Lisa Franklin on giving your skin a Good Night

Award-winning skincare expert and Facialist Lisa Franklin is on a mission to help people take the best possible care of their skin. At her private clinic on Sloane Street in London, she offers treatments based on combining traditional techniques and state-of-the-art technology with some of the most scientifically advanced products available today. The clinic is at the centre of what Lisa does, but she believes that self-care is equally important. But you don’t need to be in London to benefit from Lisa’s expertise. We caught up with Lisa to get her thoughts on the relationship between sleep and our skin's health.

When we asked why sleep is important for the skin and how to create a perfect night’s beauty sleep she has quite a bit to say: ‘When we sleep, our skin, like any other organ, gets restorative rest. But not all parts of the dermis are resting, in fact, the skin produces collagen when you sleep, which is GREAT news, because collagen is what prevents sagging and the appearance of wrinkles!’

But that wasn’t all, ‘While you sleep, the blood flow to the skin is boosted, which ultimately means you will have a healthy glow when you wake up. On the same note, lack of sleep causes a decrease in blood flow to the skin surrounding your face, leaving you grey and ashen. And as you probably already know, lack of sleep can lead to bags and/or dark circles under the eyes.’

Here are Lisa's top tips for getting the right kind of beauty sleep:

Say Goodnight To Your Skin

‘In order for the skin to reap the benefits of a great night’s sleep, there are a couple of areas to consider.’ Lisa explains. ‘Firstly, a good evening skincare regime is of the essence. NEVER go to bed without having cleansed and moisturised your face and neck.

Which products and steps (cleansing, toning, serums, creams etc) are suitable for you as an individual will depend on your skin type and concerns, but as a general rule, everyone should be using a cleanser, a toning agent, and a moisturising and balancing cream. Make sure your products contain active ingredients, nutrients, and vitamins to improve overall skin health and condition.’

Take Your Time!

 In the evenings, I always give myself time to ensure I double cleanse to remove all of the day’s build up including makeup. An oil-based cleanser will effectively remove makeup and pollutants whilst drawing out impurities and nourishing the skin. I follow this with a gentle wash to purify and deep clean leaving skin more soft, supple and refreshed.

Exfoliate

Regular exfoliation is key for removing tired skin cells for a smoother and radiant complexion.

Nourish

After cleansing & exfoliating, my skin is ready for the active serums which will target my particular skin needs. I apply our new No. 4 Serum – Calm + Heal. You need to figure out what suits your skin. What is universal, is that everyone needs hydration and moisture, the key is to figure out how, and what else will benefit your unique skin. Feel free to get in touch for a consult!

Choose The Right Bed Linen

The pillow and pillowcase you sleep on are also important. Any fabric that comes into contact with the skin needs to be 100% natural and have an ultra-soft and smooth texture. It’s logical; these materials allow your face to slide easily across their surface, reducing creases and wrinkles. Furthermore, changing your pillowcases frequently ensures hygiene – I always buy an extra set of pillowcases when I buy sheets so I can change them more frequently than I change the whole set. And finally – make sure you are washing your sheets in non-toxic, allergen-free, biodegradable detergent!’.

When it comes to your pillow, you need to find one that serves your posture best. But, if you suffer from dark circles or bags under your eyes, you can try elevating your head with an extra pillow as this can help reduce swelling. Also, check that you are properly hydrated as this can sometimes be the cause of dark circles, and without drinking enough water, no amount of sleep will help!

Discover our beautiful bed linen collections today!

For Lisa’s award-winning skincare products and full treatment menu, please visit lisafranklin.london. 

Follow Lisa Franklin - @lisafranklinuk