Flash Skin Tips #3 Beauty Sleep is Seriously Underrated

I am obsessed with sleeping 8-9 hours a day. This is it—the best skincare tip I have for you is to SLEEP. It’s essential to being alive, by the way. And I don’t meant to sleep at 2 am and wake up at 2 pm. To be beautiful (and healthy) you need to follow the circadian rhythm. Like the cicada…you know? Bugs?

1. Beauty Sleep

Is beauty sleep real? I guarantee it. During the sleep cycle, skin cells work to repair damaged DNA. We all know about the sunscreen doctrine—how it prevents UV rays from damaging skin cells by preventing oxidative stress. But did you know that skin does repair its own damaged DNA? This is why the older you get, the higher the risk of developing skin cancer. Biological and chronological aging slows down the DNA repair process. Sleep helps to rejuvenate cell mitochondria, which are the powerhouses of skin cells. There is scientific evidence that backs up skin dullness and lack of radiance in sleep-deprived skin—and it isn’t psychological.

How I wake up with good skin

• Sleep by 9 and wake by 6 am

Your biological clock follows the circadian rhythm—which is the sun rise and sun down pattern. Our body’s physiological processes follow that too. This ensures your cells are optimally rested and can focus on fighting the bad guys (pollution, stress, UV damage) in the daytime

• Choose cooling bedlinen

If you live in tropical humidity like I do (Singapore, land of crazy hot), you know your body heats up when you sleep. Pure cotton works well, choose higher thread counts which are gentler on skin. Your pillowcase makes a difference—use silk pillowcases or in my case I use one with copper silk which gives extra anti-aging skin benefits.

• Consider sleeping without A/C

This may be heretical for some—I used to be an aircon worshipper too. But it’s also true that A/C is bad for those with allergies, asthma and eczema. It dries out the skin barrier and it’s no different when you sleep. Sleep with a fan—that’s better for your skin and healthier for the environment too. Your skin will wake up feeling more moisturised (without sleeping masks, it’s free!)

• Have a sleep ritual

Sleep hygiene essentially means having a bedtime ritual. I highly recommend

1. Skincare routine

2. Incorporate massage i.e. jade roller to relax facial muscles, increase blood circulation, tone the face

3. Wearing comfortable sleepwear, include sleeping eye masks which can further help you get a good night’s rest

4. Aromatherapy (if you enjoy essential oils) can improve overall wellbeing and aid relaxation

5. Bedtime relaxing activity: for 15-20 minutes journal, practise gratitude, coloring etc

6. Avoid tea/caffeine 6 hours before bedtime, have dinner at least 4 hours before

Bedtime ritual bundle ⁠https://drtwlderma.com/product/bedtime-ritual-bundle/⁠

Secrets to sleeping better ⁠https://drtwlderma.com/bedtime-ritual/⁠

Skincare Bible ⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JQH1SZ7⁠

Sleeping Beauty Mindful Compassion Workbook ⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHMV2YRS