So what actually happens to our skin when we sleep? I wrote a post on the importance of sleep and some tips for a healthy nights sleep but I wanted to also elaborate on what happens to the skin during sleep.

There is a huge emphasis on night creams and serums but we are forgetting the most important thing and that is what is going on at a cellular level. Inflammation occurs though stress caused with emotions, lifestyle and diet so looking at the run down before bedtime is just as important as what we are placing on our skin. Yes, it is the time for rest and repair, the importance of a good uninterrupted sleep is vital for skin health.

As we are in our slumber the body has an increase in HGH (Human Growth Hormone) which reinforces the connective tissue, stem cells, collagen and elastin. IL-I (Interluekin I) is a protein that increases white blood cells that support the ‘repair’ phase of R’n’R as well as the release HGH which is integral for collagen production. Our body’s are not under attack from as many free radicals as they are during the day so there is a reduction of damage to the skin cells. The skin is focusing on repair from the damage caused during the day from pollutants and UV damage so any application of serums will be more beneficial at night.

Have you ever woken and still felt tired, even after a full nights sleep? How well you sleep is crucial to the repairing of the skin. An analytical mind will keep the body in a state of fight or flight, it will impact on skin hydration and cause inflammation. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland that aids sleep and wake cycles, it reduces as we age which will effect the ability for repair as we sleep, a supplement of a good melatonin can help by taking 30-40 minutes before bed helping in a restful slumber.  REM is when the rate of cellular repair increases, it will reach its maximum levels, reconstructing the skin in collagen and elastin, so if you have a restless night your skin will suffer!

A huge factor is hydration during sleep, external and internal hydration in key for extra cellular repair. Fascia literally becomes stiff which again reflects in the skin.

Topical hydration with Hyaluronic acid moisturisers and serums are great. MRL Skin Quencher allows the skins cells to be bathed in a luxurious blend of Squalene, Matrixyl 3000 and Hyaluronic Acid. This beautiful cocktail of hydrating and nourishing ingredients acts as a booster to existing products used in your skin care regimen. Once applied you will see and feel the brilliance in illuminating and hydrating the skin.

Internal hydration during the night can be improved significantly with Hydration Duo . An incredible combination of ingredients, a blend of potent herbs and antioxidants with super hydration while you sleep, offering nutritional support for healthy skin.

If there is only one thing you could and should do before bed it is removing your make up! Sleeping in make-up is a huge NO NO!! make sure you cleanse your skin before you settle down for the night. Leaving stale makeup, dead skin cells and daily pollutants on your skin will be a breeding ground for bacteria and a feasting frenzy for skin and bed bugs..ewwww!

This is a video about Fascia and what happens when we sleep, it will explain about the internal ‘fuzz’ (fascia) WARNING: if you are squeamish do not watch as it will show  a cadaver (body used for autopsy)