We all crave that radiant, youthful glow to our skin, and thanks to the ever-advancing world of non-invasive aesthetic treatments, it’s easier to achieve than ever before.
But did you know that one of the best and simplest, not to mention completely free ways to keep your skin looking youthful for longer is by simply getting plenty of good nights’ sleep?
Of course, we’ve all heard – and probably all used – the term “beauty sleep”, but not everyone knows just how accurate that term really is.
The reality is that the benefits of a good night’s sleep go far beyond just feeling rested and refreshed. So what are those benefits? And does sleep really reduce the signs of aging?
Keep reading to find out why it’s (yes, deservedly) called beauty sleep, and how you can maximize those benefits even more to enjoy a radiant glow, day in, day out.
Why is it called beauty sleep?
The term “beauty sleep” isn't just a catchy phrase; it's actually grounded in science.
Sleep is the time that our bodies officially go into repair and rejuvenation mode, healing any damage that has occurred to our bodies throughout the day.
When we go into deep sleep, our bodies produce the human growth hormone (HGH) that stimulates cell reproduction and regeneration, which is an integral part of maintaining both our outward appearance and our overall health and well-being – both of which impact how we look and feel.
While this is beneficial for our entire body, it’s particularly noticeable in our outward appearance, as cell regeneration is crucial for repairing skin damage, renewing skin cells, and producing collagen – that famous protein that keeps our skin firm, plump, and youthful.
Blood flow to the skin is also increased during sleep, which further generates a healthy and radiant complexion.
So “beauty sleep” really isn’t just a term coined by the beauty industry. It’s the simplest and most natural way to keep ourselves looking and feeling youthful, radiant, and healthy.
How does a lack of sleep affect our appearance?
When we don't get enough sleep, it shows – quite literally – on our faces.
While the occasional bad night’s sleep won’t do irreparable damage, if you’re getting less than 7 hours of quality sleep a night on a regular basis, it can rapidly increase signs of aging, not to mention become much harder to repair.
Not only does a lack of sleep mean you’re depriving yourself of the healing HGH hormones, collagen production, and increased blood flow that are so important for maintaining a healthy and youthful appearance, but sleep loss has also been shown to increase cortisol levels. Cortisol is also known as the “stress hormone”, and it doesn’t only affect your mood but is also known to exacerbate acne and cause skin inflammation and puffiness.
All in all, a lack of sleep causes many negative effects on our appearance and overall wellbeing, including:
- Dull, tired, dryer skin
- Premature and more pronounced lines and wrinkles
- Puffy eyes and dark circles
- Hanging eyelids
- Drooping at the corners of the mouth
- Breakouts
- Weight gain
- Negative mood
- Decreased self-esteem
The powerful combo of skincare and beauty sleep
While sleep in itself is crucial, that’s not to say there isn’t even more that we can do to give our bodies a helping hand while it’s in repair and restoration mode.
A consistent and quality daily skincare regime is a must if you want glowing, healthy, and youthful skin, and just as you want to ensure you’re protecting your skin against UV and other aggressors during the day, your nighttime routine is the perfect opportunity to use products that support the skin’s natural repair processes, so you can amplify the “natural” benefits of your beauty sleep even more.
Your skin is most receptive to active ingredients overnight, so this is a great time to utilize the benefits of retinoids, and it’s always a good idea to go for richer creams that are focused on deep moisturization and hydration to help counteract the moisture loss that occurs overnight.
Some of our favorite products for an optimal “beauty-sleep skincare routine” include:
- Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream: with its unique combination of a retinoid and an AHA (lactic acid) this award-winning product further enhances cell turnover and improves the appearance of lines, wrinkles, uneven tone, and texture.
- Neocutis Lumière Firm Riche Extra Moisturizing Illuminating & Tightening Eye Cream: perfect for tackling dark circles and puffiness, crow’s feet, and fine lines and wrinkles, this advanced anti-aging eye cream works wonders overnight.
- iS Clinical Reparative Moisture Emulsion: this rich, rejuvenating moisturizer helps to hydrate and repair the skin barrier while you sleep, ensuring you wake up with plump, smooth, refreshed skin.
Top medical-grade skincare products, like the above brands, can usually only be purchased from licensed providers, but they are worth their weight in gold when it comes to the results you’ll enjoy.
We’re proud to work with these brands at BodyTonic Med Spa in Cleveland, so if you live in the area, come and see us for a no-obligation consultation, and we’ll recommend the best products for your optimal beauty-sleep skincare regime.
Tips for getting the best quality beauty sleep
Now you know just how important your beauty sleep is, you’ll no doubt want to ensure you’re getting the best sleep possible every night. But we know that’s not always as easy as it sounds.
Here are some top tips for getting the best sleep possible, and maximizing those beauty sleep benefits:
- Try to stick to as regular a sleep schedule as possible; being consistent helps regulate your internal body clock and promotes better sleep.
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine to wind you down and prepare you for a restful sleep.
- Absolutely always cleanse your face before bed, and follow with a nourishing, soothing, and restorative skincare routine.
- Create a zen environment in your bedroom and keep it cool and dark; this promotes deeper sleep which is when the best “repair” takes place.
- Try to avoid stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, and blue-light exposure from screens for at least an hour before you go to bed.
- Invest in quality and comfortable bedding; this can make a big difference in sleep quality.
Maximize your beauty sleep with the help of BodyTonic Med Spa Cleveland
At BodyTonic Med Spa Cleveland, we understand the power of beauty sleep and the role it plays in maintaining youthful, glowing skin.
Our expert team is here to guide you in selecting the best treatments and skincare products to complement your nightly rest, and ensure you’ll be looking – and feeling – your best, always.
If you live in the Cleveland area, come and visit us for a free no-obligation consultation, and discover how we can help you maximize the benefits of your beauty sleep. Let’s embrace the science of beauty sleep and make the most out of every night's rest!
