Here is some food for thought. If you want to wake up to a glowing, well-rested complexion, you need to prioritise healthy sleep and hygiene. From there, you can maximise the benefits of your skin during sleep by using a daily bedtime routine.

You need at least between seven to nine hours of sleep in order to get the most benefit from sleeping. During sleep, your skin's blood flow increases, allowing the organ to rebuild its collagen, also repairing any damage from UV exposure, proving you haven’t gone overboard with the tanning, or rather burning of the skin. That is a whole different situation all together.

Create a bedtime routine by making your bedroom a relaxing oasis for yourself. Clean your bedroom if you feel that it could use some improvement. Make your bed, pick up clothes and dust off surfaces. Already you will have a different feel to the room. Light a mild smelling candle to add to the ambience.

Invest in a silk pillowcase. Not only do they feel luxurious but your skin will reap the benefits too. Silk pillowcases are a great option for sensitive skin. You will wake up in the morning with no sleep lines on your face, and it is also good for allergies. Dab some lavender oil onto your pillow, as this helps for a better sleep. They're also better for keeping those night-time skin care products on your face, not the pillow.

Nightime Routine 6.jpg — Call it a day on all electronic equipment. Yes, we need to switch off that cell phone and give it a rest too. It is said that turning off all your devices an hour before bed helps your mind relax which makes for better sleep.

Drink some water and then take a warm shower or bath.

Basics first.

Double cleanse is the new word on the block. Whether you wear makeup or not, a thorough cleanse is essential in the evening. It is imperative that you cleanse your face from the day’s makeup, dead skin cells and excess oil as well as the pollutants you’ve come into contact within the environment. Use a makeup remover that is tough enough to cleanse your face, but gentle on the skin. Natural products are always best for your skin.

A face cleanser is very important. If you are still young, why not try using a bio-cleanser. This will help with removing dirt that has accumulated inside your pores, detoxifying it from the outside in. When you are moving on in age it is necessary to be gentler on your skin and to use a softer touch. It is recommended we use natural cleansers.

You could also gift your skin with a hydrating face mask, which helps with dryness of the skin. Your skin needs the night to recover from the day and there is no better way than adding a hydrating product to assist. We highly recommend using the BWG Botanics Vitamin E Face Serum or the Vitamin C Night Cream for the purpose of hydrating your skin while you sleep. A good natural night cream or oil is a definite must have.

Eye cream is important at every age. Our eyes are the windows to our souls, and yet they can so easily be affected by a multitude of factors. We don’t want to wake up with puffy eyes and thus to avoid this, you could try using a rejuvenating eye serum or a repair and protect eye cream.

The older your skin, the more moisturising it will require. Change it up during the winter months with a heavier cover to protect and hydrate your skin. You can use a lighter moisturiser in the morning as it goes better under makeup and will reduce oily skin. Don’t forget that you need to apply a moisturising lotion all over your body. Legs, arms and do not forget about the elbows. Dry and rough elbows really are a sore sight. It is not just your face that is exposed to the world.

Your last call of duty should be a relaxing meditation, good book and don’t forget a brew of your favourite cup of tea. Try some Rooibos tea from South Africa, as it has amazing benefits to your health in general.