Sleep and Skin Health
We are all somewhat guilty of not getting the minimum seven hours of sleep that is recommended for our health. Did you know that the CDC has even classified insufficient sleep as a public health problem? Not only are you feeling tired and reaching for that second cup of coffee midday, but the lack of sleep affects your skin health too.
A study in the journal Clinical and Experimental Dermatology found that people who slept seven to nine hours a night had more moisturized skin and therefore could protect and heal better after being exposed to ultraviolet light compared to those who slept five hours or less. The skin must be able to retain moisture to therefore protect and heal the skin to fight the signs of aging. Sleep is crucial for skin health because during the sleep cycle, skin goes through restoration. If you cut back on sleep you are reducing the amount of time the skin has to repair, which therefore shows on the face.
You have probably heard of the hormone cortisol and how high levels in the body are associated with stress, sleep, and weight gain. Cortisol is an important hormone found in our body that helps us wake up in the morning, promoting the body's fight or flight response. Cortisol causes increased oil production in your skin glands, which can lead to clogged pores and acne breakouts. Chronic stress leads to constant increased levels of these hormones and can have a negative effect on your skin health. Additionally, psychological conditions cause increased internal inflammation. Cortisol has many anti-inflammatory capabilities and not only is important for our skin health, but for overall health as high levels over time can increase the risk of type II diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
Proper sleep hygiene, such as a structured evening routine can aid in minimizing stress levels and encourage proper sleep. There is no one size fits all when it comes to stress and sleep. However, finding relaxation techniques in lowering cortisol levels, can have a positive impact on your skin health.
Beauty sleep is no myth and we know sleep protects skin. Along with nutrition and exercise, taking care of your sleep is one of the pillars of health. Lack of sleep is associated with many negative health effects, including increased signs of aging. In addition to skincare treatments, facials, and proper skincare, sleep can enhance your overall health and beauty.
How stress affects your skin. Florida Dermatology & Skin Cancer Centers. (2020, January 23). Retrieved October 22, 2022, from https://fldscc.com/2020/01/23/how-stress-affects-skin/#:~:text=Cortisol%20causes%20increased%20oil%20production,conditions%20cause%20increased%20internal%20inflammation.
Oyetakin-White P;Suggs A;Koo B;Matsui MS;Yarosh D;Cooper KD;Baron ED; “Does Poor Sleep Quality Affect Skin Ageing?” Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25266053/.