Unveiling the Connection Between Skincare and Quality Rest
Here’s a tricky piece of trivia you probably learned as a kid: What’s the largest organ in your body?
The surprising answer is… skin! Skin is not only the largest organ of the human body but one of the most versatile, serving a multitude of protective functions to keep our bodies healthy. Taking good care of your skin is crucial for your health. But did you know it’s also an important part of achieving better quality sleep?
Moisture magic
When you lay your head down at night, how does your face feel against the fabric of your pillow? Is it dry and itchy? Do your sheets feel rough on your exposed arms and legs? If so, this could be a sign of your body being dehydrated. Despite your best efforts to drink plenty of water throughout the day, other factors could lead to moisture loss in your skin such as exposure to dry air, low humidity levels, wind, sun, or even prolonged exposure to hot water, such as that 30-minute steamy shower right before bed!
While hot showers and baths can help you relax, they can also strip your skin of its natural oils and moisture. For a more comfortable sleep, try these tips before you head to bed:
- End your hot shower with a quick douse of cold water
- Avoid using harsh cleansers that include parabens or alcohol
- Slather your face and body with an ultra-hydrating night-time lotion (Opt for moisturizers enriched with soothing ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, or oat extract)
Cool and soothe
Applying soothing skincare products, such as creams or serums which contain ingredients like chamomile or lavender, can also have aromatherapeutic effects that promote tranquility. Breathing in these natural scents as you relax can help you fall asleep faster and experience deeper sleep.
Some skincare products can even help regulate your skin temperature. If you fall into the category of a “hot sleeper”, you may want to look for a skincare product that has a specific cooling agent such as menthol, aloe vera, or cucumber extract. This can diminish the excessive sweating, restlessness, and discomfort you experience due to elevated body temperature throughout the night.
Dreamy dermatology
Skincare products applied before bed have more time to penetrate and nourish the skin during sleep. This is why establishing a regular nighttime skincare routine can be extremely effective for enhancing your sleep quality. Conversely, habitual poor sleep habits can exacerbate stress levels, which in turn can worsen certain skin conditions such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis.
As a starting point, try treating your skin to these simple steps before bed to enhance your sleep quality:
- Gentle cleanser - removes dirt, oil and makeup
- Exfoliator - removes dead skin cells
- Body or face oil – relaxes muscles when massaged into skin
- Moisturizer – locks in hydration
During sleep, our skin cells undergo processes of renewal, collagen production, and repair of environmental damage. Adequate sleep duration and quality support these processes, promoting healthier, more radiant skin. Great sleep and healthy skin are completely intertwined!