The 3 Skin Care Ingredients That Ruin Your Sleep

Picture this: It’s 2 AM, and you’re wide awake, staring at the bedroom ceiling. You’ve tried everything to lull yourself to sleep, from counting sheep to sipping your favorite bedtime tea, but nothing is helping.

We’ve all been there and know those restless nights could have many causes.

But have you ever considered that your skin care products could be keeping you up at night?

Aloha! I’m Samara, co-founder of Eavara, and sleepless nights like the one described above were my wake-up call (pun intended) to dive deep into the world of nighttime skincare. What I discovered shocked me, and it might change how you think about your evening beauty routine.

1. Retinol

Ah, retinol — the darling of the anti-aging world. It’s touted as a miracle worker for fine lines and wrinkles, and don’t get me wrong, it is effective. But here’s the catch: too much of it can cost you a good night’s sleep.

Retinol increases cell turnover, making some folks’ skin more sensitive and prone to irritation. This heightened sensitivity can lead to discomfort that keeps you tossing and turning all night.

At Eavara, we combine the best of science and nature. We take effective ingredients (like retinol!) and combine them with skin-loving botanicals. This helps reduce irritation.

We love ingredients like hyaluronic acid and nourishing oils like kukui nut oil, a Hawaiian favorite that’s packed with antioxidants. Try our Anti-Aging Youth Firming Serum if you want a retinol-free option.

2. Artificial Fragrances

Who doesn’t love a product that smells amazing? I've always been a sucker for beautifully scented creams and serums. That is, until I realized those artificial fragrances were doing more than just delighting my nose. They were keeping me up at night.

Artificial fragrances can be incredibly irritating to the skin, especially if you’re sensitive. This irritation can lead to itching, redness, and general discomfort — not exactly a recipe for restful sleep. But it goes beyond skin-deep. Some fragrances can trigger headaches or even contribute to insomnia.

The solution? Opt for fragrance-free products or those with natural aromas. Here, we love using subtle, natural scents like organic plumeria.

3. Alcohol-Based Products

When I first started getting serious about skin care, I thought that a tight, squeaky-clean feeling after using a toner meant it was working. Little did I know that I was stripping my skin of its natural oils and setting myself up for a night of discomfort.

Many skincare products, especially toners and cleansers, contain high amounts of alcohol. While alcohol can help products feel lightweight and reduce oiliness, it can also severely dry out your skin. This dehydration can lead to itching, flaking, and that tight, uncomfortable feeling that makes it hard to relax and fall asleep.

When shopping for cleansers and other products, avoid alcohol-based products and look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera. These will help your skin retain moisture overnight, so you wake up feeling refreshed and looking radiant.

• Establish a consistent nighttime routine. Your body loves rhythm, so try to do your skincare routine at the same time each night.

  
  

• Keep it simple. You don’t need a 10-step routine to have great skin. Sometimes, less is more.

• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and consider using a humidifier at night, especially if you live in a dry climate. I like to stop drinking water a couple of hours before I go to bed. This reduces my chances of getting up for a late-night bathroom break.

• Manage stress. High stress levels can affect your skin and your sleep. Try making relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or gentle yoga, part of your evening routine.

• Get your beauty sleep! Try to get about 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. Your skin (and the rest of your body) will thank you.