Are sleepless nights starting to show up on your skin? Are your eyes looking as heavy as they feel, and your complexion as flat as your energy levels?

We’ve all been there!  While we often focus on skincare products and routines, we miss the most important step to a healthy and glowing complexion - getting enough rest! Beauty sleep is more than just a saying; when you switch off, your body gets to work recovering and repairing itself, including its biggest organ: your skin. 

Fortunately, a relaxing evening skincare routine and sleep habits go hand in hand, contributing to an overall healthier you. Taking time to unwind with a bedtime routine makes sleeping easier, and sleeping easier makes your skin look and feel better. Win-win!

So take this as permission to put on ‘do not disturb’ on your phone, slide on your satin eye mask, and get your beauty sleep.  

What is Beauty Sleep?

You might think it’s just a saying you use to sneak in an early night, but beauty sleep is very real. Sleep is when your body repairs and resets itself from the day's damage, which is why it’s vital for weight management, mental health, and, of course, a healthy complexion. 

As you sleep, the muscles in your face relax and release tension, blood flow increases to your complexion, and collagen is rebuilt. 

How Many Hours Is Beauty Sleep?

Everyone’s sleep needs differ, and there’s some suggestion women need more than men, however, it’s generally recommended to get 7 to 9 hours a night. 

According to a study in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, those who slept 7 to 9 hours had skin that was better able to protect and heal itself when exposed to ultraviolet light, compared to those who slept 5 hours or less.

Benefits Of Beauty Sleep

Research published in the journal Sleep found that getting enough rest can:

• Reduce puffy eyes and drooping eyelids

Adequate sleep helps to reduce inflammation and fluid retention around the eyes, which can cause puffiness and sagging.

• Improve paler skin and dark undereye circles

Sleeping well allows the body to boost circulation and oxygen flow, giving the skin a brighter, more even tone. 

• Prevent wrinkles

Sleep Tips For Better Skin 

You might be thinking ‘‘well that all sounds good, but how do I make sure I get my beauty sleep?’’. Your bedtime routine will be unique to what works for you and your lifestyle, but there are some ways you can optimise your rest for your skin:

• Try a relaxing evening skincare routine

A night time skincare routine can help you unwind and gives you the chance to apply thick serums and concentrated treatments that make the most of your skin’s repair period. For tips, check out our evening skincare blog.

• Stay hydrated

Try creating a calming environment with soft lighting, soothing scents like lavender essential oil, and breathable bedding materials. These can promote better sleep quality, allowing your skin to fully regenerate and recover.

Key Takeaway: Rest Is The Most Important Skincare Step!

We’ve touched on the skincare benefits of better sleep, and hopefully you’re now even more inspired to get enough rest. 

But remember, the importance of sleep is more than skin deep! When you’re sleep-deprived, you're more likely to feel anxious and low, which makes sticking to a self-care routine even harder. Sleep deprivation can also lead to cravings for junk food and sugar, both of which can negatively affect your skin.

So, consider rest as the foundation of your skincare routine!