Did you know that there is a magical cure that can potentially give you the lively, healthy, blemish-free skin you've been looking for? "Beauty sleep" is real, and it's the best (and cheapest) way to get the skin of your dreams.
When you get enough sleep [1], your body repairs itself in every way it can, even keeping itself as beautiful as possible. It boosts blood flow, produces collagen [2], and decreases stress hormones. It might not seem like much, but a bit of shut-eye and improved blood is even more beneficial than any spa treatment.
On the flip side, "There are many consequences of sleep deprivation," [3] write Dermatologists Lily Talakoub, MD and Naissan O. Wesley, MD. "The most clinically apparent ones — swollen, sunken eyes; dark circles; and pale, dehydrated skin — are obvious . . . Sleep deprivation affects wound healing, collagen growth, skin hydration, and skin texture."
Here's a long list of skin ailments you won't see if you get your beauty sleep.
- Dry skin: The collagen produced during sleep will increase blood flow and work to keep your skin moisturized and soft.
- Wrinkles: Again, that collagen works wonder on your skin. Get lots of sleep now, and you're less likely to see too many wrinkles as you age.
- Puffy eyes: That under-eye swelling and puffiness is the first thing most of us notice after poor sleep. A good eight hours of REM sleep will keep those bags in check.
- Poor complexion: Your skin will glow if it's well-rested. Your body's improved circulation during sleep keeps nutrients flowing and prevents your skin from looking drab and colorless.
- Weak hair: Just like with your complexion, your hair can look fuller and healthier from the nutrients brought to hair follicles during sleep.
- Skin conditions: OK, sleep is not magical enough to eliminate all skin conditions. But acne, eczema, or skin sensitivity are always aggravated by sleep deprivation.
Some added bonuses: well-rested skin responds better to skincare and beauty products and tends to show signs of aging later.