Lack of Sleep Ages Your Skin

«Most people have experienced sallow skin and puffy eyes after a few nights of missed sleep. But it turns out that chronic sleep loss can lead to lackluster skin, fine lines, and dark circles under the eyes.

When you don’t get enough sleep, your body releases more of the stress hormone cortisol. In excess amounts, cortisol can break down skin collagen, the protein that keeps skin smooth and elastic.

Sleep loss also causes the body to release too little human growth hormone. When we’re young, human growth hormone promotes growth. As we age, it helps increase muscle mass, thicken skin, and strengthen bones.

“It’s during deep sleep — what we call slow-wave sleep — that growth hormone is released,” says sleep expert Phil Gehrman, PhD. “It seems to be part of normal tissue repair — patching the wear and tear of the day.»

Don’t deprive your skin from a good night’s sleep. Think of sleep as nourishment for the body. It is as essential as food and water. When you sleep your body removes dead blood and dead brain cells, so it can replace them with new ones. Get rid of 60% of your toxins by resting. If you don’t want your skin to appear dry, get breakouts, or redness then put in the hours for that much needed beauty rest.

«That’s why using skin care products that keep your skin at a slightly acidic level (so it keeps moisture in and bacteria out)» – Cosmopolitan

Eating balanced meals also creates a positive domino effect in the body. Not only to maintain your figure, but also to help you keep that glowing skin we all want. I tell most of my patient’s about the importance of a good skincare routine, but also the imperative need for a good sleep.  A good sleep will help you avoid: dark circles. As tempting as it is to binge watch a show on Netflix or perhaps even scroll through your phone for unread messages or roll down that Instagram feed can have a negative effect. You expose yourself to blue daylight spectrum light and this keeps you awake and prevents you from falling asleep and entering the REM stage, which is crucial.

For more information, don’t be afraid to contact us and ask questions. We’re more than glad to answer them.