The best eraser in the world is a good night’s sleep.
I’m so excited today!
We just got the go-ahead from the Ministry Of Health to launch our mobile clinic concept! And the icing on the cake? They’ll also be supporting us with new IT equipment and stationery for us to use on the go. I can’t believe this is actually happening right now as just a year ago, everything seemed bleak. Approvals were being delayed indefinitely and our concept looked like it was leaning towards a major rejection.
As you can imagine, the effects of the uncertainty and tension began to trickle down to my lifestyle and beauty routine. I couldn’t sleep well at night. To add insult to injury, zits and spots also came knocking on my proverbial door like an old friend. It was nasty!
I had to up the ante and introduce new habits and supplements to help me sleep better. Yeap! No one ever said pursuing your dream is a walk in the park! 🙁
After a few adjustments, I managed to maintain a rather healthy routine and keep the pimples at bay, even before we received the approval.
So today, I thought I could also share how I adjusted my night time routine to allow myself to have a better night’s sleep and clearer skin the next morning. Hope this will help you too!
“Read a book”
To get my mind off work, I usually read before I go to bed. Reading helps to bring me out of the zone and into the realm of the author’s world. I usually read novels or just coffee table books for content inspiration for the blog or Instagram. I avoid my usual business self-help books to prevent myself from brainstorming ideas before sleeping. Remember, you’re supposed to wind down at this time!
Oh and reading your Facebook feed doesn’t count.
According to sleep.org, the blue light emitted by screens on cell phones, computers, tablets, and televisions restrain the production of melatonin, the hormone that controls your sleep/wake cycle or circadian rhythm.
To make sure technology isn’t harming your journey to slumberland, give yourself at least 30 to 45 minutes of gadget-free transition time before hitting the hay.
If you really have to check your emails one last time before bed, I recommend wearing computer glasses to reduce harmful blue light and eye strain. My go-to is ENERGEYES’ Anti-Fatigue Computer Glasses for late night internet surfing.
“The Mandatory Nightcap”
Every night, I need a beverage before I go to sleep.
I used to indulge in a glass of wine as I believed that alcohol helps me sleep better. However, there is new research to show that even though alcohol makes you drowsy, it reduces rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
According to this article on WebMD, REM sleep happens about 90 minutes after we fall asleep. It’s the stage of sleep when people dream, and it’s thought to be restorative. Disruptions in REM sleep may cause daytime drowsiness, poor concentration, and rob you of needed ZZZs.
Overall, not a great idea.
Here’s my new sleepy beverage!
Creme Simon Détente | Relax Tea
SGD32/tin
This natural blend has been formulated to help sleep or rest better while recovering from the day’s activities.
• Peppermint Leaves: To soothe anxiety, emotional stress, relax digestive muscles and cramps. • Chamomile Flowers: To relieve insomnia, promote a good night’s sleep, and stimulate the body’s natural recovery. • Real Vanilla Bits: For nausea and stomach upsets. • Bluecorn Flowers: To help relieve water retention, chest congestions and anxiety.
I suffer from migraine attacks every now and then, especially during that time of the month. According to this article, it is because of falling levels of oestrogen. 🙁
The smell of peppermint usually helps soothe the tension in my head.
I’m also always on the look out for chamomile flavoured body products and diffusers as I love how relaxed it makes me feel. Yup. I like it so much I pretty much inhale it. Haha! So the chamomile scent in the Creme Simon tea is a huge bonus for me too.
Now you can see why this has been my nightcap of choice for the past few months.
“Take a chill pill”
Haha! The Creme Simon Détente Rest supplements literally does that for me.
Its main ingredient is Magnesium. According to this article, Magnesium is well known for its ability to relieve insomnia. One study found that it helps decrease cortisol, the “stress hormone” that can keep you up at night. It also helps muscles relax, to give you that calm “sleepy” feeling and help you unwind after a long day.
Keep scrolling down to see what else is in the supplements!
SGD42/60 capsules
This natural sleep aid promises to relax the mind and body, promoting better quality sleep within a shorter time. Ideal for adjusting to new time zones when travelling, or addressing sleep issues due to anxiety, over-fatigue and insomnia.
• Magnesium, naturally sourced from seawater: To support muscle relaxation and alleviate sleep disturbances.
• Gingko Biloba: To improve sleep quality by reducing anxiety, fatigue and insomnia.
• Melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone: To ease jet lag and insomnia by entraining or regulating sleep-wake cycles.
• Tryptophan, an essential amino acid and precursor to melatonin: To invoke feelings of calm, relaxation, and induce sleep for better mood the next day.
The Rest supplements have become a bedtime staple for my husband, Bobby and I. We both notice that we have better quality sleep after we started incorporating this into our night time routine. We wake up feeling less sluggish than before and can now concentrate better at work.
Foam, Cleanse Repeat!
SGD59
Extra-fine instant foaming cleanser that gently lifts impurities, removes light makeup and excess oil. Featuring foaming agents gentle enough for baby care without the use of drying sulfates, this light yet creamy mousse cleanses effectively without stripping skin of moisture.
• One-step cleansing: Removes light makeup for eyes and face. • Extra gentle: Suitable for sensitive skin. • Long-lasting: Able to last for 4 – 6 months of average daily use. • One of the highest concentration of freshly harvested, botanical ingredients due to nature of rinse-off formula.
0% Paraben, Sulfate, Oil, Colourings, Phenoxyethanol. Non-comedogenic.
As you probably already know – foam cleansers have a bad rep for being too drying for the skin. This is why I only use it in the evenings to get rid of makeup and gunk accumulated throughout the day. In the day time, I’ll usually just use gentle cleansing wipes or cleansing water to clean my face.
However, these days I’ve tweaked by routine slightly to also include the foam cleanser in the day time. The Creme Simon Oxygenating Foaming Cleanser is gentle enough for regular use and most importantly, it is free of sulphates, unlike many other foaming cleansers as mentioned in this article. No squeaky clean feeling after wash!
What about you? Do you use foam cleansers on a regular basis too?
“Moisturise like your life depends on it!”
SGD98
Concentrated in potent natural active ingredients, the gel-cream moisturiser refines and nourishes skin without excessive richness. A nightly ritual for rested and regenerated skin.
• Lightweight gel-cream: Non-greasy or sticky without use of occlusive silicones. • Dermatologically tested on acne-prone skin: Users reported brighter, softer, more rested and moisturised skin after 4 weeks of use. • Proven efficacy: In skin oxygenation, new skin cell regeneration and melanin inhibition. • Over 90% natural ingredients: With stabilisers used in organic baby care. • Hygienic airless pump packaging: To minimise use of preservatives, ensure quality whilst avoiding contamination.
0% Paraben, Silicone, Oil, Colourings, Phenoxyethanol.
Non-comedogenic.
No night routine is complete without the mandatory emollient. I break out pretty easily so I’m always on the look out for gel form moisturizers as they tend to feel less greasy on the skin and absorb faster into the skin. Currently, I’m on my second bottle Creme Simon Restorative Light Night Moisturiser. I love its lightweight texture and signature Creme Simon scent. Just thought you might be interested to know that this product contains fatty alcohols. They are the non-drying type. Unlike simple alcohols, they tend to have a thick, waxy texture. Some are even solid. They are used to give products a smooth, velvety feel, which give products a nicer texture. You can check out this article to find out more about the different alcohols you should look out for in your products!
Also! Apply your moisturisers in a gentle motion. Don’t massage your skin too hard during application as this may weaken the fibrous structures of our skin and cause (gulp!) sagging!
And there you have it!
A glimpse into my night routine for 2018! Following through with these steps have helped keep me productive everyday. Couple that with regular exercise and a healthful diet in the day time, I managed to maintain a glowy complexion (well almost) everyday and prevent myself from falling sick too often.
However, I also believe we shouldn’t be too restrictive in our lifestyle as it may result in temptation indulgence. So occasionally I still give in to the snack attack! 😛
And finally, when all these quintessential daily habits align, I get the best of every day!
Thank you so much for joining me on my night routine! Hope what I shared is helpful for you too!
What is your night routine like? Do you have an interesting or healthy practice before bed? Let me know by commenting below!
A special shoutout to…
Creme Simon for ‘reloading my beauty arsenal’ with products I love and have already been using for years. Yay!
And guess what?
They are extending the love to you too!
GIVEAWAY!
Click here to join my instagram giveaway and win all the Creme Simon products featured in this post!
Finally, good night and sweet dreams, belles and beaus!
Your friend, Juliana
Disclaimer: Please rest assured that even though this post was created in partnership
with Creme Simon, it does not have any bearing on the content of this post.
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