While you are sleeping, your body is very busy – consolidating memories, restoring your immune and nervous systems, replenishing your muscles after a hard day’s work, digesting, and repairing and regenerating your skin. 

During rest and relaxation, stress hormone levels decrease and melatonin and human growth hormone increase, counteracting damage from UV and pollution and accelerating cell regeneration. Blood flow increases, collagen production increases, and the efficacy of products increases by as much as 60%. 

The flipside is that lack of sleep affects the skin’s pH levels and lowers the moisture level, causing imbalanced, dehydrated skin which is indicated by acne, redness, and a sallow complexion. Because your body is not getting enough time to regenerate damaged cells, imperfections can be more noticeable. 

Aside from the vital evening skincare for face and body which should include at a minimum: cleansing, toning, massage, serum application and moisturizing, there are some other things to do and use to help maximize skin benefits while you sleep.

1. Use a Skin Friendly Pillowcase

High quality satin makes a great bedfellow: It is soft, cool, and hypoallergenic, meaning that it has a natural resistance to dust mites, mold, fungus, and other allergens (things cotton can not fight off so easily). Satin also has a very low absorbency, and helps to preserve the moisture balance in the skin and it won't absorb any applied night creams.  I recommend having at least 3 on hand so that each night, you can sleep on a fresh one (if you flip the pillow, 1 will last for 2 nights).

2. An Eye Mask Keeps the Light Out

Light plays a key role in regulating circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock that signals when to be alert and when to rest. Light also affects the production of melatonin, an essential sleep-promoting hormone. While human biology evolved with sleep following the daily patterns of sunlight and darkness, electricity  has changed these patterns, which can really throw off your sleep.

This ultra-smooth silk mask is designed to comfortably rest upon your face to protect delicate facial skin and helps with a more restful night's sleep.

3. Don't Neglect Cleavage Wrinkles

Over the years, gravity pulls our breasts down and collagen and elastin production decreases, resulting in cleavage wrinkles. As we age, these wrinkles become more prominent.

The re-usable patch helps to keep the breasts separate and works to compress décolleté wrinkles.  It is made of super thin, medical grade silicone which creates a hydrating ‘microclimate’ that brings moisture from the skin’s deeper layers to the outside layers, creating a plumped, and smooth surface, while also activating and normalizing collagen production.

4. Make the Most of Increased Product Efficacy

Products can be up to 60% more effective when the body is at rest. So make sure to take advantage of this time and apply proper products during your evening routine.

This targeted transformative treatment works on the weakest parts of your face. It consists of dissolving patches made of 150 micro cones which physically penetrate the skin at 0.3mm. The patches contain hyaluronic acid and vitamin C - two potent ingredients that create hydrated, plumper skin with diminished pigmentation.

Environ's Malachite-NP Complex Serience Night Serum is designed to refresh and recharge your skin overnight. This potent serum delivers: Anti-oxidants for cell immunity and defense, a youthful glow, and reduction in the appearance of wrinkles resulting in a serene expression.

This unique eye cream is based on a patented complex with a squalane-ceramide base that perfectly recreates the soft, nourishing structure of the skin lipids.

Rich and comforting, The Balm  is formulated to provide long-lasting hydration, decrease water loss, decrease reactivity, soften skin, improve its texture, energize and increase luminosity. This seals in all of the products you use beforehand.