Your nighttime routine sets the tone for restorative sleep and glowing skin. By embracing a few calming habits before bed, you can create the perfect environment for your body and mind to unwind. I personally have a really hard time falling asleep and truly experienced the negative impacts of not prioritising sleep. My skin looks dehydrated and dull, breakouts occur more often due to high levels of stress and it also heavily affected my mood, productivity, and overall well-being.
I tried these six tried-and-true habits to enhance sleep quality, and it has been a game changer in giving the skin, body and mind the TLC it deserves. Let's talk about it.
Table of contents
Ditch the Screens Before Bed
The blue light emitted by devices like phones, tablets, and laptops can disrupt your body’s natural production of melatonin—the hormone that helps regulate sleep. This can make it harder to fall asleep and impact the quality of your rest.
To combat this, try to avoid screens at least an hour before bed. Instead, dim the lights and explore calming activities like reading a physical book, meditating, or doing light stretches. Recently, I have made it a part of my night time routine to do a 15 minute full body stretch to help loosen my tight muscles and prevent the oh-so-terrible "tech neck".
These alternatives help prepare your body and mind for a good night’s sleep. But sometimes, screen time is unavoidable, so consider using blue light-blocking glasses or enabling the night mode feature on your devices to reduce exposure and protect your sleep cycle.

Magnesium
Magnesium is a natural relaxant, making it the perfect addition to your nighttime routine. This essential mineral helps calm your nervous system, relieve muscle tension, and even combat feelings of anxiety.
Whether you take it as a supplement, use magnesium oil, or soak in an Epsom salt bath, magnesium has noticeable calming effects that perfectly helps you wind down to sleep. Baths infused with Epsom salts not only relax your muscles but also create a spa-like atmosphere that promotes relaxation.
As an added bonus, magnesium supports skin repair by reducing inflammation and boosting hydration levels, making it a win-win for both sleep and your complexion. I like to pair this practice with some calming music or candlelight to enhance the experience.

Sip Herbal Tea
Herbal teas like chamomile, lavender, or peppermint can work wonders for relaxation. These caffeine-free blends help calm your mind and soothe your digestive system, creating the perfect pre-sleep ritual.
Chamomile, in particular, has natural sedative properties that promote relaxation, while peppermint can ease any nighttime stomach discomfort. For an added touch of luxury, choose teas infused with calming flavors like vanilla or honey. Additionally, staying hydrated is crucial for skin health, so sipping a warm cup of tea can give your skin a hydrating boost before bedtime. Pair your tea ritual with a cozy blanket and soft lighting to create an atmosphere of ultimate relaxation.

For those who included sleeping better and drinking more water in your new years resolution, we got you.
Keep your tea of choice nice and warm in our new Beda Thermos, and bring it out-and-about to enure you're drinking enough water throughout the day.
P.S Did you know that chamomile is not only a Beda favourite through teas but is also in MATE?
Read all about how chamomile works to give you glowy skin, especially if you have sensitive acne-prone skin.
Prioritise Skincare
A consistent nighttime skincare routine is essential for healthy, glowing skin. Your skin repairs and regenerates itself while you sleep, so giving it the proper care is crucial.
Try to at least always wash your face with a gentle cleanser before bed to remove makeup, dirt, and pollution. Then, follow up with treatments like serums or moisturisers tailored to your skin type. If you’re dealing with specific concerns like acne, fine lines, or hyperpigmentation, now is the time to apply targeted treatments. Look for products with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or niacinamide to lock in moisture overnight.

P.S Have You Heard of the Morning Shed?
It's been going viral on TikTok and Instagram where people pile on their beauty products at night, often layering serums, oils, creams, and even quirky tools like eye masks or lip masks. The whole idea is that the more elaborate (and bizarre) your nighttime routine looks, the more radiant and refreshed you’ll wake up. It’s like the glow-up starts overnight!
While it’s fun to watch and might encourage better skincare habits, it’s also worth remembering that piling on too many products can sometimes overwhelm your skin. The key is knowing what works for your skin type and not just jumping on every trend. What do you think? Is this a fun way to experiment with self-care, or does it seem a bit over the top?

Think Soft Thoughts
Stress and racing thoughts can wreak havoc on your sleep and your skin. Cortisol, the stress hormone, can trigger skin issues like acne and inflammation while also making it harder to relax. Dedicate a few minutes before bed to positive affirmations, gratitude practices, or visualization techniques. Reflect on things you’re grateful for, visualize peaceful scenarios, or simply focus on deep, mindful breathing.
For example, try inhaling for four counts, holding your breath for seven counts, and exhaling for eight counts to calm your nervous system. When I get super overwhelmed at night and my mind is racing, the effectiveness of something a simple as deep breaths and counting is so underestimated.

These gentle practices can reduce cortisol levels and help you enter a state of deep relaxation. Over time, this habit can also contribute to a more positive mindset and better emotional resilience.
Pick Up a Book or Journal
Instead of scrolling through social media, spend some quiet time reading a book or journaling. Choosing something that is calming or inspiring can help transition your mind into a restful state. Fiction, poetry, or uplifting memoirs are great options for evening reading. We love reading books, and all our Beda Book Club updates are on our instagram.
Journaling, on the other hand, allows you to process your thoughts, clear mental clutter, and even set intentions for the next day. I personally love this tip the most to help me fall asleep. If you don't know how or where to start, simply writing down three things you’re grateful for or jotting down any worries to release them before sleep can significantly help release stress and anxiety.

Bonus - Invest in your space
Creating a cozy and inviting space for sleep can significantly enhance your quality of rest and improve your overall well-being. Think of your bed as your sanctuary—a safe, calming retreat at the end of each day.
Adding personal touches like soft lighting, plush throws, or calming scents can also help create a ritual around bedtime, signaling your mind and body that it’s time to relax.
Investing in high-quality pillowcases and bed sheets not only makes your bed more comfortable but can also benefit your skin. Opt for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or silk to reduce irritation and friction on your skin while you sleep.
If you're interested in upgrading your night time routine with some high quality bed sheets and sleep wear, you're in luck! We are collaborating with Ashley Summer and Naked Lab to give away gift cards and pillowcases to winners of our Beda Book Club Trivia Quiz this Sunday night on our Winter book "My Brilliant Friend" by Elena Ferrante. So, have fun and win some prizes!

Regularly changing your pillowcases and sheets not only helps with better sleep, but is also just as important in preventing acne. Read all about how his bedtime hygiene tip helps with achieving clear skin by minimising the buildup of oils, sweat, and bacteria that can cause breakouts.
Sleep Your Way to Glowy Skin
The term "beauty sleep" is becoming more and more real and a necessity in our daily routine.
When your sleep space feels like a little slice of heaven, drifting off into restful slumber becomes an effortless and enjoyable part of your nightly routine. Small, intentional changes can have a big impact on how you feel—and glow—the next day. Experiment with these habits to find the combination that works best for you and turn your evenings into a sanctuary for self-care.
Small, intentional changes can have a big impact on how you feel—and glow—the next day. By incorporating these calming habits into your evening routine, you’re setting yourself up for a restful night’s sleep and a radiant complexion.
With love,
Alia