Healthy ageing

Ways to wake up younger

Sleep is crucial in any beauty regime, helping to fight ageing and keeping you refreshed – take advantage of your restorative slumber with a range of invigorating products

GET A DECENT NIGHT’S SLEEP

The phrase ‘beauty sleep’ is not just an empty expression – it carries a weight of truth, as scientists have found. In a clinical trial conducted by physician-scientists at University Hospitals Case Medical Centre, poor sleepers were found to demonstrate increased signs of skin ageing. These included fine lines, uneven pigmentation and reduced skin elasticity. The researchers also discovered that those who enjoyed quality kip were quicker to recover from stressors to the skin, such as UV damage and environmental toxins.

Replenishing Night Cream, £32.50, Trilogy

TRY AROMATHERAPY

Harness the power of different scents using aromatherapy to conjure a state of blissful relaxation. There are many essential oils that can be used around your bedtime to create the right conditions for revitalising slumber, but lavender is the oil most commonly associated with improved sleep. One study found that lavender can help with mild insomnia, while another suggested that the essential oil lowered blood pressure, heart rate and skin temperature.

Calm After Dark Sleep Balm, £16, Kiss the Moon

CLEANSE YOUR FACE

Avoid sleeping with your make-up on – it’s a sure-fire way of spoiling your complexion! Get rid of all traces of cosmetics by thoroughly cleansing your skin before bed every night. This will stop your pores from clogging and causing breakouts, averting long-lasting damage. Without washing, your visage is veiled with dirt and grime, preventing other skincare products from penetrating.

Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, from £6.50, Liz Earle

STAY HYDRATED

Keep your skin moisturised while you sleep with hydrating night oils – apply these after cleansing your face to allow the luxurious products to really soak in. Choose items with anti-ageing ingredients such as retinol to maximise the benefits. Also known as vitamin A1, retinol boosts collagen production, reducing wrinkles and fine lines.