6 sleeping habits are doing more harm than good

Our skin is a renewing organ, so it needs time and rest for this to be done effectively, so having good sleeping habits is essential to help maintain your skin’s health. Lots of cellular functions happen at night, and it’s a time when our skin repairs the damage that has occurred throughout the day, so it’s important to dedicate some time to take care of it before you drift off into the land of nod.

Lifestyle and homeware brand Piglet in Bed have collaborated with leading skincare expert and owner of skin health clinic Re:Skin Rebecca Elsdon, who has shared five common sleeping habits that may be causing more harm to your skin than you think and how to address them!

1. Not getting enough sleep

“We spend around one third of our lives sleeping, yet day to day, there are instances where sleep is not prioritized. Lack of sleep can cause the skin to become sluggish and cause a decrease in collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production, eventually resulting in lines appearing and a loss of tone and volume.”

“It’s important to maintain a good, consistent sleep pattern of around 8 hours per night, as this will benefit your overall health and wellbeing and, in turn, your skin too. To avoid any sleep disturbances, avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol before bed, as these can decrease your overall sleep quality, and instead swap it for chamomile or green tea. Not only are they a natural sleep aid, but they can also improve your skin’s health and elasticity to slow down aging skin.”

2. Sleeping with the AC on

“If you are a hot sleeper, the idea of cranking up your AC might be tempting, but having air conditioning on too high can cause a dry atmosphere, which can reduce hydration levels within the skin. If your room is too hot, you won’t sleep well, so ensure you wear moisture-wicking materials like merino wool or linen pajamas to bed and consider investing in a humidifier, as they are a great way to put moisture back into the air to ensure you wake up with hydrated, plump skin.”

3. Keeping your makeup on till the next morning

“It might feel like a slog to take your makeup off after a long, exhausting day, but leaving it on until sunrise can lead to clogged pores, causing your skin to become congested and breakout. Even though a full cleansing routine is recommended to feel fresh and rejuvenated the next day, there are times when exhaustion takes over. In this case, make sure to store cleansing pads on your nightstand before you leave in the morning, so the last thing you need to worry about when you get back home is searching for your cleanser. Whilst this method may not give you the results a full cleanse would, it’s 10x better than not cleansing at all!”

4. Overexfoliating your skin

“Using overnight exfoliation products every night is not recommended, as excessive exfoliation can compromise your skin’s integrity, making it more susceptible to inflammation and sensitivity. Instead, go in with a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type and use a soft washcloth to wipe off any excess dirt, so your skin is left feeling clean, and able to absorb your other skincare products better.” 

5. Being a side sleeper

“As well as what you put on your skin, how you sleep also has a big impact on the health of your skin. If you tend to sleep on your side or front, you might be more prone to developing lines and wrinkles due to the pressure of your face against the pillow so where possible sleep on your back as it prevents any face-to-face contact with your pillow which can lead to breakouts.”

“To further reduce the risk of developing lines, opting for a linen or silk pillowcase can be highly beneficial, as it can reduce friction and minimize pressure, thereby lowering the likelihood of lines becoming apparent.”

About Piglet in Bed 

With a core belief that our homes and our lives are made for living, Jessica Hanley started Piglet in Bed in 2017 from her mother’s West Sussex garden shed with just a small range of linen bedding made from 100% European flax. Today, the British lifestyle brand is widely known for its bold approach to individuality and its beautiful, low-maintenance bedding, sleepwear, and homewares. 

Using sustainably-sourced natural materials, Piglet in Bed creates products that only get better with love and time. A favorite linen sheet becomes infused with stories, eventually being passed down through generations. 

The brand’s signature natural linen bedding contains long and natural fibers that regulate body temperature, keeping you cool in the summer and cozy and warm in the winter. The brand has expanded its range in recent years to include cotton bedding, bedding inserts filled with 100% merino wool, a bathroom collection made up of sustainably-sourced cotton towels, and other natural homewares. 

Piglet in Bed finds beauty in the everyday. Their products are designed to effortlessly slot themselves into, and at the same time enhance, a life well-lived. After all, less time spent worrying about making your home pristine, equals more time seeking comfort in the simple moments. 

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