We’ve always heard that sleep is great for us. It provides us with numerous health benefits – it strengthens our immune system and improves our memory and concentration. It’s undeniable that sleep is a necessary step in our routine.
As if these weren’t appealing enough, sleep has additional beauty benefits that help us look youthful, radiant, and well-rested. They weren’t lying when they called it beauty sleep!
What is it with sleep that allows us to have better skin? Let’s find out by breaking down its science.
The Science of Beauty Sleep
Before Sleep
Beauty sleep actually begins before we even get our shut-eye.
Ever heard of the term body clock? Our bodies have a biological rhythm where it knows to prepare our bodies for sleep when the sun sets and the moon rises.
Our body starts to cool down by increasing the blood flow to the skin getting rid of the toxins inside our body.
The Early Stages of Sleep
Once we actually hit the hay, our body goes into full-on repair mode.
It’s no surprise that the most restorative sleep phase, called deep sleep, is also the stage that’s crucial for beauty sleep to be beauty sleep. This phase begins with the release of the growth hormones that enable the regeneration of our cells and body tissues.
A lack of sleep will prevent us from getting our daily dose of the growth hormones that goes hand in hand with ageing.
The Middle Stages of Sleep
Eventually, the body increases melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate our body clock. Recently, dermatologists have discovered that it also suppresses sun damage, therefore acting as an antioxidant.
Given that sun damage is one of the main accelerators of ageing, especially when it comes to fine lines, reaching this stage of sleep could be beneficial to our skin.
The Final Stages of Sleep
During the final phases of sleep, or what we call rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, our stress hormone, cortisol comes to an all-time low. Our muscles and bodies relax, and our skin gets its much needed tender love and care.
We also begin to perspire, which is our body ’s way of producing moisture and keeping our skin hydrated and glowing even during the night.
Getting the Best Beauty Rest
With all of this in mind, we can use science to our advantage! Here are some tips to make the most out of your beauty sleep.
Do Your Nighttime Skincare Routine
IMAGE: The Famous 10-Step Skincare Routine
Sleep is the time where our bodies are more receptive to skincare products.
As we grow older, we produce less of the growth hormone that gives us that youthful and glowing complexion. To get fewer wrinkles, using topical skin care products before bed can help you maintain and improve your good skin.
It’s about Quantity and Quality
When it comes to sleep, getting 6 to 8 hours is the general rule of thumb. To maximise the beauty effects of sleeping, getting at least 7 hours of sleep is necessary.
But it’s not just about getting enough sleep, it’s also about getting a good night’s sleep. Make sure you’re sleeping well by not consuming food or caffeinated drinks a few hours before sleeping.
Having and Sticking to a Sleep Schedule
The best way to ensure you get the amount of sleep you need is by maintaining a sleep schedule. Sleeping at the same time every night and waking up at the same time every morning can train your body clock into getting its restorative sleep every night.
Getting enough sleep shouldn’t only be done out of vanity, but also out of necessity. Sleep deprivation manifests easily in dark circles and puffy eyes! So make sure you get a good sleep quality so your body feels ready to conquer a new day while strutting a radiant complexion!