Poor Sleep Can Affect Your Skin…

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Did you know that poor sleep can affect your skin?

Here are some things that happen when you aren’t sleeping well: 

  • Poor sleep creates increased stress on the body leading to cortisol release and inflammation. This can in turn worsen existing skin conditions such as psoriasis, acne, eczema and rosacea.
  • An increased breakdown of collagen and hyaluronic acid may result in a loss of natural glow, bounce and translucency
  • Decreased blood flow can lead to dull appearing skin and hair loss
  • Poor water balance can worsen the appearance of baggy eyes, wrinkles and dryness
  • Decreased release of growth hormone leads to an accumulation of damaged cells and aging
  • Finally, excess snacking and calorie consumption during the day can lead to weight gain

Here are some tips for healthy sleep:

  • Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night
  • Don’t eat a big meal too late in the day – when you eat a big meal before you go to sleep, your body reroutes its energy towards digestion and away from restoration.
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and to keep your blood flowing
  • Sleep in a cool, dark, quiet room
  • Keep electronics out of the bedroom – exposure to light late in the day can trick your body into thinking its daytime!
  • Use breathable cotton sheets and wash them regularly, so they don’t collect dust mites and bacteria
  • Use laundry detergents that don’t have strong fragrances, which can be irritating to skin