Sleep and healthy skin go hand in hand. While our minds are at rest, our bodies are busy repairing and restoring us, inside and out.

A few specific ways sleep affects our skin are as follows:

Increasing Antioxidants: While we snooze, our brains release the hormone melatonin, which triggers the release of antioxidants to help reduce inflammation.

Creating Collagen: During sleep, we see an increase in collagen production, ultimately imparting plumpness and firmness as well as helping to heal the skin.

A Hit Of Human Growth Hormone: As we rest, the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline (designed to meet our energy demand during the day) begin to drop off, and are replaced by other hormones, including the human growth hormone which is essential for skin maintenance.

Boosting Blood Flow: If we’ve had a disrupted night, our skin can look lackluster and dark circles can appear more prominent, thanks to less than optimal blood flow. And that glow you see after a deep sleep? That’s thanks to our blood flow increasing whilst our bodies get some respite.

Dozing = Dehydration: As we sleep, our skin loses more moisture than during the day, leading to dryer looking skin with more pronounced wrinkles.

As such, aiming for 7-9 hours sleep a night is optimal for awaking not only with energy, but with energized-looking skin.

Our JOY Prescription: Creating a good sleep routine is crucial. Going to bed at the same time each night helps set you up for a deep sleep, as does giving yourself a moment of self-care, to soothe skin and senses into a deep slumber. Add MOON SWIM Body Wash to the tub for a soak, and follow with LITTLE LOVE Body Lotion all over, to lock in moisture as you snooze.