Millennials have been credited with everything from spending too much money on avocado toast to destroying divorce. While we don’t know how much credit we can take for those first two, here at the Sunday Edit, we can account for our participation in making one skincare trend the trend heard around the globe.
In 2018, “glow” has become synonymous with skincare. “Many patients comment that they wish their skin was ‘brighter,’” says ASDS Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgery Fellow Amanda Suggs, M.D. “I find that this is a common request from my patients in their 20s and 30s,” she says. They are “looking for radiant, healthy, Instagram-ready skin free of blemishes and pigment irregularities.”
Overnight, our skin creates cell turnover and repairs itself. So, if you want to wake up with healthy, radiant skin your nightly routine is more important than ever before.
Follow the five steps below to wake up on Monday at *peak* glow, with no remnants of the Sunday Scaries you left behind.
1. Cleanse
Washing your face is the first, and most important step, in your nightly routine. “Cleansing removes environmental grime that accumulates from the day as well as any makeup that has been applied,” says Suggs. First, remove your makeup with your favorite micellar water or makeup wipe. Second, cleanse. Suggs recommends talking to your dermatologist to determine the right cleanser for you but points out that a gentle cleanser should be fine for most as harsh cleansers can irritate the skin. For added benefit, twice a week incorporate acid into your routine after cleansing. Acids help reduce fine lines, pigmentation and create a smoother, clearer complexion.
2. Roll
Warmly introduce your face to its new best friend: the jade roller. The jade roller has surged in popularity over the last year, with backing from high profile influencers like beauty maven Marianna Hewitt. The tool provides lymphatic drainage and anti-inflammation, working to improve your overall radiance. While the scientific proof is lacking, Gary Goldenberg, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, says “similar to a face massage, using a jade roller can feel good and increase a release of endorphins, which can improve your overall mood and look.” Store it in the refrigerator for extra cooling benefits, and then roll upward, away from the neck to improve circulation. Pair this exercise with the best facial oil for your skin type to maximize your skin’s glowiness.
3. Soak
Getting your glow on is not just about what we put on our face, but also about how we treat our body. “Just like environmental stressors,” says Suggs, “physical and emotional stress can also cause inflammation which can lead to skin disease and increase signs of aging.” Research also shows that an increase in acne is directly correlated with an increase in stress. Before bed, mix together Epsom salt, which is made with magnesium, an ingredient known for its many beneficial properties, with your favorite scent for a relaxing and purifying detox bath. “Epsom salts have been [used] for centuries to improve skin appearance,” says Goldenberg. The Epsom salt works to pull out the toxins and reduce inflammation (added bonus!!). As you soak, you will feel the stress slowly leaving your body.
4. Glide
What we sleep on is just as important as the skincare we sleep in. Silk pillowcases, like Slip, have seen an upswing in sales as glowing skin became a priority. Slip claims that they saw less face cream absorption and 43 percent less friction than 220-360 thread count cotton pillowcases in laboratory studies. So, what does this mean for you and why should you trust in silk? Less absorption means that the skincare you are putting on at night (à la glowy face oil) will actually have time to work overnight instead of rubbing off on a cotton pillowcase. And, you will feel luxurious, which is almost as good as waking up with on-point skin.
5. Snooze
Studies show that beauty sleep is real. “Chronic poor-quality sleep has been associated with increased signs of aging as well as decreased skin barrier function,” says Suggs. For the best beauty rest, you should sleep on your back. Minimal contact with the pillow will help fight wrinkles, and you will increase blood flow back to your head. If you are not a back sleeper, look for a contoured pillow to help realign your sleeping position. But the quality of your mattress matters, too. The global mattress market is predicted to have a compound annual growth rate of 7% from 2018 to 2022. And, with the online mattress sector continuing to grow — 100-night trial periods and free shipping are just some of the perks — the options for your needs are endless. By investing in a good night’s sleep, you are investing in yourself and guaranteeing a dewy, morning glow.
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