Why is sleep important for skin?

Chronic poor sleep quality will impact the body's functions and, in particular, lead to signs of skin aging. Studies have shown an aggravation of dark circles, a decrease in skin repair capabilities, especially after UV exposure, as well as an increase in transepidermal water loss, promoting dryness. In the long term, the appearance of these signs can have consequences on self-image.

Sleep plays a crucial role in skin health, and its benefits are numerous. Here are the main effects of sleep on the skin.

It promotes better cellular regeneration

During sleep, the body focuses on regenerating and repairing cells. The skin is one of the organs that benefits from this process. Collagen production, which is responsible for skin elasticity and firmness, is notably stimulated at night. This regeneration is even more effective during deep sleep phases (for example, REM sleep and slow-wave sleep).

It reduces inflammation

Lack of sleep can lead to increased inflammation, which often manifests as redness, irritation, or breakouts. Good sleep helps regulate inflammation, thereby allowing the skin to repair itself more effectively and reducing the risk of acne or psoriasis.

It reduces stress

Cortisol, the stress hormone, leads to a decrease in collagen production. Collagen is a structural protein that gives volume and resistance to the skin. Indeed, the extracellular matrix is an essential component of the skin that gives it its elasticity and compressibility properties. To learn more about collagen, read our article on the most effective anti-aging active ingredients. Thus, when collagen is reduced, the skin becomes less supple and firm. Quality sleep helps regulate hormones and, as a result, maintains healthier skin.

It improves skin hydration

Sleep promotes the repair of the skin barrier, which helps maintain good hydration levels. Furthermore, during the night, skin metabolism is more active, and the skin tends to better retain moisture. Insufficient sleep can lead to dehydrated skin, which is duller and more prone to wrinkles.

Lack of sleep can lead to poor blood circulation, which results in dark circles and bags under the eyes. Discover our dermatologist's tips for treating bags and dark circles in this article.

Restored and regenerated skin looks more radiant and healthy. Restorative sleep reduces the production of free radicals and helps to better fight against signs of aging, such as wrinkles and loss of firmness. Sleep is therefore essential for maintaining healthy skin. A lack of sleep can aggravate skin problems like acne, dehydration, and premature wrinkle formation. It is one of the most natural and effective ways to keep your skin radiant and healthy.

Our dermatologist's advice:

Identify the problem

It is essential to find the cause of your sleep disturbances in order to treat them. They may be medical if they stem from physical (pathological) issues or may require natural techniques for psychological disturbances.

If you wake up at night around 3 a.m., it is a sign of a liver overloaded with toxins, so I recommend taking a course of Anti-imperfection dietary supplements for liver detoxification.

We explain this mechanism in more detail in our Acne Guide.

Promote a pleasant environment

Ideally, sleep in a quiet place sheltered from external noise. It is good to keep your body at a temperature maintained at around 22°C. Needless to say, a good bed base and mattress are necessary for a good night's sleep.

Engage in physical activity

Physical activity several times a week allows for better quality sleep. Regular exercise has very restorative effects: It increases total sleep duration. It leads to faster sleep onset, fewer awakenings during sleep, and an increase in total sleep time and slow-wave sleep. It decreases REM sleep.

Limit alcohol and caffeine

Caffeine is a psychoactive substance, meaning it has somatic effects on the body. Caffeine, like alcohol, reduces the time it takes to fall asleep and is often a cause of poor sleep quality. They are detrimental to sleep.

Avoid screens before bedtime

People who use their smartphones in bed before falling asleep are at a higher risk of being poor sleepers. Increased smartphone usage at bedtime is associated with more fatigue. Added to this are more difficulties waking up for people around 40 years old and a decrease in sleep duration for those around 60 years old.

To properly regulate your biological clock, it is advisable to establish an evening ritual; repeating it at a fixed time will prepare you for a good night's sleep.

- a self-massage of the face with a complex of vegetable oils such as the Rose Petal Nourishing Oil

- a chamomile, linden, or verbena infusion for its soothing and anti-stress benefits.

If you lack interest or drive during the day, if you have difficulty getting up, or conversely, if you are irritable, cannot gain perspective, or have restless sleep, you may be lacking neurotransmitters (serotonin or dopamine), B vitamins, or iron. In this case, I advise you to consult a micronutritionist. In case of severe sleep disturbance, I recommend consulting a doctor who can prescribe treatment tailored to your needs.

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