It seems that Sleeping Beauty might owe her looks to her slumber.
"Getting enough beauty sleep," apparently has scientific backing. The close relationship with your looks and snooze schedule is incredible. While we sleep, our body is able to repair and regenerate. This boasts a myriad of benefits for our appearance. (Move over JLo! We are sleeping our way in!)
Look Younger
Talk about the ultimate deal. Naps AND looking younger because of it! (This may be better than paid vacation.)
Our body is working hard while we sleep. UV-induced damage is being repaired, as well as our cell renewal rate nearly DOUBLING in the nighttime! But wait, there's more.
While you are catching those Zzz's, your body is creating collagen. Collagen is a key ingredient to firmer and a much more youthful appearance in skin. “That’s part of the repair process. More collagen means skin is plumper and less likely to wrinkle." States Patricia Wexler, MD, a New York based dermatologist. So don't be afraid of pushing that snooze button. Getting only 5 hours a night can lead to twice as many fine lines as sleeping 7 would. It also leaves skin drier, which can make lines more visible!
Bright Eyes
You can tell someone had a rough night just by looking at their eyes. Bags or dark circles around the eye area is usually the first dead giveaway. (The second is the smell of whiskey and bad regrets.) You can also help reduce puffy eyes by quality of sleep. Being well-hydrated before you go to bed as well as elevating your head with an extra pillow can also help lessen swelling around your eyes.
Get a Glow
Another process that is happening while you sleep is your body increasing blood flow to the skin. The result is a healthy glow and plumpness in the skin. Unless you like the look as an Adam's Family cast member, (if so, I call Morticia) the whole lifeless, ashy and tired look can be avoided with a little extra snooze time.
Minimize Skin Conditions
The lack of quality sleep can wreak havoc for your skin's health. If you have any skin condition, snoozing can be a huge help in getting it under control.
According to recent research published in the journal Clinics in Dermatology, conditions like atopic dermatitis or eczema, can be heightened by sleeps absence. "Poor sleep can lead to increased stress hormones in the body that increase the severity of inflammatory skin conditions such as acne or psoriasis... In contrast, skin conditions and sleep quality can also improve together."
How Much Shut Eye Do I Need?
Try and aim to get about 7 to 9 quality hours each night.
According to Michael Breus, a PhD, a board-certified sleep specialist, "If you’re getting fewer than 6 hours, it’s likely affecting your appearance". Even within a day of getting enough sleep, you may notice a difference in how your skin looks. Make this a routine and about 2-3 weeks you will be impressed with the improvement.
Apparenety Sleeping Beauty was on to something.