A good nights sleep is vital for whole body health, whether it be helping manage stress, maintaining good mental health, or simply clearing away a foggy brain. But did you know that sleep is also essential for maintaining good skin health? The best amount of sleep for adults is considered to be around 7-9 hours per night, with plenty of time in the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage. When we get good quality sleep our body can repair itself, completing required cellular turnover.
“But I only need 4 hours sleep! I don’t have enough time!”
When we don’t get enough sleep, our skin has not had the renewal time it needs to be its normal, glowy self. Overnight our body works to repair damage done by free radicals throughout the day, largely from environmental factors. Sleep also helps to control and reduce cortisol levels, the natural stress hormone in the body. High cortisol can lead to thinning and discoloured skin, premature ageing and other health complications.
Melatonin, “The Hormone of Darkness”
Melatonin, our sleep hormone, and for this reason also called ‘the hormone of darkness’ not only works to help us get the shut eye we need, but also works as an antioxidant. As we sleep, antioxidants help our body fight free radical damage and environmental damage, thus preventing signs of aging such as age spots and fine lines.
Somatotropin, or Human Growth Hormone, and Skin Repair
Growth Hormone or somatotropin (what a mouthful!) is ANOTHER hormone produced while we are pushing out ZZZs . This hormone has the big responsibility of repairing and regenerating collagen producing cells. These amazing little cells are what gives our skin its elasticity. As we age this elasticity reduces, but we can help out our little collagen producing friends by seeing your local dermal therapist for treatment, such as Collagen Induction Therapy (dermal needling).
“So I’m getting enough sleep, what next?”
Along with getting your 7-9 hours per night, there are a few things to do which will help to maintain your beautiful glowy skin.
1) Get your night time skin regime down pat – get a good, nourishing cleanser, such as the Synergie Ultracleanse ($61.20 from Skin Revival Store), then follow it with a Vitamin A serum, the Civona Dermal DNA Repair is ideal ($99.00 from Skin Revival Store) and finally rich moisturiser such as the Synergie Hydrolock ($114.75 from Skin Revival Store) to finish.
2) HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE! Throughout the day, it is imperative to keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water (1-2 litres per day) and eating plenty of water-rich foods before bed, such as cucumber and watermelon.These are also high in antioxidants which will assist in the anti ageing process. Try not to drink all your water at once before bed, otherwise your sleep will be disrupted by toilet breaks!
If you follow these steps, and get enough sleep, your skin will be fresh, hydrated and ready for another day!
Sleep well!