The term 'beauty sleep' may get thrown around a lot, but the reality is, there is a lot of truth to the phrase. The skin, being the largest organ of your body, can be negatively impacted by poor quality sleep. Ensuring you get a regular, healthy amount of Zzz each night is one of the most powerful ways to feel your best and maintain that glow inside and out. Discover exactly what’s happening to your skin at night:
1. Your skin goes into repair mode
Although physically you’re the least active when you’re asleep, your skin is in fact at its most active, switching to cellular renewal and repair mode, producing collagen and detoxifying from the day.
2. Your skin can better absorb nourishing products
Your skin is more permeable at night, meaning it’s a particularly good time to reap the benefits from skincare products that are designed to accelerate the skin's repair functions. Opting for products that are rich in vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids will soothe, hydrate and encourage elasticity and suppleness.
3. Your skin has a respite from stress
High levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), which can build up from prolonged stress and a lack of sleep, can cause a myriad of skin issues, including inflammation, breakouts, wrinkles, a dull complexion and more. During sleep, your cortisol levels are at their lowest, allowing your skin to repair and refresh before you wake. Essentially, poor sleep can lead to higher cortisol levels, which leads to a greater risk of flare-ups.
4. Your skin loses moisture at night
Your skin naturally loses moisture during sleep, so it’s important to lock in and supplement your hydration levels with nourishing skin treatments before bed, water-rich foods and keeping hydrated throughout the day.
Put simply, good quality sleep makes you sparkle! Do you notice a difference in your complexion and overall wellbeing if you’ve had a few too many late nights?