New research confirms that sleep time is indeed the best time for skin to recover, rejuvenate and heal.
“Sleep is a time of repair, as this is when the metabolic rate and the production of skin cells increases, while the breakdown of proteins needed for cell growth and repair decreases,” says Diane Nakauchi, skin care expert and CEO of Japanese beauty brand Koh Gen Do. It’s especially an important time because during the day, adds Nakauchi, the body is expending energy taking care of other organs and can’t focus on tissue repair like it does at night.
To that end, sleep masks and other overnight products work to take advantage of those nighttime repair systems. “Overnight masks seal in moisture, helping to prevent moisture loss during the night,” says Nakauchi. “While night creams also help in preventing moisture loss, overnight masks often have more ‘sealing’ type ingredients, which are not suitable to wear under foundation.”
And even better – there’s an overnight product for almost anything.
1. FIRMING: This sleep mask is thick but sinks in fast. White water lily and peptides help firm and improve elasticity. Kate Somerville Age Arrest Hydrating Firming Mask.
2. DETOXIFYING: From the new super antioxidant-powered Nutritious Vitality8 line, made exclusively for Asian skin, comes a detox concentrate you use seasonally for 28 consecutive days. EsteÌe Lauder Nutritious Vitality8 Radiant Overnight Detox Concentrate.
3. MOISTURIZING: A skin-identical ceramide formulation prevents moisture evaporation during the night, and antioxidant-rich red algae has an anti-microbial effect to help fight blemishes. Bonus: encapsulated Vitamins, A, C and E. Koh Gen Do Oriental Plants Night Moisture Mask.
4. OIL CONTROLLING: With calcium, retinol, peptides and vitamin E, this night mask not only controls oil but also boosts collagen and elastin production. Bioelements Oil Control Sleepwear.
5. BLEMISH TREATING: While not technically a mask, this overnight blemish treatment has salicylic acid, colloidal sulfur, witch hazel and cucumber in a unique concentrate to decrease redness and size of the blemish by morning. M-61 PowerSpot Blemish Lotion.
6. SELF-TANNING: A fragrance-free, translucent gel with hyaluronic acid to moisturize as you self-tan overnight, and it won’t stain your linens. James Read Sleep Mask Tan Body.
Feature image courtesy of www.waytoskinny.com
This story was originally published in our Summer 2015 issue. Get your copy here.
