Sweet Dreams

Here’s a night time routine to relax your senses and invite a beautiful complexion.

About 20 minutes before you’re going to bed, begin this habit of self-care. Take a few moments to reflect on your day; what went well, what are you proud of, what brought you pleasure. Think about 5 things that you’re thankful for. Notice that as you think about these positive experiences your facial expression actually changes.

As you are relaxing in this moment, take a headband and pull back your hair off of your face. Gently apply cleanser to remove makeup or natural oils from the day and calmly rinse it off with water. Having a clean fresh face feels terrific! Now, use an eye cream or serum in the eye area followed by a cream designed for night time use. Night creams are actually power packed with richer ingredients designed to be an intensive treatment. Lavishing your skin with special care at night is not only a treat, but a clear way of nourishing your skin while you’re resting. Night time is the perfect time for your skin to naturally repair because you’re not focused on other tasks, you’re resting and your body can do its best at re-generating.

Think about it, when you’re sick the doctor recommends that you get plenty of rest. Why do they suggest rest, because that’s how our body heals itself. The same is true for protecting our skin and caring for it; nighttime is the optimal time for care.

Now that your face is clean, pampered, and protected, take a moment to massage in a light body balm to wrap your skin in needed moisture for a great night’s sleep. What a beautiful treat. As you lay your head down on the pillow, take 5 deep breaths, slowly fill up your diaphragm with fresh air and blow it out. Create a mental picture of your fondest desire and drift asleep with this thought. When you wake in the morning your skin will feel soft, refreshed, and perhaps the best part is that you have renewed your spirit with positive expectations and a focus on possibility.

Isn’t that a sweet dream?