Putting away the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale many years ago, I never looked back at the fountains of wisdom it contains.
Who would have guessed that it is filled with skin saving advice and beauty tips for all girls, big and small?
Sleeping Beauty is really a tale of how to take care of your skin to stay young and beautiful forever.
The magic is not in the wands of the Fairy God Mothers but in the power of sleep.
Nighttime is the optimal time to slow down and reverse the signs of damage done during the waking hours.
The sleeping hours are the true secret to slowing aging, and choosing the right ingredients is as important as when you use them.
If you are not getting enough of the “vitamin zzz”, the first place the signs will appear is on your skin.
Healthy skin needs a good night’s sleep. During the hours of sleep cortisol and insulin production peaks and collagen production is accelerated.
At night, the skin is hard at work reversing the damage inflicted from the day. The circadian rhythm of skin has been studied and sleep is essential for skin renewal and proper skin function.
It is during our sleep cycle that cell renewal occurs and blood flow is elevated, leading some experts to believe that active ingredients are better absorbed into the skin at that time and continue to work long after they’ve penetrated.
When there is increased circulation and greater oxygen and nutrient exchange and lymphatic circulation, metabolic waste is cleared away and the skin will look and feel healthier and younger.
Save products with the ingredients listed below for night time shift:
-RETINOL-increases cell turnover, works on molecular level in terms of skin repair, reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Retinol is the most abundant form of Vitamin A and should always be used at night since it’s unstable in sunlight.
-ANTIOXIDANTS-help regenerate skin, protect against oxidative damage by absorbing free radicals
Antioxidants should be used at night so they are properly absorbed into the skin. Sun will destroy an antioxidant before it can be absorbed by the skin’s cells.
-HYALURONIC ACID SPHERES-keeps skin hydrated, collects moisture and creates plumping effect
Moisture levels drop as we sleep, which can leave skin dry. Layering on a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid spheres will help sustain hydration
-GAMMA AMINO BUTYRIC ACID-stops lines from forming, temporarly controls muscle contraction
Night time use of gamma amino butyric acid containing products help to minimize the look of wrinkles
-MELATONIN-helps cells relax, relaxes the skin puts it to sleep
Melatonin not only acts as an antioxidant, but puts cells to rest so that their functions are enhanced
The ideal night time routine:
-cleanse skin with a pH balanced cleanser
-apply retinol to clean, dry skin
-apply a serum or gel
-moisturizer with hyaluronic acid rich hydrator
If you follow these few simple steps and take an example from your good childhood friend the Sleeping Beauty and utilize the time you rest to do some serious “Skin Work” you will surely be living happily ever after…
By Sabina Kozak of Sensitive Touch – NYC Laser Hair Removal & Skin Treatment MedSpa
