5 Reasons Scientifically Explain How Sleep Affects Skin

Active women, rejoice: Even while you're snoozing, you're getting plenty accomplished. Slumber is nature's most powerful beauty treatment. Not only do the optimal seven to nine hours a night leave you looking luminous, but also many hair, face, and body products are most effective overnight because they penetrate better when you're at rest. Spend more time in bed and wake up to these benefits.

* Skin repairs itself at night. Cell turnover refers to the process of producing new skin cells which travel from the deepest layer of the skin to the outermost layer of skin; the dead cells are then shed off and replaced with new, healthy ones. During this overnight process, you also build collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid the molecules responsible for skin’s plumpness, translucency and elasticity.

* Puffiness and dark circles under the eyes were often thought to be a sign of tiredness, although the real culprits are suspected to be dehydration and water retention. Getting enough sleep can help to reduce these symptoms and some experts also recommend sleeping on your back, with your head elevated a couple of inches above your body with an extra pillow. This posture allows fluid to drain from your face, rather than pooling beneath your eyes. Try to avoid salty foods after lunch and limit your alcohol content before bedtime as these can also encourage swelling.

* While you snooze, your skin is busy renewing itself – in fact, research has shown that skin cell regeneration almost doubles at night! Different body cells are more active at particular times of the day, and skin cells can repair themselves most effectively at night. It helps that while you’re tucked up in bed, your skin is having a break from everyday stresses such as sunlight, pollution and extreme temperatures, giving it a chance to carry out vital repairs.

* Forget lotions and potions to iron out fine lines and wrinkles – a good night’s sleep is all you need! While you sleep, your body produces the most human growth hormone, which is a vital ingredient in skin repair. In turn, this boosts the development of collagen which improves elasticity, for a plumper, wrinkle-free complexion. Your system also increases the production of melatonin, a hormone that acts as a skin-protecting antioxidant. Finally, your blood flow is far more efficient when you’re well rested, providing a longer lasting, healthy glow

* Long for luscious, flowing locks? Increased sleep has been proven to help your hair grow faster, thanks to your body’s increasing its levels of melatonin. Sleep also helps to regulate the production of cortisol, a ‘stress’ hormone – too much of this can lead to all kinds of health problems, including hair loss. When your body isn’t getting enough sleep for regeneration processing, it will focus on maintaining your most vital organs, while skimping on your hair, skin and other less important organs.