“I need to get my beauty rest” is a cliché women have used forever to justify a longer snooze. It turns out, there’s scientific evidence to backup the importance of sleep for the overall health and beauty of skin.
Lack of Sleep Weakens the Skin’s Natural Defenses
Sun damage and exposure to pollutants are just two of the stressors our skin faces each day. While you sleep, your skin works to repair this and other environmental damage, and skimping on your shut-eye dramatically limits the skin’s ability to recover effectively. According to recent studies, poor sleepers show increased signs of aging, like fine lines and loss of elasticity and firmness.
Sleep Deprivation Can Worsen Existing Skin Conditions
Not getting adequate sleep may worsen some existing skin conditions. Psoriasis and eczema, for example, are both related to and influenced by the immune system, which weakens with sleep deprivation. Not getting adequate sleep can even interfere with the body’s ability to fight acne breakouts.
Getting Enough Sleep Lowers Inflammation in the Body
Collagen and hyaluronic acid are the essential building blocks for healthy, youthful-looking skin. Sleep deprivation creates an increase in inflammatory cells, which break down collagen and hyaluronic acid faster and can lead to premature aging.
Getting Enough Sleep Makes You Look Younger
Your body repairs damaged cells and replenishes lost moisture in the skin while you sleep, which is why you both feel and look refreshed after a good night’s sleep. While we’d all love to get a great sleep every single night, it’s not always realistic. While there are great treatments like fillers, facials and Thermage® that can help combat fine lines and wrinkles, the best defense is a good offensive nap.