What if we told you that the biggest secret to naturally glowing and healthy skin is getting quality sleep for at least 9 hours? 

 

According to a recent study published in the journal Clinics in Dermatology suggests that lack of quality sleep and skin health is but a vicious cycle. 

 

Here a a few ways good sleep can boost our skin health:

 

Slows down wrinkling

When you sleep, you’re giving your body time to repair itself. While you’re sleeping, your body is rebuilding its collagen - a protein that provides strength and structure to your skin. This makes your skin plumper and less prone to wrinkles and lines. Less than 5 hours of sleep can double your risk of dry, wrinkled skin.

 

Gives a glow

Blood flow to your skin increases while you’re getting your much-needed snooze for the night. It makes your skin look plump and fresh, as opposed to sleep deprivation that can make your skin look dull and lifeless.

 

Removes dark circles

 

Puffy eyes and dark circles are the first noticeable signs of sleep deprivation. It can cause fluid buildup under your eyes, making it appear puffy and causing dark circles.

 

Prevents drooping

 

Our facial expressions change constantly while we are sleeping, and we tend to frown more. Missing out on good sleep can cause the corners of your mouth to droop.  

 

A research article published in 2017 found that sleep deprivation for two days negatively affected people’s perceived attractiveness and overall health.

 

How Can You Boost Your Skin Health?

 

The best way to boost your skin health is to get quality sleep with a set schedule every day. 

 

1. Get a full night’s sleep, at least 7-9 hours
   
   
2. Wash your face thoroughly before going to sleep. This will help increase blood flow, generate more collagen, and relax the muscles in your face
   
   
3. Apply a dermatologist-recommended overnight moisturiser
   
   
4. Drink a glass of water before turning in to hydrate your skin, especially if you live in a polluted or low-humidity environment. Here’s how you can protect yourself from air pollution.
   
   
5. Sleep on your back and invest in a good pillow. Wrinkles on the face and chest can also result from sleeping on our stomachs on a rough surface and irritate the skin.
   
   
6. Elevate your head while you’re asleep. It will help reduce snoring (or symptoms of sleep apnea or acid reflux) and thereby, give you uninterrupted sleep.

 

Did you know, your skin products work better when you’re sleeping well? That is because blood flow is more consistent while you’re asleep, and this helps your skin utilise the ingredients in your skin products.

 

We often spend our time using products for our skin to keep it glowing and healthy. But paying attention to our sleep habits is more important than using external products and then being deprived of good sleep.