Beauty sleep or why sleep improves skin health
Hello Moooorgähne... It's the same drama every day. The day starts too early … even if it is already 10 o'clock. We members of the 48grams editorial team have two things in common. We are women and we are chronic morning grouches. How do we justify this? In the best possible way: A long sleep makes a beautiful face. It has been scientifically proven that a good night's sleep has a remarkably positive effect on skin health. We now want to share this knowledge with you ... and break a small lance for all those who would rather start work at lunchtime.
The science behind beauty sleep
It's not without reason that we all like to talk about beauty sleep. Studies have repeatedly shown that good sleep plays a fundamental role in skin cell repair and regeneration. While we sleep, the blood flow to the tissues increases measurably. The result: an increased supply of oxygen and nutrients takes place. In that sense, it's like the body's internal repair program. Sleep also promotes the production of collagen. Everyone knows this from advertising: collagen is an important protein that is responsible for the elasticity and firmness of the skin. This explains why people who get enough sleep often have smooth and glowing skin. Small insertion from the editors: We have thus supported one of the most common claims made by Hollywood stars: Their beauty routine is said to always consist of lots of water and lots of sleep...
A magic cure for the skin
Because it's true, let's go into more detail about the information above! Just like a magic cure that we use at night, a restful night works wonders for our face. While we sleep, the body goes through various regeneration processes: for example, cell division and repair increases. This leads to the renewal of damaged or dead skin cells. As mentioned before, sleep also promotes the production of collagen - the so-called collagen synthesis. The structuring protein reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. This also strengthens the skin barrier. The result: We are better protected from external irritants and pollutants. There is also hormonal regulation. This means that growth hormones (responsible for cell regeneration) and melatonin (has antioxidant properties) are released. Last but not least: Moisture regulation takes place in the fabric during sleep. This ultimately leads to an improvement in vascular elasticity.
The effect of lack of sleep on the skin
Conversely, lack of sleep can/will have very unpleasant effects. Basically, if you don't get enough rest, your skin will age faster. makes even existing skin problems worse. From a scientific point of view, sleep deprivation leads to impaired skin regeneration and an imbalance in various physiological processes.
The problem list
• Increased cortisol levels: A lack of sleep leads to an increase in the stress hormone cortisol. If the C level is increased, this can lead to inflammation in the skin and weaken the natural barrier function. This in turn triggers increased sensitivity and increases the risk of acne and eczema.
• Reduced Collagen Synthesis: As previously mentioned, collagen is extremely important. Lack of sleep impairs the production of collagen. Over a longer period of time, this can lead to a loss of skin elasticity and firmness. In short: This favors the development of wrinkles, fine lines and a less fresh appearance.
• Impaired blood circulation: less sleep means less oxygen and fewer nutrients in the skin cells. The tissue thus loses its ability to regenerate.
• To conclude the round of negative effects, here is one last fact, why lack of sleep is a "no no" for beautiful skin. If you don't get enough sleep at night, you have to live with the formation of more free radicals. What is meant by this is damage to the skin cells and thus premature skin aging.
Lack of sleep is like a wild party - for the skin
To put it in a more blog-like way: lack of sleep is like a wild party that your skin doesn't enjoy. The revelers (here: the body) are too busy keeping the party going and neglect to clean up. The cells that normally regenerate and repair skin are overwhelmed by free radicals and inflammation that roam like uninvited guests. The next morning your skin looks like it's been through the night! That's a nice (bad) summary!
Sleeping position and wrinkling
By the way, even the way we sleep can affect skin health. Back or side - that is the question. The constant rubbing of your face on the pillow will cause sleep wrinkles, which (may) develop into permanent wrinkles over time. The solution sounds simple: if you sleep on your back, (bed) wrinkles simply have no chance of creeping into your skin.
Screen time before bed
Today we have been gifted with an abundance of screens, be it mobile phones, televisions or laptops. Unfortunately, heavy use of these devices before bed can result in poorer sleep quality. The blue light from the screens disrupts the release of the sleep hormone melatonin and often triggers rest disorders. No wonder you often have dark circles and tired skin the morning after!
Healthy sleep habits
Finally, a few general tips for beauty sleep: It helps to get rid of a few habits: alcohol in the evening or even an espresso after the (late) dinner... please don't! TV or cell phone use until just before bedtime… please don’t. Temperatures too high in the bedroom... please don't. In the best case, you already have peace before bedtime. Let the evening end without excitement - and ideally always go to bed at the same time. All of which will lead to good sleep... beauty sleep!
