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A good night’s sleep doesn’t just lift your mood – it can also boost your complexion. Dermatologists and other scientists say that your skin does important repair work while you sleep, and that a lack of it can quickly show up on your face.
“During sleep our organs, including the skin, go into recovery mode,” says Dr. Nazli Ghiasi, a dermatologist, owner of MapleDerm and assistant professor at the University of Toronto. “Cell turnover and collagen production increase to repair the damage from environmental stressors such as UV exposure.” Blood flow to the skin also increases while you rest, delivering oxygen and nutrients that support regeneration.
The skin barrier and hydration levels undergo nightly maintenance, and hormones shift, too. “There’s a drop in cortisol levels and peaking of growth hormone, both of which are involved in the skin’s healing response,” she says. When sleep is cut short, those restorative systems don’t function as well. “Poor sleep contributes to aging by slowing down essential pathways that help with skin repair and collagen production,” she explains. “You’ll notice more visible signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, an uneven tone and dullness.”
Matthew Walker is a neuroscientist, author of the bestseller Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams and Estée Lauder global sleep science advisor. He puts it simply: “Sleep is the single most effective thing we can do to reset the health of our body and brain.” Every major system, from cardiovascular health to mood regulation, benefits when we sleep well and the skin is no exception.
“New research has dramatically expanded our understanding of sleep’s biological roles,” he says. He cites a 2021 study indicating that short-term sleep deprivation has been shown to impair skin hydration and slow epidermal barrier recovery. “This gives new meaning to the term ‘beauty sleep,’” says Walker.
With the arrival of a new season, it’s common for sleep patterns to falter. “When the clocks change or winter sets in, your body’s timing system gets confused,” he says. “Morning light tells your body to wake up, while darkness tells it to release melatonin and prepare for sleep.” To help, he recommends getting outside as soon as you can after waking, even for 15 to 20 minutes. “Natural light resets your internal clock and lifts alertness.” Walker also suggests keeping a consistent bedtime and wake-up time every day, cutting caffeine after midday, and avoiding alcohol and bright screens before bed.
To make the most of overnight hours, Ghiasi recommends key skin-care ingredients. “Retinoids, peptides and antioxidants, such as vitamin C and niacinamide, help with skin regeneration and collagen production,” she says. It’s also important to focus on hydration before you hit the hay. “Using a gentle cleanser to remove makeup, oil and environmental pollutants followed by an application of a good moisturizer with ceramides, glycerin and hyaluronic acid will help the skin barrier.”
Six buys to try
Look for key ingredients and formulas that hydrate and support skin while you sleep.
IDC Express Multi-Action 7-in-1 Cleanser
Made in Canada and suitable for all skin types, this cream cleanser contains hyaluronic acid and B vitamins to leave skin refreshed and soft while gently removing makeup, dirt and pollutants.
Buying options
$35, buy at idcdermo.com
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Lift + Sculpt Eye Cream
Formulated with peptides and hyaluronic acid to firm, hydrate and plump, this lightweight cream can be used all around the delicate eye area, including upper lids.
Buying options
$118, buy at esteelauder.ca
$118 from Holt Renfrew
RoC Skincare Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
Containing glycerin, shea butter and squalane for hydration, this night cream also delivers the collagen-boosting benefits of retinol to reduce the look of uneven skin tone, fine lines and deep wrinkles.
Buying options
$47 from Well.ca
$29 from Roc Skincare
Clé de Peau Beauté Intensive Night Emulsion
Along with ceramides and vitamin E, this silky fluid (with a refillable dispenser) is infused with botanical extracts such as lily, hibiscus fruit and bitter orange. It hydrates and plumps skin while improving elasticity and brightness.
Buying options
$258, buy at cledepeaubeaute.ca
$258 from Holt Renfrew
Hanyul Yuja Brightening Sleeping Mask
Loaded with the antioxidants vitamin C and niacinamide, this lightweight jelly creates an overnight leave-on treatment that boosts radiance. It can be used nightly or for weekly upkeep.
Buying options
$41, buy at sephora.com
$30 from Soko Glam
Avène Dermabsolu Intensive Reshaping Night Cream
Ideal for mature and sensitive skin, this blend of bakuchiol (a gentle and plant-derived alternative to retinol), niacinamide and ceramides works to restore loss of structure, dryness and uneven skin tone while you sleep.
Buying options
$79, buy at well.ca
$79 from Amazon
