Sweet Dreams! Sleep and Your Skin Care Routine
You already know that getting a good night’s sleep is essential for good health.
It keeps you energized and alert both at work and at play. But did you know sleep is great for your skin as well?
Sleep promotes cell repair and allows your skin to recover from the stress and strain of the day. Along with washing, exfoliating, moisturizing and sun protection, getting your Z’s helps you enjoy beautiful, healthy skin at any age.
Let’s take a closer look at how sleep — and a lack thereof — affects your skin. We’ll also share some tips for making the most of your beauty rest!
What Happens to Your Skin When You’re Sleep-Deprived?
Just one night of too little sleep can visibly affect your skin. You may notice swollen eyelids, darker under-eye circles and a duller complexion. Fine lines and wrinkles may appear more noticeable.
Sleep deprivation also increases production of the stress hormone cortisol. Prolonged, elevated levels of cortisol can weaken your body’s ability to fight infection and inflammation. This may worsen breakouts associated with acne, rosacea and other skin conditions.
How Does Sleep Benefit Your Skin?
When you’re well-rested, you feel more confident in your appearance. On top of that, at night you get a well-deserved break from UV rays, blue light and other environmental irritants. But the skin benefits of sleep go even farther.
Did you know that blood flow to your skin increases when you’re asleep? This helps your cells with many important tasks, like rebuilding collagen, repairing UV damage and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and age spots.
Your body also releases growth hormones during sleep, which further promotes cell and tissue repair. In fact, cells tend to regenerate faster at night than during the daytime. This is very helpful in healing breakouts, cuts and abrasions.
Tips for Skin Care While You Sleep
Now that you know how important it is, here are some excellent ways to include sleep in your skin care plan.
Get a Full Night’s Sleep
Most people need between seven and nine hours of sleep per night for optimal health and wellness. This is just as important for your skin as it is for the rest of your body. Too little sleep dulls your complexion, hinders cell recovery and promotes faster aging.
A relaxing bedtime routine helps you get more and better-quality sleep. Turn off those screens so blue light won’t affect your ability to fall asleep. Instead, practice calming activities like reading, gentle yoga or meditation.
Wash & Moisturize Before Bed
No matter how tired you feel at the end of the day, never go to bed with your makeup still on!
Not washing your face before you sleep can lead to clogged pores and increase dryness. It also leaves you more susceptible to inflammation, infections and breakouts. So take some time to pamper yourself and wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil and makeup.
After you pat your skin dry with a clean, soft towel, apply a topical moisturizer formulated for your skin type. This keeps your skin soft and helps you avoid dryness. Nighttime is also the best time to apply retinoids and other products that promote collagen production.
Think About Your Sleep Position
Sleeping on your back is generally best for your skin. When you sleep on your side, your face is compressed against your pillow, which may encourage more wrinkles. If you simply feel more comfortable on your side, be sure to choose a pillowcase in a smooth, skin-friendly fabric like silk or satin.
Do you have questions or concerns about your skin? At Cayce Medical Spa, our team is here to provide you with a personalized care plan to enhance your natural beauty and self-confidence.
Contact us online at any time or call us at 573-234-6930 to schedule a consultation.