Rest! We all need it and often don't
get enough of it, but a lack of rest can seriously affect the look of your skin
— from dark circles to puffy eyes and less-than-vibrant skin, when you're
tired, you look it. One of the best ways to rest is to have Quality sleep.
When we
talk about beauty sleep, in basic terms we mean getting enough sleep in order
to remain looking beautiful and young. However, what goes on in our skin cells
whilst we sleep is a little more complicated and is why getting enough sleep
each night is an important part of how to wake up refreshed and radiant.
How Much Sleep Do I Need?
In order for an adult to function fully throughout the day
they need 7-9 hours’ sleep each night. Of course, the amount of sleep we need
differs from person to person and the amount of sleep you need to get by on is
very different to the amount of sleep you actually need to be able to function
to your fullest potential.
As we lead such hectic and busy lives, 5-6 hours’ sleep may
sound good for some people, however in reality only getting this amount can
lead to chronic sleep deprivation - even without realizing it.
Teenagers tend to need even more sleep, approximately 8-10
hours with infants and babies needing even more still.
What Happens To Our Skin Whilst We
Sleep?
When we drift off into beauty sleep, our body starts to
activate its various regeneration and repair programmes which are vital to
keeping our skin looking healthy and young. As you rest your skin cell turnover
increases, replenishing dead and damaged skin cells with new ones, combating
damage caused throughout the day by free radicals so you can wake up fresh.
Skin Cell
Regeneration
Perhaps most importantly at night time, cell mitosis (cell
division) peaks in our body - this is the process that renews and repairs our
skin. According to science the peak time for skin repair is between 9pm - midnight,
this is due to our skin following a 24-hour cycle. It is therefore critical to
take advantage of this time in order to maximize the benefits of beauty sleep.
Our Skin
Loses Moisture
Just like our cell mitosis has a peak time, the excretion of
sebum also has a peak time - this is around midday. Sebum provides a natural
protective layer on our skin that helps us retain moisture throughout the day.
As less sebum is secreted at night time our skin is more susceptible to losing
moisture.
As part of how to wake up refreshed after beauty sleep it is
important to replenish this loss of moisture by applying a night moisturizer.
Also contributing to drier skin overnight is the fact our skin becomes slightly
hotter and more acidic whilst we sleep -this is why night creams are generally
thicker than day creams so you can wake up feeling refreshed.
Skin is
Relieved from Stress
When you are asleep you are not facing daily challenges that
can cause stress. Levels of cortisol, aka the stress hormone, naturally fluctuate
over 24 hour cycles - high in day time to keep us alert and low at night time
to allow us to rest and recover.
The production of cortisol can be stimulated by stress -
stress that is caused when you are awake. Consistently high levels of cortisol
can lead to major health issues, so getting plenty of beauty sleep is important
to keeping levels balanced. Learning how to effectively reduce stress can help
lower levels of cortisol which will help you get more beauty sleep so you can
wake up refreshed.
Skin is
Given a Break from Environmental Stressors and Free Radicals
Throughout the day our skin is exposed to many factors that
can cause it damage and encourage the onset of early aging. Such things
include: UVA/UVB rays from the sun, cigarette smoke, pollution, temperature
changes and weather.
Whilst you are cozied up and enjoying your beauty sleep you
are not exposed to damaging elements so you can therefore focus your attention
on nourishing and regenerating your skin rather than protecting it.
Skin Is
More Receptive to Certain Products
Ever wondered why there is a difference between day and night
cream? Simply put it is because your skin has different needs, and responds
differently to products throughout the 24-hour cycle. During beauty sleep your
skin is in its repair and regeneration mode, therefore it will better respond
to anti-ageing products designed to firm skin and fight signs of ageing such as
dark circles under the eyes.
Blood
Flow to the Skin is Increased
During the night, whilst you are enjoying your beauty sleep,
the body will boost its flow of blood to the skin, delivering much needed
energy and nutrients, meaning you can wake up with a healthy and glowing
complexion. Sleep deprivation can cause a decrease in blood flow to the skin
meaning your complexion will begin to look dull and lifeless.
Our body
releases more of the sleep hormone melatonin at night
Melatonin not only ensures you sleep healthily: its
anti-oxidative effect irons out skin damage and has a positive influence on the
cells’ ageing process. Bright light can inhibit the release of melatonin as it
is released when we are in darkness which tells our body it is time to relax
and go to sleep. Having low levels of melatonin can mean you will struggle to
fall asleep. Melatonin can be taken as a dietary supplement to help people get
to sleep.
During the day, your skin needs protecting; at night, it needs to regenerate.
Your skin has its own day and night biorhythm. During the day,
it needs protection and hydration; at night, it needs support for its natural
regeneration process. Day and night creams should therefore be tailored
perfectly with one another.
Because the skin is working flat out to regenerate itself at
night, night creams are more moisturizing and particularly rich in active
ingredients. In contrast to day creams, night creams do not contain a sun
protection factor. This is why you shouldn’t use a day cream at night as a sun
protection factor is superfluous at night. Always apply your night cream as
carefully and precisely as your day cream.
Have a Restful Week !!💪💪
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