We’ve all heard of the term beauty sleep but how many of us actually follow it? Be it because of late-night parties or Netflix binge-watching sessions, somehow we’re always compromising on the amount of time we spend resting. However, we’ve got to change this habit. We spoke to Dr Simal Soin, who is the founder of Aayna Clinic, an Aesthetic and Cosmetic Dermatologist about how sleep affects our skin, our hair, and if it really is a necessary part of our beauty routine and she gave us all the deets.
Is Beauty Sleep A Real Thing?
“Beauty sleep isn’t just an old wive’s tale about getting enough sleep to stay beautiful. It really is like a fountain of youth that you dive into each night. Sleep is a regenerative process. When we sleep, we heal and reduce the impact of damages done throughout the day,” says Dr Soin.
The levels of cortisol which is the stress hormone in our body significantly decrease and our cells rejuvenate because our skin goes into repair mode at night. The body also boosts our blood flow to the skin which makes us look well-rested and fresh. Getting adequate sleep is essential to help us achieve younger, glowing, even-toned skin. The dermatologist also informs us that well-rested people appear healthier, less tired, and more attractive.
How Does Sleep Deprivation Effect The Skin?
If you’re looking to improve the health and appearance of your skin, consider adding a few more hours of sleep to your routine. Sleep deprivation can take a toll on your skin in the following ways:
Puffy Eyes And Dark Circles
Puffy eyes and dark circles are one of the first signs of sleep deprivation. Not getting enough shut-eye time raises the cortisol levels, and this changes the salt balance in your body which can lead to water retention and under-eye puffiness.
Premature Aging
Pulling continuous all-nighters can lead to skin aging faster and one that doesn’t recover as well from environmental stress factors like sun exposure and pollution. As we sleep, blood flow increases, collagen is rebuilt, and the muscles in our face relax. Any disruption in this process can lead to the premature development of fine lines and wrinkles.
Acne
As the body sleeps it makes anti-inflammatory cytokines that reduce skin inflammation and affect local skin immunity to fight infections. People with poor sleeping habits are more likely to have their acne worsen. Sleep deprivation-induced stress can be a major contributing factor in the development of acne.
Dull Skin Tone
Sleep encourages healthy blood flow to your skin and any disruption in blood flow can make the skin appear pale and dull.
Products To Incorporate Into Your Beauty Routine To Reverse Signs Of Sleep Deprivation
“One must take advantage of nighttime for the skin renewal and restoration process. Cleanse your skin before going to bed and choose products like the ones mentioned below to optimize this recovery period so that you wake up with youthful skin,” advises Dr Simal.
Hydrating Eye Cream
A hydrating eye cream depuffs your eyes and also helps with dark circles. This one is enriched with rosehip oil that brightens the skin, reduces wrinkles, and deeply nourishes the skin.
Overnight Moisturiser With Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid makes your skin appear supple and healthier and gives it a luminous glow. It agrees with every skin type even sensitive skin and has antioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals and pollutants in the air. This cream by Kiehl’s works as a day and night cream and is enriched with beach tree extract, jasmonic acid, and hyaluronic acid aka the moisture magnet.
Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C is known to lighten pigmentation and improve skin radiance. This one by Dr Sheth’s is specially formulated for Indian skin and is packed with amla extract and ferulic acid that help reduce fine lines, spots, and wrinkles.
Vitamin A/ Retinol Cream
Retinol is a version of Vitamin A that reduces the appearance of fine lines, increases your skin’s elasticity, evens out the skin tone, and makes it appear more youthful. It also helps fight off cystic acne, reduces sebum production, increases the production of new skin cells, fades pigmentation, and refines your skin’s overall texture.
Peptide Cream
Peptides also help in boosting collagen production, repairing skin damage and locking in hydration. They even out skin tone, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and contain anti-inflammatory properties. All this, in turn, helps the skin remain younger, firmer, healthier, and tighter. So, if you wanna reverse sleep deprivation damage, this is an ingredient to check out.
So, switch off your devices, do a ten minute meditation routine and get napping. You can reply to your boss’ WhatsApp messages later!
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