It almost sounds too good to be true: could your own body really contribute to healthier, more glowing skin than expensive creams? After all, skin creams go back in history as far as ancient Greece and Egypt. For aeons, we’ve lathered on protective balms and concoctions to keep us looking our best.
But let’s delve into the science and see whether the right amount of sleep could do just as much – or even more.
How does sleep affect your skin?
Your body uses sleep time to repair and regenerate itself. This goes for anything from your skin to your muscles and brain. A lack of sleep can impact the production of collagen and make your skin appear greyish and sallow.
Bedtime is also the most prolonged period of the day when your skin is in direct contact with its surroundings. A rough pillowcase can detract from the way your facial skin regenerates. This is especially true after a long day of sun exposure, when your skin is already in need of some TLC.
How do skin creams work?
Skin creams contain a variety of ingredients to help fight different signs of damage. Anti-ageing creams, for instance, frequently contain retinoids and peptides. Retinol can reduce wrinkles and fine lines, as well as diminish previous sun damage. Naturally derived bakuchiol has been researched and found to help reduce wrinkles as well as retinol, but with less irritation.
Peptides stimulate the production of collagen in your skin. Meanwhile, Vitamin C and salicylic acid are amongst the top ingredients to fight impurities. Salicylic acid dissolves blockages in the skin, while vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties.
So which is better for you?
Both. Though if you had to choose between the two, sleep would ultimately be the forerunner. Healthy sleep not only improves your skin, but also lowers your risks for a variety of other health issues. Good sleep has a preventative effect on problems including heart disease, diabetes, stress, and even obesity.
Getting enough sleep helps your body recover and function at its best. Adding a great skincare routine is the cherry on top. As part of this, you should include a good cleanser, a great skin cream, some good bedding and SPF for during the day. Real silk pillowcases are gentle on the skin and reduce irritation and inflammation, while sunscreen will prevent further damage during daytime hours.
Taking the best care of your complexion
Going forward, keep it simple. Choose high quality bedding and wash it weekly to keep your pillowcase fresh and free of irritants. Always cleanse your face before bed. Select a skin cream that has good ratings and only uses a few high-quality ingredients which won’t cause irritation. Steer clear of anything with too much fragrance or obscure ingredients promising too much.
Above all else, find a bedtime routine that works for your lifestyle and stick to it. A great night’s sleep alongside a skin cream that’s suitable to your skin type will work wonders in no time.
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