We have all heard the age-old adage that beauty sleep is the fountain of youth. But is there any truth to it, or is it just a myth? The truth is that although we may use all the high-quality skin care products to ensure our skin maintains a natural and healthy glow, laying down and getting some sleep has been scientifically proven to facilitate epidermal recovery. 

By simply getting the shut-eye for at least 7 to 9 hours every night, which many refer to as beauty sleep, your body will have enough time to rebuild and recover. In as little as 2 to 3 weeks, people will notice you get enough sleep just from how you look. So, if you are not getting enough sleep, here are some reasons to reconsider.

How Sleep Affects Your Skin

A good night's sleep allows your body to rebuild and repair itself. When you sleep, blood flow increases, and your skin cells repair damage caused by UV exposure while rebuilding their collagen to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and signs of ageing. This is why your skin usually looks refreshed and more radiant after getting adequate sleep.

On the other hand, dark circles under your eyes indicate a poor night's sleep. A 2013 research study reveals that one night of poor sleep quality can cause swollen eyes, hanging eyelids, fine lines, wrinkles, droopy corners along your mouth, and pale skin. A 2017 study further explains that two nights of poor-quality sleep negatively affects your health, perceived attractiveness, trustworthiness, and sleepiness. 

This goes to show that something as trivial as sleep can cause permanent effects on your skin. When we lack sleep, we often lack energy for the rest of the day, leading to dehydration and hollowed cheeks. So, the longer you sleep, the better you will look and feel.

Ways to Maximise Your Snooze Time for A Healthier, More Youthful Complexion

If you are constantly getting less than 6 hours of sleep, it is likely affecting your skin's appearance. Here are some ways to maximize your snooze time for healthier, more radiant skin.

Focus on Regenerating and Moisturising Skincare Products

Those who want to slow down the signs of ageing and attain that attractive and healthy glow must adopt a skincare routine that prioritises regeneration and moisturising. Check out our Hydrating Lotion which consists of a humectant, Hemp Seed, and Davidson Plum which helps moisturise and hydrate your skin overnight when your skin is the driest.

Place a Humidifier on Your Nightstand
Due to a process known as overnight transepidermal water loss, where water evaporates from our skin surface while we sleep, our skin is its driest when we wake up. Try placing a humidifier on your nightstand before you sleep to ensure that the air in your room remains moist as you catch some zzz's.

Use Vitamin C and Serum to Boost Your Collagen Production

Also known as sodium ascorbyl phosphate, L-ascorbic acid, retinyl ascorbate, or ascorbyl palmitate, Vitamin C can help rev your collagen production when applied topically before bed. Studies have found that vitamin C also provides antioxidant benefits to the skin, which helps your skin repair damage caused by UV exposure. 

Make Your Room Dark

Darkness helps in the stimulation of melatonin production, aka "the sleep hormone". In fact, the darker your room is, the faster your body stimulates the production of melatonin. Use dark curtains or eye masks to limit the amount of light in your room.

Calm Your Body and Mind Before You Sleep

Take some time to calm your body and allow it to rest before hitting the sack. This could be by drinking some sleepy tea, taking deep breaths, or doing a restorative skincare routine.

The benefits of beauty sleep go far beyond glowy and radiant skin. Having a healthy bedtime routine and making sure you get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night helps maintain overall wellness and gives you the energy you need for the day ahead.

Look and feel your best during your waking hours by sleeping your way to healthier skin using these simple tips, and don't forget to use your Byron Bay Skin Care favorites along the way to naturally cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturise your body from top to toe!