Collagen Production and Cell Rejuvenation 

While you enter deep sleep, your body secretes growth hormones which stimulate formation of collagen, the protein which keeps skin strong and elastic, and keeps wrinkles at bay. Studies also show that the cell rejuvenation and repair process takes place while you sleep, which is why you need this time to keep your skin looking truly luminous. The real magic happens between 11pm and 2am - this is when cell turnover is at it’s peak. A great reason to be in bed early, with your skincare applied, if we ever heard one! 

Your skin is more absorbent 

While your cells rejuvenate is when your heavy hitter products will be at their most effective. Use actives, like Retinols, AHAs and BHAs, at night for best results.

Another good reason to use actives at night? Some actives, like Retinol, break down upon exposure to sunlight, causing potential irritation and sensitivity, and reducing the efficacy of the these products. We suggest alternating Retinols and Alpha Hydroxy products in your PM routine for best results and to minimise any result of sensitisation. 

Reduced Stress

When you get a good night’s sleep, you’re giving your body a break from the stress hormones (cortisol) which are usually surging throughout the day.  It’s no secret that stress is not your skin’s friend - you may have noticed increased acne breakouts, dryness, irritation, or redness during periods of high stress. High cortisol levels prompt the skin to produce more sebum, leading to acne breakouts. Cortisol further magnifies other skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis or rosacea, and even has the potential to speed up symptoms of ageing skin. Your body produces more cortisol when it’s tired, leading to an endless cycle that will lead to very unhappy skin. 

Break from environmental stressors 

Daytime can be pretty stressful for your skin. What with UV rays, air pollution, constant temperate changes from being indoors and outdoors, and makeup, your skin deals with a lot in the daytime. Not only are these environmental factors directly harmful for your skin, they make your daytime skincare have to work twice as hard. It only makes sense that you should give your skin a break and some lovin’ with a good nighttime routine and a full 8 hours sleep. 

Optimal Hydration 

Your body balances its hydration levels while you sleep, sending moisture to your skin and other organs and processing any excess moisture for removal. You aren’t imagining the puffy eyes, dark circles, flaking skin and pale complexion on sleepy mornings - these are all symptoms of dehydration caused by lack of sleep. 

Heightened Immunity 

Sleep deprivation leads to suppression of your immune system, which means your body is less equipped to fight infections and diseases, including certain skin conditions. For example, cystic acne is caused by an infection of  bacteria, which can be harder to fight when your immunity is low. 

So the next time you’re tempted to watch just ONE more episode before you finally go to bed, remember that it’ll literally be written all over your face the next day.

Sources and further reading:

https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-and-beauty/amazing-reasons-to-sleep-for-skin-health.aspx

https://www.bioclarity.com/blogs/clear-skin/the-benefits-of-sleep-for-skin

https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/beauty-sleep#1

https://www.rd.com/health/beauty/whats-happening-to-skin-during-sleep/