Nightly Non Negotiables

NIGHTLY NON NEGOTIABLES The most important step to everyone’s routine happens in the evening before bed. I get it, you had a long day or you had too many drinks at happy hour but if you can remember to brush your teeth before bed then know that this is just as important. At night, your skin switches from ‘protect’ mode to ‘repair’, and it’s time for the skin to recover from the day’s stresses. Melatonin and human growth hormone (HGH) production are boosted, which in turn accelerates skin regeneration and the production of antioxidant enzymes. Cortisol, the hormone produced in response to stress, can also be lowered through a good night’s sleep. Higher levels of cortisol may correspond to skin discoloration, reduced elasticity, and development of fine lines. Here’s a little checklist of how to keep your skin top priority and at its healthiest. 1. Wash your face - but don’t just wash your face, DOUBLE CLEANSE it. Get that cleanser down your neck, all the way to your ears, BEHIND your ears, into your hairline, wash off and do it all over again. We want to concentrate on cleaning off the makeup, sunscreen, dirt debris off the surface, rinse it off and then clean the clean skin! 2. Don’t pick! There’s something about the lighting in our bathrooms that triggers us to get up close and personal with our little finger “pickers” and “just get that out” we always cause more harm than good. Remember that one regrettable pick will never have you waking up with clear skin. It’s never happened. it will leave you with a week of scabs, and possible scars to deal with. 3. Acids and/or retinols. This is the time to use your actives that can cause photosensitive skin. Using these at night is important for skin cell regeneration and keeping the surface clear, bright and smooth. It preps the skin for the next day and is the best time to enhance your routine with any rejuvenating products. 4. Get all the sleep. Prolonged Lack of sleep is a form of stress will show up on your skin in different ways - acne, eczema, under eye dark circles and bags, dehydration, etc. 5. Drink water- at least 2 litres. 6. Sleep on your back to avoid skin contact w/ pillows & wrinkles!