Why we need our Beauty Sleep

This week’s post is all about one of the most important (yet underrated) steps in any beauty routine—sleep. Getting quality rest isn’t just about looking good; it impacts every aspect of our well-being. I’ll be sharing my favorite tips for achieving the best beauty sleep and why prioritizing rest is one of the greatest forms of self-care.

I’ve always heard the saying, “early to bed, early to rise,” but for most of high school and college, I did the exact opposite—and I definitely felt the effects. Over the past year, I’ve made it a priority to replace bad habits with better ones, especially when it comes to sleep. On work nights, I aim to be in bed by 8:30 PM and asleep by 9:15, so waking up at 5:45 AM feels effortless.

I used to struggle with light insomnia, but once I balanced my hormones, my sleep improved dramatically. I truly believe that when your gut and hormones are functioning properly, issues like poor sleep, bloating, and sluggishness naturally resolve.

As for my nightly routine, I start winding down around 8:00 PM with my skincare, always wrapped up in a fluffy robe to make the whole experience feel extra cozy. Before bed, I love giving my room a quick tidy-up—nothing major, just making sure everything is in its place so I can wake up to a spotless, peaceful space. Then, I settle into bed with a cup of hot tea to aid digestion. While I relax under my LED therapy mask, I put on a comfort show or a calming YouTube video—never anything violent, especially before bed.

A small but favorite part of my routine is moisturizing my body with Palmer’s oil right before bed—it leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated by morning. I also love spritzing a bit of Gisou hair perfume into my hair as a little nighttime luxury. The combination of these rituals makes winding down feel like an indulgent self-care moment rather than just another step before sleep.

One of the biggest beauty benefits of quality sleep is its role in collagen production and hormonal balance. While we sleep, our body goes into repair mode, producing collagen—the protein responsible for keeping our skin firm, plump, and youthful. Poor sleep, on the other hand, leads to increased cortisol levels, the stress hormone that breaks down collagen and accelerates aging. Elevated cortisol can also trigger inflammation, causing breakouts, dullness, and puffiness. Prioritizing deep, restful sleep isn’t just about feeling refreshed—it’s a natural way to support glowing skin, reduce premature aging, and keep stress hormones in check.

I’ll admit—I’m easily influenced by skincare trends on social media. But no eye cream in the world can replace the power of a full, uninterrupted 9 hours of sleep when it comes to reducing dark circles and looking refreshed. We’re often told that 8 hours is the gold standard, but I’ve learned that I feel my absolute best when I get a solid 9. The truth is, sleep needs are personal, and the key is experimenting to find your own sweet spot. Think of it as the most effective (and effortless) beauty treatment.