things like light reading, knitting, journaling, or listening to music will allow you to enjoy yourself, reduce any lingering stress, and end the night on a positive note to put you in the right headspace the following morning.