These days, there are so many products and treatments on the market that claim to make you look rested and youthful but what if the easiest way to look like you’ve gotten a full night’s sleep is to actually sleep? It turns out there’s scientific proof of the effectiveness of youthful sleep. Allow me to break it down for you:
We do most of our internal and epidermal recovery and healing while we sleep. Rest allows our skin’s blood flow to increase and the epidermis is able to repair itself from the damage it has suffered throughout the day due to harmful UV rays and sun exposure. Sleep is also the time when your face inevitably comes into contact with the elements directly around it, such as your pillowcase and sheets, for a long time. Your face rubbing against rough, dry cotton for hours at a time can’t be good.
Get The Right Amount of Sleep
If you’re looking to improve skin health while you sleep, the best place to start is to get the recommended amount of sleep, between seven to nine hours, each night. There are numerous effects that lack of sleep can have on your skin but these are some of the most common: more wrinkles and fine lines, darker under-eye circles, a dull complexion, and puffiness. Washing your face and moisturizing before bed is also essential to a rested, youthful look. When I wash my face at night, I feel like I’m literally removing the day, and applying a moisturizer afterward leaves my skin feeling plump and rejuvenated.
What Are You sleeping on?
As I mentioned before, sleeping on cotton can irritate the skin, and compressing your face against it for hours can result in wrinkles. The majority of wrinkles are caused by the faces we make but some can definitely be attributed to sleeping on our sides and stomach. Sleep patterns can be hard to change, so if sleeping on your back is too much, then opt for a silk or satin pillowcase- these can minimize sleep compression and irritation.
Because we spend time and money on lasering our skin and getting routine facials, this is all the more reason not to overlook how we treat our skin while we sleep. After all, sleep is free and will only enhance your results from these services. Most importantly, sleep is directly linked to brain function- we just perform better after a full night’s rest. Sleep isn’t just about looking youthful, it’s about maintaining a healthy body and mind for years to come!