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Beauty sleep is not just a term read in magazines or heard in conversations. There’s a reason it was coined and when you reach the end of this article, you’ll be encouraged to clock in your snooze time.
The Importance of Sleep for Glowing Skin
The Science Behind Sleep and Skin Health
When you lack sleep, dark circles aren’t the only thing that will change on your face. During sleep, your body starts cellular repair and regeneration. Studies have been published about how the lack of sleep affects overall health and its physical manifestations on the skin.
For example, a study of the sleep time of 32 Korean women in their 40s was monitored. Their skin hydration, dead skin cells, skin barrier recovery, skin texture, glow, skin elasticity, crow's feet, frown lines, and tone were measured. They were instructed to sleep eight hours every night for six weeks and then reduce it to four hours in the second week.
Almost immediately, their skin hydration level changed, and they noticed dullness, dry skin, and loss of elasticity after Day 1 of having a four-hour sleep. Wrinkles also became more prominent. On the fourth day of being sleep-deprived, their skin texture became worse. Overall, their skin elasticity became poor after the experiment.
There was another study when it was concluded that good sleepers didn’t suffer from weak skin barriers and were satisfied with how they looked. On the other hand, those who had poor sleeping habits observed skin dullness and a weak skin barrier, and their perception of their appearance was of lower satisfaction.
Sleep Advice For Forever Busy Girls
“How can I sleep more if life is so busy?”
Although we dream of being Disney Princesses, waking up revived and ready to face a beautiful day is not always the case. But you can apply some changes to your lifestyle to improve sleep quality.
- Set a sleep schedule. Having a regular bedtime schedule is helpful to fix your sleep. If you need to wake up at 5:30 a.m., try to get in bed by 11 p.m. (if you're really, really busy). By being consistent, you can fix your circadian rhythm, and falling asleep at night would seem natural and effortless. Plus, as much as you can, put away your phone and switch off the lights. The absence of light can signal your body that it's sleep time.
RELATED: How To Stop Doomscrolling On Your Phone When You Need To Sleep Early
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine. It's important to wind down after a busy day. An evening routine will help relax your body and prepare it for sleep. When you get home, shower, watch your "comfort" TV show while eating dinner, or listen to a chill playlist. We must remind our mind and body that the workday has ended and it's time for rest.
You can also try a sleepy mocktail. Brit and Co shared a drink recipe discovered by TikTok girlies who want to chill before hitting the hay. Alternatively, you can pop a melatonin pill.
Instagram/BritandcoADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓ - Establish an environment that's conducive to sleep. Making your bedroom a sleep sanctuary can greatly improve your sleeping habits. You can start by tidying up your room. Clear the clutter and have a habit of changing the bedsheets weekly.
Second, if budget permits, upgrade to a mattress with temperature-regulation properties. It's always hot here in the Philippines, and with the summer season fast approaching, you can improve your slumber experience with a good mattress. We recommend the Emma Diamond Hybrid Mattress as it keeps your body cool as you sleep. Its memory foam also adapts to your body shape while you lie down—you can improve your posture as you get your zzz's.
Emma Diamond Hybrid Mattress, starts at P24,125 (they're on sale right now!)
Emma Diamond Hybrid Mattress, starts at P22,149 (Lazada is having their biggest ever Birthday Sale right now!)
Martha Stewart Deluxe Sateen 300-Thread Count Bedding, starts at P1,152, Lazada
Supercharging Your Skincare Routine
A consistent nighttime skincare routine will help you achieve a healthy, radiant complexion. You don't need a complicated regimen. Stick to the essential steps: Cleanser, treatment (serum), and moisturizer. We're partial to this serum because it addresses the environmental damage the skin has accumulated during the day. (A gentle reminder: To see the best results from your skincare routine, you must get quality sleep.)
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum, P3,350, Lazada
ALSO READ: The Ultimate Guide To The *Best* Nighttime Skincare Routine For Your Skin Type
On the other hand, apply sunscreen during the day to protect the face from sun damage. This is the skincare step you should *never* skip aside from cleansing!
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen 50ml, P1,265, Lazada
My Honest Review: The effects of sleep (or the lack of it) on my skin
It's ironic that on the days approaching World Sleep Day (March 15) I would only have a maximum of five hours of sleep. I noticed my skin was dull and had random big zits on my face. I've never skipped an evening without washing my face and applying skincare.
When I started to fix my sleep schedule (finally listened to all the advice I've shared in my past beauty articles), my skin ~*behaved*~. The pimples healed and my dark circles started to *calm down*. I noticed my eyelids weren't puffy or sagging.
I turned my bedroom into a sleep sanctuary: My room is super dark and I sleep on a temperature-regulating mattress. I haven't installed the air-conditioner yet, so the Emma Diamond Hybrid Mattress was super helpful. I would also stop using my phone at least 20 minutes before I plan to sleep. I would choose to read a book instead.
Conclusion
- No amount of skincare can ever compensate for the lack of sleep!
- Sunscreen during the day and a consistent nighttime skincare routine are the "basic glowing skin rules" to live by.
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