It doesn’t take long for sleep deprivation to affect the way you look. Within just 24hrs, a bad night’s sleep can make its mark on your appearance.
We know from scientific research- and our work with expert dermatologists and sleep specialists – that there is a strong, calculable link between disturbed sleep and intrinsic skin ageing.
For good sleepers, skin systems can operate correctly and efficiently. For poor sleepers, factors such as diminished skin barrier function, poor stem cell activity and an increase in trans-epidermal water loss collectively contribute towards a drained complexion, as well as premature signs of ageing such as fine lines and loss of skin elasticity. Studies show that sleep deprivation affects features relating to the mouth and skin texture and not simply the area around the eyes.
Sleep and skin health are controlled by the skin’s circadian rhythms or body clock. At night anti-inflammatory, and anti-stress hormones are secreted (regulated by the 24hr body clock), switching on the skin’s repair, renewal and detoxification processes. If sleep is disturbed, this process is affected.
Here’s a snapshot of how:
DEHYDRATED SKIN
Seen within 24hrs of sleep deprivation, one of the greatest factors contributing towards the skin ageing in the sleep deprived people is that poor sleepers experience significantly higher levels of Trans-Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL).
VISIBLE LINES AND WRINKLES
Sleep deprivation can also cause fine lines and wrinkles to become more visible. Skin moisturisation at night is therefore integral to keeping skin plump and youthful-looking.
SKIN REDNESS AND SENSITIVITY
The natural balance of water evaporation through the dermal layers can become unbalanced by a breakdown in the skin’s barrier function because of sleep deprivation and can kick-start a number of unwanted skin conditions such as morning redness and sensitivity.
DARK CIRCLES
Dark circles are often the most prominently reported signs of disrupted sleep. While the prominence of this characteristic can, to a certain extent, be hereditary, the increase in build-up of toxins due to poor-quality sleep (causing the breakdown of natural systems that aid detoxification and renewal) intensifies the problem.
maximise your beauty sleep with our skincare favourites
fighting fatigue?
morning expert open eyes (RRP€38/£30)
Anti-blue light support with Giant Kelp and Persian Silk Tree to help de-puff, detoxify and brighten eyes on waking.
With natural extracts of Giant Kelp to tighten the look of skin, Persian Silk Tree extract to help reduce the appearance of dark circles and Cocoa Seed peptides to limit the effects of blue light on the skin’s appearance.
trouble falling asleep?
Symptoms include not being able to switch off: you might go to bed feeling exhausted, but your mind is racing. Normally sleep should come within 30 minutes, but in this case, sleep can be delayed for several hours. This leads to a lack of sleep, which affects daytime wakefulness.
deep sleep pillow spray (RRP €23/ £19.50,75ml)
Get a great night’s sleep with our best-selling deep sleep pillow spray. Proven to help you fall asleep faster and wake feeling more refreshed.
Clinically proven to help you fall asleep faster and wake feeling more refreshed.
feeling stressed?
Throughout the day, skin is exposed to environmental aggressors, as well as stress, which can impact how it looks. Skin needs support to stay hydrated and to look and feel at its best. Created for the daytime This Works Stress Check, No Wrinkles Day, Skin Deep and Perfect enable you to tailor your daytime skincare to manage your stress, boost radiance, even skin tone, de-age, fight fatigue and support skin throughout the day.
stress check CBD body cocoon (RRP €32/£25, 250ml)
Rid the days stress from your body and begin to unwind with this supersized, stress-busting body moisturiser boasts a Hemp-derived ingredient, Crambe Seed Oil and Shea Butter to nourish and calm skin – tackling the ageing damage of environmental stressors, while the 98% natural fragrance of YlangYlang, Neroli and Lavender essential oils create a cocoon of calm. Massage into limbs daily for a non-sticky solution that soothes the body and mind as well as providing a moment of self-care to take for yourself.
This Works Stress Collection is available from Cloud10 Beauty, Arnotts, Brown Thomas, Meaghers, McCabes, McCauleys, Avoca, Carraig Dunne
and select Pharmacies Nationwide.
