An Expert Reveals that You Really can Sleep Your Way To Good Skin

How does your sleep affect our skin?

"It's pretty easy to notice how sleep effects our skin when you see what happens when you're not getting enough of it. Most people would have experienced the effects of a few sleepless nights or interrupted sleep and what it does to your complexion. Lack of sleep typically shows itself in the skin, either through the appearance of a dull, dehydrated and lifeless complexion or dark circles under the eyes. There are a few ways that sleep can affect our skin:

Collagen Production

"When we sleep, our body releases the important growth hormone that's supports collagen production. Lack of quality sleep inhibits a fresh surge of growth hormone and thus diminishing collagen production. However, a good night's sleep can allow you to wake up with the opposite - a glowing complexion."

Cells Regenerate

"Sleep allows our cells to regenerate through cellular mitosis which is the process of skin growth and repair. Mitosis occurs when single skin cells separate from identical cells replacing old cells with new, healthier cells. While mitosis can happen during waking hours, sleep boosts the process which is why people often wake up after a good night's sleep with a brighter complexion."

Cortisol Slows Down

"Cortisol could be considered as the root of skincare evil. Cortisol is a hormone released when the brain detects heightened levels of stress, which unfortunately can increase inflammation and damage skin cells (which can lead to breakouts, dehydration and red, irritated skin). While you're sleeping, the body is in its most relaxed state which naturally slows cortisol production lessening the toxic impact on the skin."

Increases Melatonin

"Melatonin is often known as the sleep hormone. Released during slumber, melatonin activates antioxidant enzymes to build up protection against free radicals in the skin. Free radical damage can cause cellular damage which leads to signs of premature ageing and dehydration so your skin will thank you for all the melatonin you can give it!

So, the answer to great skin is sleep?

"Well, it certainly helps! 25% of our skin's ageing can be attributed to genetics; however, a huge 75% is influenced by epigenetics, or environmental and lifestyle factors like sleep. So, getting enough sleep can help to attribute to great skin, but we do need to look into the other factors as well. Lifestyle factors like diet or water intake obviously has an impact on our skin, as does things like alcohol, stress and sun exposure. While there's no substitute for a good night's sleep there are ways you can maximise your overnight sleep routine."

Thorough Cleanse before Bed

"Removing make up before bed is skincare 101, however what many people can neglect is removing their make-up thoroughly and doing a proper cleanse. We always recommend a double cleanse by first removing your makeup with a microfibre cloth like Biologi's Microfibre Cloths, then backing up with a gentle cleanser to thoroughly remove makeup, sunscreen, oil and impurities.

Biologi's Bc Refresh Cleanser effectively removes all traces of dirt and make up without disturbing the skin's natural oils and moisture essential for hydration."

Hydrate

"Many people don't realise that the skin naturally dehydrates during sleep. Besides drinking enough water throughout the day, try to end each day with a glass of water and then drink another as soon as you wake to replace the lost moisture that dehydrates cells."

Go to sleep before 11pm

"From 11pm onwards, mitosis accelerates. As rested as you can be during this time will boost the process to help you wake up with glowing skin. Everyone's sleep needs can differ, however typically you do need a minimum of seven hours of quality sleep to enhance natural processes."

Apply an effective skincare regime before bed

"Applying an effective skincare routine before bed is a great way to allow the active ingredients to fully penetrate deep into the dermal layers while you snooze. Biologi's new Bm Regenerate Anti-Ageing Serum is the latest single-plant ingredient serum setting new standards in anti-ageing skincare. Harnessing the power of Australian grown Mountain Pepper Berry, it offers superior antioxidant and collagen-boosting potential. Delivering high antioxidant capacity and boasting an array of skincare benefits, the serum enhances collagen production, repairs barrier function, and increases hydration to gently defy the visible signs of ageing."