What Really Happens To Your Skin As You Sleep?

When it comes to taking care of our skin, we all have our routines, and products we use religiously. However, if it’s one thing we often overlook, it’s the importance of getting a good night’s sleep. It’s not just about feeling well-rested the next day; your skin relies heavily on those hours of shut-eye too. Allow us to explain why.

What Happens To Our Skin While We Sleep?

During the day, our skin is exposed to pollution, UV rays, and free radicals that can cause damage to our skin cells. This damage can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and even skin cancer in some cases. When we go to sleep, our skin goes through a process of repairing and rejuvenating.

• Skin cell renewal

During the hours of 11PM to midnight, cell mitosis-a process that replaces dead skin cells- peaks in our body. This process will happen whether you’re asleep or awake. However, by maintaining a sleep routine and aiming for the same hours of sleep each night, you can better regulate the health of your skin.

• Collagen production

The growth hormone is released as you sleep, causing collagen creation to be stimulated. Increased collagen makes your skin firmer, smoother, and less prone to wrinkles and fine lines.

• Increased blood flow

The skin’s blood flow increases during sleep, allowing the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the skin cells. This increased circulation leads to brighter, more radiant-looking skin. Because of this, sleep deprivation can cause a dull and lifeless complexion.

• The body produces more melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone that your body produces in response to darkness. Aside from promoting restful sleep, melatonin also aids in repairing skin damage and slows the aging of cells due to its anti-oxidative properties.

• Relief from stress

When you go to sleep, you don’t have to deal with daily stressors. Stress can boost the creation of cortisol, sometimes known as the stress hormone. High cortisol levels trigger the skin’s sebaceous glands into producing more sebum(oil). The additional oil clogs the pores encouraging inflammation and development of bacteria– resulting in acne. By getting enough rest, you can keep your cortisol levels balanced.

How Much Sleep Do You Need?

According to CDC, the amount of sleep you need to get comes down to your age. The average adult needs to get at least 7 hours of sleep every night.

Beyond getting the right amount of sleep every night, the quality of sleep you get is equally important. Adopt good sleep habits to experience better quality sleep.

Pamper Your Skin Before You Sleep

The excretion of sebum peaks about noon, and less is secreted at night time. Because of this, the skin is more susceptible to moisture loss during the night. Moisturizing before bed is a good way to replenish the moisture loss.

What’s more, skincare is more effective during this time. The skin becomes more receptive to certain products at night-like anti-aging products-allowing for better permeation.

By following through with your nighttime skincare(basically cleansing and moisturizing), you can wake up with your skin feeling nice and refreshed.

Takeaway

Beauty sleep is no myth. Getting enough sleep is a crucial component of maintaining healthy, beautiful skin. So, make sure you’re giving your body the rest it needs, and allow your skin to regenerate and rejuvenate while you catch those z’s. Remember, you are a GEM.