We’ve all needed to get some beauty sleep at one point or another. You might be surprised to learn that “beauty sleep” is more than just a turn of phrase – getting proper, restful sleep works miracles for your skin health and aesthetic appearance.
Here, industry-leading facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jose Barrera discusses what happens to the body when we get restful sleep and how it helps your skin look and feel its absolute best.
What Happens When We Sleep?
More Collagen
When your mind enters a state of deep sleep, the body starts to regenerate itself. In particular, the body increases new collagen production once it has had 5 hours of proper sleep. After this, for the next 3-4 hours, your body produces collagen at a higher rate.
Collagen is a protein that keeps our skin plump, tight, and smooth. But as we age, and in particular, if we don’t sleep properly, collagen levels decrease significantly, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and loose skin.
So, one of the best ways to keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay is to get 8 hours of proper, undisturbed, restful sleep as frequently as possible. For people concerned about a lack of collagen, then laser resurfacing and IPL can help further stimulate production.
Increase Blood Flow
One of the main reasons our skin looks drab and grey after a poor night’s sleep is a lack of blood flow to the blood vessels at the skin’s surface.
This is because, similar to collagen production, your body increases blood flow once you’ve entered a state of restful sleep, which gives you that morning glow after a decent night’s sleep.
This reduced blood flow after not getting sleep also causes baggy eyelids, as blood pools under the eyes’ loose skin and isn’t pumped away until the heart rate again increases.
Less Oily Skin
Sleep deprivation is directly correlated with your body producing more significant amounts of the hormone androgen. Androgen stimulates oil production, so higher than normal levels of androgen (caused by poor sleep) means your skin will be oiler than usual.
Your skin, particularly your face, will still produce oil when you sleep. It is an anti-dehydration system that keeps as much moisture in your skin as possible. But when you’re sleep-deprived, these oil production levels are higher than usual.
Sleep for Better Skin in San Antonio, TX
There are well-documented medical and aesthetic benefits to getting enough sleep regularly.
If you get 8-9 hours of sleep, your skin will be firmer; you’ll have fewer wrinkles and fine lines, you’ll enjoy a rosy complexion, you won’t have baggy eyes, and you’ll have less oily skin. If there ever existed a fountain of youth, then 8-9 hours of restful sleep as often as possible is undoubtedly it!
Dr. Jose Barrera, an expert in otolaryngology, sleep medicine, and surgery, founded the Endormir Sleep and Sinus Institute in 2011 to provide patients with industry-leading treatments to help treat sleep apnea, snoring, and other sleep-related conditions. To learn more, please don’t hesitate to call (210) 468-5426 or fill out Dr. Barreras’ online form to discuss how we can improve your life today.
