Winter is upon us, and with it unfortunately so are many stuffy noses and potential colds. If you...
Part of having that fresh, healthy glow on your face is your beauty sleep. In fact, sleep is your body’s fountain of youth. If you are getting less than six hours of sleep a night on a regular basis, it is most probably affecting your skin. First, let’s look at a few things that happen when you DON’T get enough sleep.
One of the most obvious things that happen is the dark circles under your eyes. This is because the blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface dilate when you don’t get enough rest.
When you sleep, your body goes into repair-mode. When you do not get enough rest, your body cannot produce enough HGH (human growth hormone.) HGH is the hormone that repairs and replenishes cells and, aids in preventing premature aging.
With a lack of HGH, your body will release more of the stress hormone cortisol. The increase in cortisol will cause a loss of collagen and your skin will become inflamed. Long term, you will develop thinner skin, dry skin, wrinkles and lines on your face, all due to the loss of collagen.
Lack of sleep also affects the circulation of blood to your skin. Your skin will not get the nutrients and oxygen that it needs, causing you to look older. Sleep and skin aging go hand-in-hand. Get at least seven hours of sleep consistently to help your skin resist aging.
The minimum sleep time recommended for adults is seven hours, but eight to nine is ideal. Getting those extra one or two hours beyond seven is your beauty secret. Skin works all day, just like you do. It is protecting your from the sun and pollution. During daylight, skin is working to stay hydrated and protected. This is why it is so important to let your body rest, allow your skin to rest. Here are some of the benefits to a solid night’s sleep:
It is great to get out of the shower, look in the mirror and see fresh eyes looking back. When well rested, puffy eyes with dark circles are a thing of the past.
Sleep allows your body to repair, including your skin. HGH will boost within the body and cortisol will reduce, allowing your facial skin to restore. Inflammation will diminish while moisture will increase. You will find that you have an improved complexion when you regularly get plenty of sleep. The blood flow will bring oxygen and nutrients to your skin, giving you those naturally rosy cheeks and youthful glow.
Getting those eight to nine hours of slumber will keep the wrinkles away. You body will be busy at night making more collagen, which will mean plumper, more elastic skin. Healthier skin means that it is less likely to wrinkle.
Your immune system benefits greatly from plenty of rest. Your skin is your largest organ and your immune system protects it. When well rested, the immune system can fight off harmful pathogens, cellular damage, and unwanted bacteria. Those who suffer with acne or cystic acne benefit greatly because sleep enables the immune system to fight the bacteria that causes acne breakouts.
Night time is repair time. Before turning in for the night, whether you wear make-up or not, thoroughly wash your face to remove dirt and pollutants from your skin. Rinse with lukewarm water. Follow up with a good moisturizer. Night time is the best time for moisturizer because it works with the revitalization that happens overnight. Lastly, get at least seven hours of sleep a night. Be consistent with your nighttime routine and who knows, you may be able to skip the make-up routine in the morning.
