"Creaky noises make my SKIN creep - I need to get some sleep I can't get no sleep"

I mean if faithless said it it's a given right?

Creaky noises that make his skin creep.

The fact of the matter is this, our skin cell turn over time is most active between the hours of 11pm and 2 am.

So why is this important?

Skin cells turn over on average every 28 days, this slows a little as we age.

What we get is fresh newly generated skin cells, a healthy complexion, the ability to protect our bodies with that armour we call skin.

So just imagine for a moment, you start to sleep less, or it is interrupted.

This metabolism and complex skin cell turn over process will come to a halt and or become totally messed up.

Sleep is vital for all of the body’s systems and their function

In relation to our skin lack of sleep causes the stress hormone cortisol to be released, which will in turn encourage inflammatory markers in the skin, causing consistent flare-ups in conditions like acne, psoriasis, and even eczema.

Eating your way to improve inflammation is something we will cover in another blog and need not be snubbed at.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends seven to nine hours of sleep per night for most adults.

During sleep, your body delivers important and relevant nutrients to organs and tissues that need replenishing, whilst at the same time removing excess fluids and built up oedema from other areas.

Cutting this process short is one reason sleep-deprived people often have eye bags.

Excess fluid and poor skin cell turn over leading to thin poor quality skin in that area.

Keeping up with the Netflix series and skimping on sleep also increases levels of inflammatory and stress related hormones, which can put more pressure on your immune system, aggravating skin problems like acne, psoriasis, and eczema.

That said- developing a healthy night time skin-care routine can make an impact on how skin looks in the morning.

Skin cell renewal products like Retinol and antioxidants are available but there is nothing better than giving the body what we KNOW it needs naturally first.

So let us close with a few self help tips to get you waking up fresh faced again.

Always Cleanse Non negotiable, Washing your face in the evening and in the morning is the first thing you should be doing to reset your skins goals (and yours) for that day

Avoid aggressors like tea tree and over exfoliating style cleansers.

(unless I tell you otherwise)

Apply some form of NIGHT cream Which products to use overnight will differ depending on whether a person has dry, oily, or sensitive skin. A big common mistake is made when mixing up dry with dehydrated skin types and this not being addressed with the right ingredients

Check for antioxidants. These little power houses are imperative for skin and systemic health

We can eat ourselves healthy and apply certain topical AOX to improve our skin

Prevention

If we start early enough, imagine the damage we can prevent, and i am not just talking about the skin! This is generally a rule in all health. Prevention is key.

Anti ageing products at the age of 21? I would have laughed but now wished I hadn't

Daily SPF, no, I wont ever get sick of saying this.

I will ask for this on my headstone if I have to!

Get seven to nine hours of sleep.

During our zzzz we produce essential epidermal and human growth factors, one of which is a necessary ingredient in collagen production

(Even more if we have smudged some clever ingredients on there too)

These are a vital ingredient for collagen production—the protein that gives people shiny hair, strong nails, and glowing skin.

Skimping on sleep raises stress hormone levels, which can interfere with collagen production.

Move away from the Net-Flix and the remote (Just.....1.....more.....)

I mean who's idea was it to put a whole series available to view in one go!!

That's it I've got you, wash your face, don your NEW routine and wake up FRESH

For tailored skin consultations please don't hesitate to get in touch

Kim MA, Kim EJ, Kang BY, Lee HK. The effects of sleep deprivation on the biophysical properties of facial skin. J Cosmetics Dermatol Sci Appl. 2017;7:34-47.

Jang SI, Han J, Lee M, Seo J, Kim BJ, Kim E. A study of skin characteristics according to humidity during sleep. Skin Res Technol. 2019;25(4):456-460.

Le Fur I, Reinberg A, Lopez S, Morizot F, Mechkouri M, Tschachler E. Analysis ocircadian and ultradian rhythms of skin surface properties of face and forearm of healthy women. J Invest Dermatol. 2001;117:718-724.

Firooz A, Zartab H, Sadr B, et al. Daytime changes of skin biophysical characteristics: a study of hydration, transepidermal water loss, pH, sebum, elasticity, erythema, and color index on Middle Eastern skin. Indian J Dermatol. 2016;61:700.

Chang YS, Lin MH, Lee JH, et al. Melatonin supplementation for children with atopic dermatitis and sleep disturbance: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Pediatr. 2016;170:35-42.