Lack of sleep is taking a toll on your skin. Here's why getting more sleep is key to a radiance-boosting skincare routine.
Photo by Rachel Claire
We all know that getting a good night's sleep is important for our physical and mental health. But did you know that sleep is also essential for radiaant skin? If you're not getting enough shut-eye, it can show up in the form of dark circles, wrinkles, and dull skin. Here's why you need to get more zzz's if you want to maintain a youthful complexion.
How Sleep Affects Your Skin
There are two main ways that sleep affects your skin: indirectly and directly. Indirectly, sleep deprivation can lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices that take a toll on your skin. For example, if you're tired, you're more likely to reach for sugary snacks or caffeine to get through the day. These quick fixes might give you a temporary energy boost, but they can also contribute to inflammation, breakouts, and premature aging over time.
Sleep also has a direct impact on your skin. When you don't get enough rest, your body produces more of the stress hormone cortisol. High levels of cortisol can lead to inflammation and cause the breakdown of collagen, which is the protein that keeps skin looking youthful and plump. In other words, sleep deprivation can actually accelerate the aging process!
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
Getting More Sleep for Radiant Skin
So now that we know how important sleep is for radiant skin, how do we make sure we're getting enough? Start by cutting down on caffeine and alcohol before bedtime. Both of these substances can interfere with quality sleep. You should also avoid working or using electronic devices in bed so that your brain associates your bed with relaxation. And finally, establish a bedtime routine to help cue your body that it's time to wind down for the night. A simple routine might include turning off all electronics 30 minutes before bed, reading a book or taking a bath, and then slipping into some cozy PJs.
Getting enough sleep is essential not just for our physical health but also for our mental wellbeing—and our skin health! If you're not getting enough zzz's, it will show up in the form of dark circles, wrinkles, fine lines, and dull skin. So if you want to maintain a radiant complexion, aim for 7-8 hours of shut-eye every night and establish a relaxing bedtime routine to cue your body that it's time to wind down. Sweet dreams!
“Let her sleep, for when she wakes, she will movemountains.”
Sources:
Recommended Hours of Sleep, The Sleep Foundation
"Does Porr Sleep Quality Affect Aging? ", by P Oyetakin-White1, A Suggs, B Koo, M S Matsui, D Yarosh, K D Cooper, E D Baron, PubMed
Negative Effects of Restricted Sleep
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