HOW DOES SLEEP AFFECT YOUR SKIN?
THERE NEVER SEEMS TO BE ENOUGH HOURS IN THE DAY TO GET THE AMOUNT AND QUALITY OF SLEEP NECESSARY TO LOOK REFRESHED AT ALL TIMES.
With hectic schedules, mounting responsibilities, and early alarms, getting eight hours of sleep a night may not always be possible However, the importance of a good night’s sleep is one of the main contributors to your health, including your skin health. Once you ditch poor sleep habits, establish a healthy routine, and incorporate skincare products into your skincare, the results will literally show up on your face. It’s important that you know how a beauty sleep works and its effects it has, as it will most likely motivate you to start getting enough rest.
ACHIEVE A MORE RADIANT COMPLEXION
Whenever you skip on sleep, no matter how much or little, the next morning your skin appears duller, lacks color, and there may be dark circles under your eyes. Sleeping is a way for your body to rejuvenate itself and get the blood flowing to your face. When you aren’t getting a good night's sleep on a regular basis, the effects of missing out will eventually catch up with you. What helps: Consistency is key when it comes to sleep patterns and following a circadian rhythm. Sleeping ten hours one night and six hours the next will still have a negative effect on your skin’s appearance. Start following a regular sleep schedule and see how your skin starts to change for the better. Finding a routine is sometimes all it takes to bring the glow back to your complexion.
PREVENT THE SKIN FROM SAGGING
The skin repairs itself overnight and produces collagen to keep the face looking fuller. This natural process is one of the main benefits of sleep for skin as part of preventative care. Without adequate sleep, your skin may start to sag, and the appearance of fine lines will become noticeable due to the lack of plumpness and elasticity. What helps: Give your face an extra boost of moisture before you go to bed by applying a Hydrating cream or step up your game with a Overnight Sleeping Mask all over the face and neck.
REDUCE PUFFY EYES
A lack of sleep leads to bloodshot or puffy eyes due to poor circulation. When the area retains fluid, it causes your face to appear slightly swollen. In addition to getting enough hours of shut eye, slightly adjust your sleep position, and elevate your neck and head on your pillow. This will help any fluids from backing up, a common occurrence if you suffer from allergies, seasonal colds, or acid reflux. What helps: Sleep deprivation happens for several reasons: stress, illness, insomnia, the list goes on and on. If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, learn ways to maximize your quality of sleep to get the amount you need to stay healthy. You’ll see an improvement in how you feel as well as positive changes to your skin.
HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR SLEEP QUALITY
Focusing on the importance of sleep may seem like a mission that’s easier said than done, but there are several tips to help set you up for success.
MAINTAIN A COOLER ROOM
Start by cooling down the temperature in your bedroom. An overheated room makes it less comfortable to sleep, which leads to restlessness. Even if your eyes are closed, it’s not likely that you’re receiving a complete eight hours of sleep. Drop the temperature a few degrees or turn on a fan to keep cool air circulating so you can more easily fall asleep. Your body’s temperature is part of what regulates your circadian rhythm. As your temperature rises, the more awake you feel. As you begin to cool down, you’ll begin to feel drowsier. If you’ve ever kicked off the blankets in the middle of the night, you know all too well how temperatures change while you sleep and how disruptive it can be.
OPT FOR DARKNESS
Secondly, keep the room as dark as possible. Any hint of light can disrupt your ability to get a great night’s sleep. This includes light from an alarm clock or a smartphone screen. Keep your electronics in another room. A dark, cool room is an ideal sleeping condition and can help you drift off to sleep faster. Another option is to wear a sleep mask to block out early morning sunlight or lit up notifications. Light is a stimulant and inadvertently tells your brain, “Hey, it’s time to wake up.”
EXERCISE REGULARLY
A third tactic for maximizing your sleep quality is to exercise more. It works as a natural de-stressor by releasing endorphins, which trigger pain relief and positive feelings. Although it’s not recommended to participate in high-intensity activity right before bed, an evening workout or walk is helpful if you aren’t able to exercise during the day. More exercise doesn’t necessarily mean you have to spend hours in the gym. When you’re strapped for time, take a quick 15-minute walk twice a day to get the blood flowing. Getting into a daily habit of exercise is good for your heart, sleep routine, and skincare.
STAY HYDRATED
Lastly, drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration often leads to headaches and muscle cramps, making it difficult or uncomfortable to sleep. Aim to drink eight glasses of water per day and start to limit your intake a few hours before bed. Drinking water promotes a healthy lifestyle by flushing out toxins, reducing redness and itchiness, and providing moisture. Small changes to your environment and your health can have a significant impact on the quality of sleep you receive, which ultimately leads to a fresher, brighter complexion.
Words by our friends at the Grey.