THE IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP FOR OUR SKIN
Life is busy. There are plenty of things to keep our days and nights occupied, and often not enough hours in the day to complete our to-do lists. Have you considered the importance of the hours in the night, when your body also has a long to-do list? How do you feel about sleep? What impact does it have on you, internally and externally?
Why a good sleep is so important?
Regular sleep hours mean a younger-looking you!
Sleep is critically important for good health, resetting our brains and our bodies, particularly the immune system, heart, circulatory system and the skin. And poor sleep is strongly associated with both lackluster skin and visible signs of premature aging.
In research carried out the skin of 60 women who had chronic sleep problems was compared to those with an ideal sleep duration of 7 – 9 hours a night. Good sleepers not only had significantly lower skin aging scores but better recovery after exposure to UV light and a 30% greater barrier recovery.1Skin renews and repairs best during sleep
Our internal 24 hour body clocks are controlled by light and regulate sleep and much more. Skin cells have their own clocks, scheduling DNA repairs for the late afternoon and evening. Night time is reserved for increased cell proliferation when this delicate process can proceed without interruption.
Whilst experts agree the ideal quantity of sleep is between 7 – 9 hours for an adult – no one is yet sure whether quality of sleep for instance, the amount of deep sleep versus dream sleep is as important for the skin as it undoubtedly is for the brain. It’s worth noting that skin cell turnover time ranges from 2 weeks in a baby to more than 2 months in a woman of 50 plus. This is partly thought to be due to differing amounts of sleep.
We very quickly notice if our friends are tired. Studies show that individuals could indeed detect signs of fatigue very accurately even from photos of faces shown for only a few seconds. Sleep and health are so closely linked that there was a survival benefit in being able to spot those who might be ill, that should be avoided. Skin appearance is the key facial cue in this and even in our modern age, facial skin cues of fatigue continue to strongly influence our judgements of health and attractiveness.
Therefore, in summary, the research and the biology are clear. Sleep helps to lower the skin age with better recovery after exposure to UV light and it allows tired skin to repair through increased cell proliferation. It is also important in regulating appetite and internally affects our hormone levels which also have an overall effect on our skin. And outwardly, a lack of sleep can project an image of ourselves as being less healthy. So, in the future, when you wake up and look in the mirror and think about nourishing and protecting your skin, make a note-to-self to remember to build in a good night’s sleep into your skin care routine, your whole body will thank you for it.
Some of the products we stock here in ELM are specifically designed to be used at night time for best skin results!
Three examples of these overnight products from our facial product ranges are:
ELEMIS PEPTIDE 4 OVERNIGHT RADIENCE PEEL: Wake up to smooth, glowing skin, thanks to the Elemis Peptide4 Overnight Radiance Peel. Formulated with a blend of gently exfoliating AHAs and nourishing botanical oils, the peel helps to remove the surface layer of dead skin cells that can contribute to congestion and dullness, thereby improving the clarity and tone of your complexion. Lactic Acid with AHAs supports the skin’s natural cell renewal process to promote a brighter and more even complexion, reducing the appearance of pores, fine lines and imperfections. Discover true beauty sleep with this lightweight, milky peel that works overnight to leave you glowing.
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DECLEOR SWEET ORANGE SLEEPING MASK: Sweet Orange Skin Perfecting Sleeping Mask is enriched with Sweet Orange and Neroli Essential Oils and Vitamin B3 to refine your skin texture overnight and reduce the appearance of dark spots leaving the skin with a healthy glow. The Sweet Orange Skin Perfecting Sleeping Mask is enriched with Vitamin B3 to refine your skin texture overnight and reduce the appearance of dark spots. The skin feels immediately hydrated, plumped and smoother.
SKINCEUTICALS GLYCOLIC 10 RENEW OVERNIGHT: SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight Corrective Cream a powerful nightly treatment that promotes a smooth, refined appearance. Delivering 10% Glycolic free acid value in a 3.5 PH formula for maximum effect, the quick-absorbing cream has been clinically proven to enhance radiance and combat uneven skin tone and texture. Complemented with soothing botanicals, it works around the clock to restore a bright, healthy-looking visage that feels soft and comfortable come morning.
Sweet dreams! X