Sleep is an incredibly important part of life – for all mammals, birds, humans, etc. But, with the way the world is changing, sometimes removing eight hours is no easy task! So, how do you wake up looking fresh despite reduced sleeping hours (and, in some cases, absolute lack of sleep)?
First: understand that sleep really is that important. It is a well-known fact, backed by solid research and supported by undeniable evidence that adults need good quality, 7-9 hours in bed for their bodies to function optimally. While sleeping provides our bodies the much-needed rest and rejuvenation, our brain is still hard at work. Among other important processes that the brain performs while we enjoy the physical downtime, repair and restoration of the skin is at its peak during the nighttime.
Here’s what happens to our skin when we give it adequate beauty sleep:
- Our skin is in recovery mode and regenerates new skin cells at least three times faster. This causes skin problems to reduce, and helps you wake up looking fresh.
- Our body produces growth hormones that ensure the production of collagen, the protein that helps our skin to remain plump and repairs all kinds of scarring across our body. Collagen is beneficial not only for the skin but also improves the health of our nails and hair.
- When we sleep, our skin can de-stress by keeping the levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) in check. Lack of proper sleep can lead to higher cortisol levels that can lead to dull and tired-looking skin with the appearance of bags around the eyes.
- Now more than ever, a good night’s sleep is when your skin can catch a break from the environment. After a long day of fighting sun exposure, pollution, and drastic temperature changes, our skin can breathe in a sigh of relief, quite literally, in the safety of your bedroom and get to its regenerative business in peace.
But, the truth is – with the way the world is changing, no one has even those eight hours to spare!
So, how do you look wake up looking fresh despite lack of sleep?
If for some reason beyond your control, you are not able to catch the recommended hours of quality sleep, or are entirely facing the lack of sleep, the following tips and tricks can help you assist and aid your skin in the regeneration process despite sleeping fewer hours.
Cleanse
Never, repeat after us, never sleep with your make upon. Make up clogs the pores of the skin and clogged pores lead to a hoard of skin issues such as blackheads, whiteheads and worse, acne. It is important to cleanse your skin off the day’s dirt, grime, oil, and makeup before you hit the bed. Use a mild cleanser and warm water to gently wash your face and pat dry using a clean and soft towel. This will calm and soothe the skin, and reset and prepare it for the night.
Toning
Using the correct alcohol-free toner for your skin type can make a world of difference to your skin. It removes any residues of makeup and dirt left behind after cleansing, unclogs and minimizes the pores and allows for better absorption of the skincare products that follow. When absorbed properly into your skin, the products work better.
Moisturize
Irrespective of your skin type, it is crucial to sufficiently hydrate the skin before you go to bed. You do not need a fancy product for this. A moisturizer that suits your skin type hydrates the skin without clogging the pores and breaking you out will do the job. Hydrating your skin is especially important if you sleep in an air-conditioned room. Air conditioners tend to strip away the humidity from the air and make it dry. It can in turn strip your skin and make it dry and dull. Look for hero ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, and glycerin in your moisturizer to maximize the benefits.
Antioxidants
If you religiously follow a cleansing-toning-moisturizing routine before bed and yet wake up to tired and dull skin every morning, chances are free radicals are wreaking havoc on your skin. It is important to incorporate antioxidants, both in your diet and your skincare regime to fight the effects of free radicals. Look for products that contain Vitamin C and green tea to help your skin repair overnight.
Anti-aging
When it comes to anti-aging products, the mantra is “prevention is better than treatment”. While anti-aging creams do not reverse the aging process and cannot erase the fine lines, they help in fighting the signs of aging by aiding the collagen production process of the skin. As a result, you wake up to a plumper and smoother skin. Applying anti-aging serum or creams before going to bed allows the product to sink in deeper for more potent results.
Active ingredients
Active ingredients help in treating and preventing skin damage such as acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, extreme dryness, and even signs of aging. Retinols, Ceramides, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA), and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are all considered active ingredients and they can target and treat specific skin conditions. They work best when applied at night since our skin is most receptive to any product at nighttime. When used during the day, they can cause several skin problems along with sensitivity in the skin, making it more prone to sun damage.
And, remember: Prioritize sleep to make up looking fresh.
You should, of course, prioritize a good night’s sleep and work towards improving your sleep cycle and squeeze in the recommended hours of sleep. Apart from the epidural restoration, many internal restorative processes take place while we sleep. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to several skin problems and other health conditions. Even though the benefits of a good night’s sleep cannot be bottled, you can certainly help your skin reap these benefits. By following a healthy skincare regime before going to bed, you can wake up feeling fresh despite lack of sleep.
