How Does Lack of Sleep Affect Your Skin?

By Ysabel Vitangcol on January 3, 2024

Did you know that Filipinos are one of the most sleepless people in Southeast Asia? According to a research conducted last June 2023, 56% of respondents have declared sleeping problems, making us one of the most sleepless in Southeast Asia. Enter the new year with better habits and better skin by reading more!

How Lack of Sleep Affects your Skin

Yes, Beauty Sleep exists

It’s not called beauty sleep for nothing. Quality sleep plays a vital role not just in overall well-being, but also on one’s skin quality.  It is highly recommended to get 8-10 hours of sleep for teenagers, whereas adults can get as much as 7-9 hours

Skin products and procedures can only do so much – it’s still equally important to get an ample amount of zz’s everyday!

Here’s why beauty sleep is important:

  1. Heightened repair and regeneration. During sleep, skin cells undergo crucial maintenance processes. The skin’s production of collagen, a protein responsible for maintaining elasticity and firmness, increases during deep sleep. Adequate sleep allows the skin to recover from daily environmental stressors, repair damaged cells, and renew itself, contributing to a more youthful appearance.
  2. Reduces inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a known culprit in various skin issues, including acne, psoriasis, and eczema. Lack of sleep or poor sleep quality can trigger inflammatory responses, leading to exacerbated skin conditions. Good quality sleep helps regulate the body’s inflammatory responses, reducing the likelihood of skin inflammation and promoting a calmer, clearer complexion.
  3. Improved blood flow and circulation. Proper blood flow is crucial for delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to the skin cells. During deep sleep, blood flow to the skin increases, promoting a healthy complexion and a natural glow. Inadequate sleep can compromise blood circulation, resulting in a dull and tired appearance. The lack of proper circulation may also contribute to the formation of dark circles and puffiness around the eyes.
  4. Balances hormones. Hormones play a key role in skin health, influencing factors such as oil production and collagen synthesis. Hormone regulation intricately connects to sleep, and imbalances can result from disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle. Consistent, quality sleep helps maintain a balance in hormone levels, supporting overall skin health.
  5. Prevents premature ageing. One of the most visible impacts of insufficient sleep is premature ageing. The acceleration of aging processes, resulting in the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin, is linked to chronic sleep deprivation. Quality sleep acts as a natural anti-aging remedy, allowing the skin to rejuvenate and maintain its youthful structure.

Dark circles and puffy eyes

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A lack of sleep triggers the release of cortisol (stress hormone). A spike can cause blood vessels to dilate, resulting in dark circles and puffy eyes.
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Moisture loss

Skin tends to feel dry after a bad night’s sleep. The moisture barrier works hard at night to protect against fluid loss, given that skin loses lots of water while sleeping.
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Premature breakdown of collagen

When we sleep, our skin releases growth hormones that produce proteins such as collagen. A lack of sleep affects this, resulting in sagging skin and the formation of premature fine lines.
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Don’t sleep on this form of self-care

Beyond skincare products and routines, prioritising adequate and quality sleep can make a significant difference in the overall health and appearance of your skin. As the new year commences, this may be the best time to begin establishing good sleep habits, create a conducive sleep environment, and manage stress better as these are all integral components of a comprehensive approach to skincare. The next time you prioritise your beauty regimen, remember that a good night’s sleep may be the secret ingredient to unlocking your skin’s natural glow!

Purchase your favourite Belo Shop products today by heading to shop.belomed.com!

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