In the fast-paced world of beauty where every minute counts, maximising the benefits of our nightly rest has become essential for achieving a glowing complexion and healthy, shiny tresses. Beyond the rejuvenating effects of a solid eight-hour rest, our skin and hair undergo a renewal process while we sleep, making it the ideal time to introduce targeted treatments that enhance their natural beauty. Imagine waking up to smoother, more hydrated skin and silkier, stronger locks with minimal effort – it’s like a dream come true.
From potent overnight serums that replenish and renew, to nourishing hair masks that mend split ends and add shine, here are five easy ways to help you look and feel your best every morning. HOW TO WAKE UP WITH A GLOW 1. USE SLEEP ACCESSORIES MADE OF SILK Friction poses a threat to both our skin and hair while we sleep.
Constant rubbing against the pillow can damage collagen over time, leading to the formation of lines and thus undermining our skincare efforts. The friction also has a negative impact on our hair, contributing to dryness and breakage. To address these concerns, opt for silk sleep accessories such as pillowcases or eye masks.
Unlike regular cotton, silk fibres are gentler to both our skin and hair. Their smooth texture reduces the risk of skin creasing, regardless of our sleeping position, and minimises static and knots in our hair as we move during the night. Sova Silk Pillowcase, S$95 Made from pure high-grade 6A mulberry silk, this pillowcase is luxuriously soft and comes in various hues.
It’s also machine washable and boasts temperature-regulating properties to keep you cool all night long. Available at sovasilk.com .
Slip Pure Silk Turban, S$144 If you have fine hair, or want to make a salon blowout last longer, consider sleeping in a bonnet. This pre-tied, double-lined silk hair turban is easy to wear and shields your tresses from dryness, breakage and flyaways. Available at sephora.
sg . 2. TREAT SPOTS AND BLEMISHES OVERNIGHT Take advantage of your body’s natural repair processes to address pesky blemishes while you sleep.
Coupled with a good night’s rest, targeted spot treatments can minimise stubborn zits, allowing you to wake up with clearer skin. Plus, you get to avoid potential daytime flaking or irritation that can occur with strong formulas. Paula’s Choice CLEAR Regular Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment with 2.
5% Benzoyl Peroxide, S$36 This oil-free treatment contains benzoyl peroxide, which works as a gentle exfoliator to get rid of pimple-causing debris in clogged pores and helps to prevent future breakouts. Available at paulaschoice.sg .
Pixi Clarity Blemish Stickers, S$20 Alternatively, pop on a pimple patch to suck excess gunk from blemishes and accelerate the healing process. These ones are infused with salicylic acid, cica and green tea to directly treat and soothe pimples quickly. Available at sephora.
sg . 3. ADD RETINOL TO YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE Enhance your evening skincare routine with retinol – a powerful anti-ageing ingredient used to treat numerous concerns.
By accelerating skin cell turnover, retinol helps to exfoliate and clear clogged pores to treat acne and prevent breakouts. It also increases collagen production, which leads to smoother, firmer and more radiant skin over time. As the ingredient can cause sun sensitivity, experts recommend applying it at night and following with a sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater during the day.
If you’re new to retinol, start by using a lower concentration serum three times a week before gradually increasing both frequency and strength based on your skin’s response. Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum, S$155 Formulated with a fast-acting retinoid, retinol and a retinol booster, this potent yet gentle serum delivers anti-ageing results while working in tandem with hyaluronic acid to keep skin calm and hydrated. Available at lookfantastic.
com.sg 4. NOURISH YOUR LOCKS WITH A HAIR MASK An overnight hair treatment is the key to revitalising your dry, lacklustre mane.
Say goodbye to frizz, breakage or brittle strands as your hair drinks in the moisture and nutrients it craves, leaving you with effortlessly shiny and smooth locks come morning. For minimal fuss, look for leave-in formulas that can be applied before bed and allow it to work its magic overnight. Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Moisture + Damage Defense Leave-In Treatment, S$50 Featuring hair-strengthening ceramides and enriching elixirs like argan, coconut and rosehip oils, this treatment can penetrate deeply into the hair shaft, repairing damage and restoring vitality throughout your slumber.
Available at sephora.sg . 5.
SHOW SOME TLC TO AREAS OFTEN OVERLOOKED While many of us diligently care for our faces, areas like the neck and lips often receive less attention, despite being equally prone to signs of ageing. If you haven’t been protecting your neck, chest and lips from the sun, these premature signs of ageing may show up even earlier. To prevent that dreaded “turkey neck”, remember to massage your skincare products onto your decolletage every night.
Similarly, applying an extra-nourishing lip mask before you hit the sack can help to rejuvenate your pout. For more targeted results, consider using treatments that specially cater to these delicate areas. Clarins Extra-Firming Neck & D e collet e , S$162 Besides combating sagging and loss of elasticity due to ageing, this plant-based, neck-firming cream can also help to fade dark spots to give you an overall tightening and brightening effect.
Available at Clarins boutiques and counters. Kiehl’s Buttermask For Lips, S$44 Thanks to skin-softening ingredients like coconut oil and wild mango butter, this overnight lip mask will get rid of all traces of chapping and leave you with a smoother, plumper pout. Bonus: It smells fab, too.
Available at Kiehl's boutiques and counters..
