Insufficient sleep manifests physically on our bodies in various ways.
But when it comes to skin, the effects may be immediately noticeable and hard to disguise.
As a busy parent with a demanding career and a family to feed, all that stress is bound to take its toll.
While it’s important for you to fix your sleep schedule and get the most rest out of your night, sometimes you need a little help putting your best face forward, literally speaking.
Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Skin
Sleep deprivation affects your skin in many detrimental ways.
One of the culprits to blame is the stress hormone cortisol, which skyrockets when your body doesn’t get enough rest.
One of the more immediate effects of cortisol is that it breaks down the collagen in your body, leading to dry, dull skin. Cortisol also increases the risk for inflammation, resulting in acne.
Sleep deprivation also causes the blood vessels to dilate.
This is what causes the most telltale sign of insufficient rest: undereye, dark circles.
Thankfully there are ways to remedy these symptoms. Here’s how you can maintain fresh, glowing skin even when you’re sleep deprived.
6 Tips for Restoring Sleep Deprived Skin
Hydrate
Just like how you drink water to hydrate your body, you need to hydrate your skin to keep it plump and fresh-looking.
The number one ingredient that dermatologists recommend for you to achieve this effect is hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid, or HA for short, is a powerful hydrating ingredient that is capable of binding over one thousand times its weight in water.
It can help retain the skin’s moisture, reduce inflammation and even assist in wound healing if you’re currently dealing with acne.
But there’s a catch; HA doesn’t contain moisture itself, it just helps you retain it; your skin needs to be damp before putting it on.
Ideally you should apply a HA serum immediately after towel-drying your skin or use a face mister to give it a boost of moisture beforehand.
Seal in The Moisture
Your serums and gels are useless if you don’t apply a good moisturiser to seal them all in.
Water-based products, which make up like 90% of skincare, evaporates easily once applied to the skin.
That’s why you need an oil-based product to keep all that goodness inside the skin where it can do its job.
Moisturising is such an important part of maintain youthful, glowing skin. So it’s time to invest in a good brand, so you don’t miss out on the benefits, even if you do get your full 8 hours every night.
Consider BHAs
Sometimes known by its household name salicylic acid, BHA is a good remedy for pimples, especially the nasty, red ones.
BHAs should not, however, be confused with its close cousin AHA, or lactic acid, which has similar but different properties.
AHA works more on surface level concerns like uneven skin tone, pigmentation and fine lines.
BHA works at the deeper levels of the skin to target inflammation, sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria.
It is also much, much gentler than benzoyl peroxide, which can be drying to the skin.
Bring on the Sheet Masks
A little self-care once in a while is needed to restore tired, sleep-deprived skin.
Sheet masks are a good way to combat dry, dull skin, especially if they’re fortified with skin-loving ingredients like glycerin and ceramides.
Of course, you don’t have to buy the paper ones only. Hydrogel masks are just as good at delivering nutrients and hydration straight into the skin.
They are a great hack for emergencies when your serums and gels are not working hard or fast enough.
If you have an important event, and you’re sleep-deprived, sheet masks may just be the life-saving pick-me-up you need.
Try Some Caffeine
No, I’m not talking about the caffeine you drink, but the caffeine you can actually apply to your skin.
Caffeine-infused serums and creams have been a part of the skincare industry for decades.
Just like how it rejuvenates your will to live, caffeine also rejuvenates your skin thanks to its energizing effects.
Caffeine contains vasoconstricting properties that narrows the blood vessels when applied on the skin, especially in the area around the eyes.
This instantly (but temporarily) de-puffs the dark circles, making them less noticeable.
But depending on the damage, you may still need to pile on the concealer the next time you go outside.
Pop Some Pills
Of course, by pills I don’t mean over the counter narcotics, but vitamin and/or mineral supplements.
As mentioned earlier, sleep deprivation causes those dreaded undereye dark circles.
Oral supplements like iron and vitamin C may help decrease the dark pigmentation that causes the undereye discolouration.
If you’re worried about acne too, try some zinc tablets, or a botanical supplement like evening primrose oil. This of course is a bonus if you’re already using EPO to address PMS, then you’re all good to go.
Skincare for the Sleepless
Even with these tips in mind, you shouldn’t rely solely on skincare to fix your problems. Diet, exercise and most importantly, rest, all play an integral part in maintaining healthy, glowing skin.
The above skincare tips are merely a Band-Aid or temporary fix-it for emergencies.
Their effects don’t last if you continue neglecting other parts of your health.
Ideally, any topical or oral solutions you employ to rejuvenate sleep-deprived skin should be supplemented with healthy food, physical activity and sufficient sleep.
Once you find the right balance, you’ll be on your way to having fresh, young skin for a long, long time.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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