Maggie Evans 
A lot of us may not realize it, but the quality and quantity of sleep that we provide our body every day affects the kind of skin that we possess. A lot of ageing and health issues related to skin can easily be dealt with simply by getting the right amount of shuteye every day. Skin problems like wrinkles, fine lines, acne, puffy eyes, etc., can all be simply countered through your daily dose of beauty sleep.
The best thing about beauty sleep is that it has little to do with investing in a range of cosmetic products or going for expensive treatments. On the contrary, beauty sleep can be achieved naturally by following a few simple measures that require miniscule effort and are quite inexpensive. So, without further ado let us quickly go through some of the ways in which lack of sleep can affect the wellbeing of your skin.
Dullness
All of us covet a skin that is supple and glowing but it is practically impossible to achieve one without proper sleep. The dullness of skin is primarily brought by inflammation in the body and face which in turn results from a spike in cortisol level- the hormone that regulates stress in the body. Numerous studies in the past have established a clear interrelation between sleep deprivation and stress buildup. It is therefore recommended that you go through a round of soothing bedtime ritual that helps you let go of everyday stress before you prepare to sleep.
Dryness
Dryness of skin is another major telltale sign of a poor skin health. An inadequate amount of moisture level in the skin can give you a parched appearance whereas the misbalance in the pH level may affect your complexion. It is therefore absolutely important that you apply a good moisturizer every night before going to bed so that there is no escape of moisture overnight. Follow these essential tips that help you get the sleep you need so that your body naturally maintains the right balance of moisture and pH level in your skin.
Faster Skin Ageing
One of the primary reasons of a skin that appears old and saggy is a lack of proper collagen production. While it is natural for collagen to start thinning out with old age, sleep deprivation can lead to a premature loss of elasticity and stretchiness of skin. On the other hand, maintaining a good sleep health boosts your collagen production and helps get rid of harmful toxins. We would therefore recommend that you setup a bedroom environment which is comfortable and sleep inducing so that you experience no hindrance to a good night’s sleep.
Acne Breakouts
A case of acne breakout might not be a life-threatening problem but it sure makes your skin look unhealthy and points towards other underlying health conditions. According to a recent study published in the National Library of Medicine, sleep quality in adults has a major role in deciding the severity of acne experienced in adults. Apart from the high cortisol levels, coming in contact with sheets and pillow covers that are polluted with dirt, dead skin cells, and other allergens may also end up clogging the skin pores, culminating into acne flare-ups. Make sure that you use bedding that doesn’t trap heat and is regularly cleaned.
Fine Lines
It is not just the quality and quantity of sleep that may increase the appearance of fine lines but also the way you sleep at night. According to this comprehensive piece on beauty sleep by insidebedroom, a sleeping position that exerts more pressure on your skin is bound to lead to the formation of such lines. It is therefore advisable to sleep on your back rather than on your stomach or your side so that the amount of contact with your bedding can be minimized. In addition, it is preferable to tie your hair in a smooth silk bun at night so that it doesn’t come in contact with your skin at night.
Dark Circles and Puffy Eyes
Dark circles and puffy eyes is a direct result of poor blood circulation in the blood vessels surrounding your eye contour. The fluid around your eye gets retained overnight around the lower eyelids, especially when sleeping on your stomach, and gives your eyes that swollen and tired look. It is advisable to apply a retinol infused eye cream at night to help boost the cell reproduction around this area to strengthen the delicate layer of skin.
Bottom line:
With the increased amount of skin time exposure and irregular sleep schedules, the human race is becoming more and more vulnerable to sleep health issues. It is therefore important to pick up the early signs that our skin reflects and start working towards achieving a restful night of beauty sleep on a consistent basis. We hope that these abovementioned facts will help you easily identify the skin health issues and inspire you to take up active steps to attain a youthful and supple skin that radiates good health.
