Sleep is one of the pillars of health. Not only does it help build immunity, keep your brain healthy and fit. Adequate amount of sleep is also a way to look young and have healthy skin.
On the one hand we realize the importance of sleep for health and proper functioning of the body. On the other hand, however, the number of responsibilities, plans and meetings with friends make us sleepless nights. Unfortunately, reducing the time of sleep affects our mood, body condition and the appearance of the skin.
The answer to the question of how 8-hour sleep affects our skin is simple: beneficially! It is the time in which skin cells have time to regenerate. Throughout the day, skin comes into contact with UV rays, pollution, microbes, sweat, dirt and dust. Skin cells are constantly fighting against these invisible enemies, preventing them from penetrating deep into the body. After guarding for hours, the skin needs time to rest and regenerate.
Studies show that during sleep, human skin regenerates up to three times faster than during the day. Sleep is therefore a time of deep regeneration, soothing, wound healing, etc. Every broken hour of sleep drastically reduces the time needed to regenerate properly before the next day.
Studies show that it is during sleep that the active ingredients of cosmetics are much better absorbed into the skin. Most regenerative, repairing and anti-aging creams are products to be used at night
During the 8 hours of sleep the skin takes maximum advantage of the benefits contained in cosmetics. Before going to bed we should therefore apply preparations rich in repairing ingredients.
Retinol, glycolic acid, bakuchiol are ingredients that we should look for in preparations for use at night. Their use guarantees a repairing and rejuvenating effect on the skin. The combination of these cosmetics and proper amount of sleep is the best rejuvenating treatment we can give ourselves at home.
Collagen is the main building protein of the human body. It is to collagen that we owe firm, tight and youthful looking skin. As we age, the production of collagen decreases – hence wrinkles appear and the skin loses its firmness.
During sleep, growth hormone is secreted, which stimulates the body to produce collagen. Adequate sleep – that is, 8 hours a night – allows the body to produce enough collagen to enable the skin to effectively heal acne lesions and absorb scars. Collagen is also a building block for hair and nails. Taking care of its proper production ensures a beautiful appearance.
During sleep the level of stress in the body is reduced. Rests not only the mind and body, but also the skin. Sleep deprivation causes an increase in cortisol (stress hormone) levels in the body. This has a very negative effect on the skin because it leads to inflammation. The result can be, for example, swelling or puffiness around the eyes. The remedy is to make sure you get enough restorative sleep.
The skin – especially the face – gets a break from makeup, UV radiation, smog and temperature fluctuations during the night. All atmospheric and environmental factors take their toll on the condition of the skin. So it is worth taking care of the appropriate darkening and temperature in the bedroom. Cleansing and nourishing the skin and getting 8 hours of sleep is the real elixir of youth.
Main photo: Kinga Cichewicz/unsplash.com
