SIX REASONS A HEALTHY SLEEPING PATTERN WILL GIVE YOU GREAT SKIN.
Skin health and sleep quality can be strongly linked. Lack of sleep elevates cortisol levels in the body, increasing inflammation and stress levels.
Jessica Krant, assistant professor and founder of Art of Dermatology in New York explains. “Poor sleep can lead to increased stress hormones in the body that increase the severity of inflammatory skin conditions such as acne or psoriasis. This can result in increased itching, which can disrupt sleep. As the vicious cycle continues, skin conditions and sleep quality can increasingly worsen together. In contrast, skin conditions and sleep quality can also improve together. Getting a good night’s sleep will help to clear up skin, which allows sleep to heal and, in turn, will improve skin health.”
Here are six reasons why not getting enough sleep detracts from skin health and your overall health in general:
- The incidental increase in inflammatory response manifests as increased acne breakouts, increased skin sensitivity, increased allergic contact dermatitis reactions, and increased irritant dermatitis.
- Increased levels of inflammation in the body lead to an increase in the breakdown of collagen and hyaluronic acid, the compounds that give the skin its glow, bounce, and resilience.
- Increased inflammation also throws off the body’s ability to regulate the immune system, which leads not only to getting sick more often but also to flares of immune-related skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema. Psoriasis is not just a skin disease; it’s also an indicator of body inflammation. ”Many people with severe psoriasis actually have an increased risk for heart attacks, which is even more reason to keep stress low and get good quality sleep” says Dr. Krant.
- While you’re sleeping, the body’s hydration levels rebalance. Not getting enough sleep results in poor water balance, leading to puffy bags under your eyes and under-eye circles, as well as dryness and more visible wrinkles.
- During deep sleep, the rise in growth hormone levels allows damaged cells to be repaired. Without the deeper phases of sleep, this can’t occur, resulting in daily small breakdowns that don’t recover overnight accelerating the signs of ageing.
- Good sleep patterns help with weight management, which is good for your skin. “Sleep makes you feel less hungry”, Krant explains — recent studies have linked sleep deprivation to excess snacking and calorie consumption.
Over and above a great skincare routine, lifestyle habits are often what tip the scales in favour of youthful, resilient skin and good health. Taking care of yourself does not have to be expensive. Simply take a step back and rest after a busy, energetic day and give your body the time it needs to heal.
