How Solid Sleep Helps Your Skin

Most people have experienced sallow skin and puffiness and dark circles after a few nights of sleep. It’s normal and it happens to all of us. But how does lack of sleep impact your overall skin health?

Having a good amount of sleep every night is crucial not only for your skin, but for your whole body. If you’re an adult, you should be okay with 6-8 hours of sleep every night. Sleep deprivation can cause your body to release less human growth hormone which plays a very important role in increasing muscle mass, thickening skin and strengthening our bones.

As far as your skin concernes, sleep deprivation affects it in a few ways:

1. Your skin becomes dull

While you’re sleeping your body boosts a steady blood flow to your skin, which gives it a healthy glow. Depriving yourself of much needed sleep will leave your skin dull and you can say goodbye to that healthy complexion and those rosy cheeks.

2. You get dark circles

One of the first signs of sleep deprivation are dark circles. As we mentioned before, steady blood flow to your skin is crucial – dark circles are caused by blood which collects under your eyes and is visible because the skin there is really thin. It can also be caused by genes, age and increased melanin, and in this condition sleep deprivation can make your issue even worse.

3. Your skin gets dry and triggers breakouts

Not getting enough sleep can lead to imbalance in your natural skin pH levels, causing your skin to not be able to produce enough moisture it needs, so it leaves your skin uneven and can even trigger breakouts.

4. Products might not work as well

While you sleep, your skin is focused on repairing itself since it isn’t defending itself from sun and free radicals. Since your blood flow is more consistent, your skin can absorb and benefit from the fresh and repairing ingredients in your beauty products.

5. Your skin ages faster

Research shows that poor sleep quality can accelerate signs of skin aging and weaken the ability to repair itself at night. Your skin produces more collagen while you sleep, which helps your skin repair itself. Your skin will be more elastic and you’re less likely to get wrinkles.

Few tips to get a good night sleep:

• Switch off all screens at least half an hour before going to sleep – I know it’s hard but it clears your head and your eyes will be less strained.
• If you’re stressed, try lighting a scented candle or making yourself herbal tea such as chamomile
• Taking a warm bath will relax you while also refreshing your skin
• Wear a sleep mask and ear plugs if needed

So, what are you waiting for? Go get that beauty sleep tonight, it’s the least you can do for your body and your skin.

Have some good-night tips you want to share with us? You can do it on our Facebook or Twitter. Want to see how sleep impacts your overall skin health? Check out OKU.