Why Sleep is More Important than Cream: Experts on the Impact of Sleep on Skin Youthfulness 0 6

Many believe that youthful skin is the result of proper care and cosmetic procedures, but studies show that lack of sleep is associated with signs of accelerated skin aging. People with chronic sleep disturbances exhibit more pronounced fine lines, a deterioration of the skin's barrier function, and delayed recovery from external stressors such as ultraviolet exposure.

What Happens to the Skin During Sleep

During deep sleep, key processes critical for skin beauty are activated:

• Tissue repair and regeneration. At night, the synthesis of collagen and elastin—proteins that determine the skin's firmness and smoothness—increases.

• Restoration of barrier function. Good sleep helps maintain the skin's water balance, reducing moisture loss and improving protection against external irritants.

• Hormonal balance. During sleep, the level of the stress hormone cortisol, which in excess breaks down skin proteins, decreases, while the action of hormones that support recovery increases.

Sleep disturbances—frequent awakenings, late sleep onset, or shallow sleep—hinder these processes and put the body in a state of stress. As a result, the skin may appear dull, dehydrated, with an increased tendency for inflammation and premature wrinkles.

Sleep as Part of Beauty

Experts emphasize that skin health largely depends on a stable sleep schedule and its quality. Regular good sleep helps maintain a fresh complexion, reduces the appearance of dark circles under the eyes, and promotes better functioning of the body's nighttime restorative mechanisms.

It is important to remember that sleep is just one of the factors. It enhances the effect of proper skin care but does not replace comprehensive daily cosmetic and medical skin care.