5 Healthy Sleeping Habits for Ageless Skin

Many women stick to a morning skincare routine to keep their skin youthful. It’s a smart move, but it can only do so much, especially if you have an unhealthy lifestyle. For example, you still need to practice good sleeping habits to support your beauty regimen.

Adjusting the length of sleep and sleep-adjacent practices can do wonders for your complexion. Read on for more information on how sleep can support skin health.

Sleep plays a crucial role in keeping your skin looking young. When you sleep, your body repairs and rejuvenate the cells while producing new collagen that keeps the skin supple and prevents sagging. You look refreshed after a night of quality shuteye because your facial muscles are relaxed, you have fresh blood flow to the face, and new collagen fibers support your cells.

A study by the American Association of Sleep Medicine shows that a single night of insufficient sleep can make your skin age faster. It states that one night of not getting enough sleep can activate genes related to biological aging. The participants’ blood showed signs of deterioration in cell growth and cell division, which can lead to inflammation and disease. In terms of your skin, this can manifest in issues such as eczema, dermatitis, and other conditions.

In another study by the Oxford Academic journal, sleep-deprived individuals showed more hanging eyelids, swollen and redder eyes, paler skin, fine lines, and drooping sides of the mouth. Whether it’s due to long work hours or simply staying up too late at night, sleep deprivation shows on your face and may affect your confidence.

So, how many hours of sleep did you get last night? If you’re having problems getting at least eight hours, here are some tips that can help.

A golden rule of skin care is to never sleep without washing your face, makeup or no makeup. Upgrade your sleeping habits by incorporating a consistent beauty routine before hitting the sheets.

Cleanse it before going to bed to remove sebum, dirt, and bacteria that can clog your pores. Choose a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin of natural oils, like Dove Facial Cleansing Mousse Moisture Care. It cleans the skin while nourishing it with hyaluronic acid and 40% Active-boost serum for radiant and moisturized skin for up to 24 hours.

After cleansing, apply a gentle essence that helps brighten the skin and refine pores. Next, keep your skin hydrated while you sleep by applying moisturizer to replenish water loss and support regeneration during the REM phase. POND'S Bright Miracle Night Serum does not just moisturize your skin. It has niasorcinol, which protects the skin against dark spots by inhibiting melanin formation and stimulating cell renewal at night.

Cotton fabrics have gaps between fibers that make them rough to the touch. If you tend to sleep on your face or side, switch to a silk or satin pillowcase to prevent marks. Constant friction can lead to irritation and dryness that can accentuate the appearance of fine lines.

Meanwhile, silk has less traction and is also hypoallergenic. Its tightly woven fibers absorb less moisture from your body, preventing your skin and hair from drying out while you sleep.

If you’re guilty about using your phone before bed, now’s the time to ditch the habit. The last thing you want is to stimulate your brain right when you're about to sleep. The light on your phone keeps you awake and delays REM sleep, keeping you up for hours beyond bedtime. Passive use of technology, such as listening to music, does not affect sleep. But active use, such as texting and scrolling, does. 

Eating heavy meals close to bedtime can cause indigestion, acid reflux, and other digestive problems that can make it difficult to fall asleep. When the body is working to digest food, blood flow to the stomach and intestines increases, which can keep your body awake. If you’re going out with friends for dinner, make sure to have it two to three hours before bedtime for proper digestion and better sleep.

A good skincare regimen is only half the work. When you maintain healthy sleeping habits, you're one step closer to achieving overall health and ageless skin.