Sleep Tight - Your Skin Will Love You For It

Sleep has a significant impact on the health and appearance of your skin. Here’s a run down of the benefits to your skin when you blissfully sleep the night away …and a few of the possible pitfalls if you don’t …

1. Repair and Regeneration:

During sleep, the body goes into repair mode, and this includes our skin. Skin cells regenerate and repair themselves more effectively when we are asleep and this process helps to repair damage caused by UV exposure, pollution and other environmental stressors.

2. Collagen Production:

Collagen is a protein that provides structure to the skin. During deep sleep the body produces more collagen, which is crucial in maintaining the skin’s elasticity and firmness and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

3. Blood Flow:

When you’re asleep your body’s blood flow increases to the skin, providing essential nutrients and oxygen that are necessary for skin health. This increased blood flow can help give your skin a healthier appearance and glow.

4. Inflammation:

Lack of sleep can lead to increased inflammation in the body, which can exacerbate skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.

5. Dark circles and puffiness reduction:

A tell-tale sign you're not getting enough sleep is the appearance of puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. When you don’t get enough sleep blood vessels dilate, causing dark circles to become more prominent and noticeable. A good night’s sleep goes a long way to giving your eye area a more refreshed and rejuvenated look.

6. Hydration:

During sleep the body rehydrates and recovers moisture. Lack of good sleep can lead to dehydrated skin which appears dull and dry.

7. Stress Reduction:

Just like inflammation, high stress levels can also exacerbate skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis and elevated cortisol levels can lead to a breakdown of collagen and elastin, resulting in more pronounced signs of ageing. Quality sleep can help reduce stress and lower levels of stress hormones, like cortisol, which can contribute to clearer, healthier skin. 

Getting adequate, high-quality sleep is essential for maintaining healthy, vibrant skin. Establishing a consistent sleep routine and ensuring you get the recommended amount of sleep each night is crucial for overall good health too. Sleep tight!