The fairy tale "Sleeping Beauty" (known to Germans as "Dornröschen") can be summarized as follows: After 100 years of sleep, a passionate kiss saves a young woman with flawless skin. In this blog post, we explore how much reality lies in this beautiful myth. While we sleep, the body works through a small miracle list. The skin uses these hours of rest to repair itself. This is also why it's not just your best friend who urges you to get more "beauty sleep." Dermatologists also emphasize how crucial good sleep is for our complexion.
The skin switches into repair mode.
First, the medical explanation: During the deep sleep phase known as REM sleep, a growth hormone is released. In simpler terms, this sends a repair signal to the body. The hormone ensures that damaged skin cells are renewed, allowing minor injuries or irritations to heal. These processes are particularly active between midnight and 4 a.m. And therein lies the first problem for many of us: Those who regularly sleep too little disrupt their skin's natural rhythm.
Collagen – the nighttime skin booster
Now let's talk about collagen. This is a protein naturally produced by the body that provides firmness and elasticity. The production of this protein is also boosted at night. And here, too, the rule applies: the better we sleep, the more collagen is available to the tissue. The result: the skin remains firm, and small wrinkles are reduced. We simply look more rested. However, if collagen production is disrupted (specifically, by lack of sleep), the skin loses elasticity – and ages visibly faster. creams or Oils like this Liquid Youth from 48grams While this effect can be compensated for, long periods of wakefulness remain harmful.
Fresh blood flow = fresh-looking
Another beauty benefit is improved blood circulation. When we're asleep, our blood vessels dilate, increasing the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. This results in a rosy complexion greeting us in the mirror the next morning. However, lack of sleep significantly weakens this effect. The skin becomes pale and tired, and some even describe its color as "gray." No Instagram filter in the world can realistically conceal this difference!
What cortisol does to our skin
Another important factor is cortisol. This stress hormone circulates in our bodies all day long. At night, cortisol levels need to drop. Otherwise, inflammation or water retention can occur, and skin problems worsen. The opposite means fewer dark circles, less puffiness, and fewer pimples. The advice from the 48grams editorial team is: Instead of fighting puffy eyelids with an ice mask... simply go to bed earlier.
Overnight detox
Because we all love the term "detox" and we're always planning to do it, let's give a shout-out to all the "sleepyheads": Between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., the skin undergoes a cleansing process: cell-damaging substances are broken down and eliminated. This is primarily achieved through sweat. However, those who stay awake during this time—or sleep poorly—prevent this natural detoxification. The result is tired and stressed skin.It quickly becomes a breeding ground for inflammation.
Eight hours of sleep!
Off to bed? And earlier! Dermatologists recommend being in bed by 11 p.m. at the latest – and ideally getting eight hours of sleep. That's exactly the time the skin's natural repair processes need. For those who want to do everything right, modern organic skincare products are a good choice beforehand. The active ingredients used in 48grams products – especially the... Skin Repair Cream, the Antioxidant Booster Serum and that Liquid Youth Oil These factors significantly support beauty treatments. That's why sleep hygiene is so important. So: regular bedtimes, no blue light in the evening, fresh air in the bedroom. And: go to bed a little earlier!
