We’ve all committed the ultimate beauty sin at one time or another: sleeping in full make-up because we’re too exhausted to bother removing it (I must admit I am guilty of this). Waking up the next morning with racoon eyes and our pillows streaked with foundation, the worst damage is not even visible to the naked eye.
Namely, we just spent 6 to 8 hours clogging our pores and threatening our skin with potential breakouts, irritations and overall rough texture. And those are just the short-term dangers; long-term effects of repeatedly sleeping in make-up include bacterial build-up and even premature ageing of the skin.
But now for some good news: if you remove all traces of make-up and start employing a daily skincare ritual, you’ll wake up having benefitted from a literal beauty sleep. Your skin will feel refreshed and rejuvenated and you’ll be ready to greet the day as your best self.
1. The eyes have it
It’s important that you remove all remnants of eyeliner and mascara – when left on, they can cause eye infections and eyelash breakage. If you use water-proof products, be certain to use an eye make-up remover specifically suited for them.
2. Face the facts
Before you can apply the nourishing products like Angela Langford’s ‘Perfect Pores’ serum – that will soften and smooth your skin during the night, you need to ensure that your pores are completely unblocked. They’re not just covered in make-up; throughout the day your face is plagued by external stresses such as bacteria, pollutants, viruses, dirt and dead skin cells. For the best result, choose a facial cleanser that is specific to your skin type.
3. Out with the old, in with the new
Your skin is constantly shedding and regenerating cells, and if the dead cells remain, they can pile up and leave your face looking dull, rough and dry. They also clog your pores and cause blemishes. This is why exfoliation is such an important part of maintaining healthy skin. Unlike the rest of this regiment, dermatologists advise that you exfoliate your skin 1-2 times a week rather than on a daily basis. When done right, exfoliation removes the barrier of dead skin cells and exposes the fresh new cells underneath, clearing the way for moisturisers to seep in and feed the new skin.
4. Keep it toned
Of all the products available on the market, toner is probably the one you know the least about and are the least likely to incorporate into your nightly skincare ritual. This is a big oversight, as toner is very important for two reasons. First, it helps maintain the skin’s pH balance, which can be disturbed due to the alkaline nature of soap. Secondly, it helps to close pores, protecting the skin from environmental impurities. Unlike the aforementioned products, toner should not be rinsed off once it’s been applied to the face and neck.
5. Moisturiser: the big finish
Once your face has been wiped free of make-up, washed, exfoliated and toned, the only thing left to do is make sure you don’t go to sleep with dry skin. Like the facial cleanser, it’s essential that you select a moisturiser that matches your skin type.
If you take the time to perform these five steps on a daily basis, your skin will radiate health. And rather than waking up with traces of make-up on your face and bed linens, you’ll feel fresh and ready to face whatever the day brings.
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