There is a science behind beauty rest, and sleeping may be one of the best ways to improve the appearance of your skin!
What Does Sleep Do for Your Skin?
When we sleep, our minds are at rest, but our bodies are actively carrying rejuvenating and repairing processes at the cellular level. Particularly during Stage IV (REM) sleep, hormones peak and initiate cell and tissue repair. During sleep, collagen production is accelerated. This component of the dermal matrix is responsible for skin's firmness. When collagen production is impeded by poor sleep or not enough sleep, skin loses its suppleness and water retention capacity. Loss of sleep also diminishes the skin's ability to protect itself, making skin more prone to irritation and inflammation. Thinner, dehydrated skin can be noticeable after just one night thin skin doesn't hide blood vessels effectively, resulting in dark circles under your eyes. Cumulative sleep deprivation over weeks, months or years, however, can lead to even harder to conceal signs lines, wrinkles and sagging skin.
How Can I Get Better Beauty Sleep?
You can improve your skin's health (and your overall health, for that matter), with sufficient, restful sleep. Getting enough quality rest is often a challenge. But there are simple lifestyle changes and habits to develop that can enhance your sleep and your skin-rejuvenation potential while you sleep. Get your body ready for rejuvenating sleep by:
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- Avoiding salty meals or hard-to-digest meals (like red meat) before bedtime
- Avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime
- Getting sufficient omega-3s (as part of a balanced diet and/or supplements) for a boost in hydration
- Ending vigorous exercise at least three hours before bedtime
You can also get your body ready for sleep by practicing proper sleep hygiene, which includes:
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- Making your bedroom for sleeping only.
That means removing all electronic devices from the bedroom. Not only are cell phones, laptops and TVs distractions we often entertain too late into the night, they emit electromagnetic frequencies that disrupt your body's own electrical signals.
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- Making sure your bedroom is dark.
When the lights are off, you shouldn't be able to see your hand in front of your face. Light inhibits your pineal gland from secreting melatonin, the chemical your body produces to induce sleepiness.
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- Maintaining a regular sleep schedule even on the weekends.
If you are in the habit of eating before you head to bed where you fall asleep catching up on the news, these changes will take some discipline, and it may take a while before you feel and see the difference.
How Can Hale Cosmeceuticals Help?
A lack of sleep is tough on the skin, but Hale Cosmeceuticals offers products to counteract the effects of a restless night:
If you want more information about our quality skin care products or are ready to order, call us 1-800-951-7005 to speak with a customer service expert!"
