After a sleepless night, our mood isn’t the only thing that suffers—our reflection in the mirror also takes a hit.

We asked the pros about the effects of fatigue on the skin and for tips on drifting off to dreamland with ease.

From a boost in cognitive function and emotional well- being to strengthened heart and immune systems, we know the benefits of getting a proper sleep are endless. The effects of fatigue can be felt in energy and mood levels, but they can also show up on your face, leaving it drawn, dull and puffy. That’s why a solid sleep routine is so important for the health of our skin.

The skin's biorhythm

“Our body operates on a 24-hour rhythm, dictated by a main biological clock located in the centre of our brain that’s deeply influenced by natural or blue light perceived by our eyes,” explains Nadia Gosselin, psychology professor at the University of Montreal and scientific director of the Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine at Sacré-Cœur 

Hospital in Montreal. This means that our skin’s functions change through- out the day: In the morning, the skin switches into defense mode to act against external aggressors, while at night, it enters a phase of rest and regeneration.

For that reason, a good night’s sleep can be its own skin-care treatment. “Sleep provides the skin with an opportunity to recover from daily environmental exposures and stress- ors,” says Dr. Sonya Abdulla, derma- tologist at Dermatology on Bloor in Toronto. Cell repair mechanisms can work more efficiently, and your skin- care products have extended uninterrupted contact with the skin, maximizing effectiveness, she says.

“Collagen production is also optimized overnight, when blood flow and growth factors rush to the skin for collagen repair,” says Dr. Abdulla. These growth factors (proteins natu- rally produced by the skin) support cell regeneration, while overnight, hormones like cortisol reach their lowest levels to create the ideal envi- ronment for cell repair.

The visible cost of sleepless nights

For all the skin-care benefits we reap from slumber, it’s no surprise that a lack of sleep can have visibly negative effects on the skin.

A study conducted by the Case Medical Center at the University Hospitals of Cleveland for Estée Lauder revealed that people who sleep poorly recover less effectively after expo- sure to environmental stressors and show more indications of skin aging, including uneven pigmentation, fine lines, and reduced elasticity.

“Acute sleep deprivation can lead to fluid accumulation and changes in light reflections under the eyes, making the area look dark or puffy. It can also have an impact on hydration, leaving skin dry and crepey,” says Dr. Abdulla. In the long term, sleep deprivation can have larger consequences, she says. “It can speed up the natural aging process—not only impacting skin quality, but also the underlying structures.” This phenomenon is attributed to several factors, including chronic inflammation and increased collagen breakdown, both worsened by lack of sleep. 

How to care for tired-looking skin

When sleep is hard to come by, try these ingredients to help reduce common signs of fatigue:

Puffiness
Products containing caffeine or green tea can reduce the appearance of puffy undereyes.

Dark Circles
Vitamin K can help diminish dark circles caused by vascular congestion.

Skin Aging
Retinol, vitamin C, and peptides improve skin thickness and texture.

Weakened Skin Barrier/Skin Dehydration
Hyaluronic acid, ceramides and essential fatty acids can strengthen this natural barrier.

Edema & Swelling
Cool compresses or gentle eye contour massages can help these concerns that tend to be worse on waking.

Recommended

How To Dermaplane For A Brighter Complexion

By: Canadian Living

Your smoothest skin yet is within reach!

Read More

Recommended

Constipation: 5 Foods To Avoid After 5 PM, According To Experts

By: Lauréna Valette

Some foods are easier to digest than others.

Read More