Between work, travel, study, parenting, home life, friends and family, life is busy. Most of us can relate to a fast-paced lifestyle where we prioritise other people or work, and our own health is easily overlooked. One of the first things many of us cut back on is sleep — and that can show in our skin.
How sleep affects your skin
There is a good deal of research into the relationship between sleep and skin. For example, a 2010 study published in the British Medical Journal found that observers rated people who had had adequate sleep as looking more rested and healthier than the same people when sleep-deprived. So what is happening while we sleep?
During sleep the body shifts into a repair phase. For the skin, this includes the release of growth hormones involved in skin repair, melatonin (which acts as an antioxidant), and a reduction in the stress hormone cortisol, which is associated with inflammation. Sleep also supports the production of collagen, a protein that helps maintain skin structure and firmness. Ageing and reduced collagen are a natural part of life, and no amount of sleep stops that process — but consistent rest supports overall skin health.
Common skin concerns linked to a lack of sleep
Ongoing poor sleep is associated with a range of skin concerns, including dark circles, puffiness around the eyes and a duller-looking complexion. Raised cortisol and disruption to the skin’s barrier can contribute to dehydration, redness, breakouts, inflammation, and can aggravate conditions such as dermatitis or rosacea, as well as the appearance of fine lines. These associations vary from person to person, and skin concerns usually have more than one contributing factor.
Supporting your skin
The most useful thing you can do for your skin is aim for a consistent 7–9 hours of sleep per night. You can also support your skin with a regular evening skincare routine — for example a mild cleanser, a serum suited to your skin, and a moisturiser — along with daily broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen.
If you would like to look at in-clinic options as well, there are several treatments people consider to support skin texture and appearance. What suits any individual — if anything — depends on your skin, your goals and your health, and is determined at an individual assessment. Options discussed at MedAesthetics can include:
- Skin needling: a treatment that creates controlled micro-injuries to encourage the skin’s own collagen response and may soften the appearance of fine lines. Results develop gradually and vary between individuals.
- Treatments for facial lines: some people consider injectable treatments to address the appearance of expression lines. These involve prescription-only medicines, so they are assessed and discussed with you at a consultation, along with the benefits, limitations and risks.
- LED (Healite): a light-based treatment sometimes used to support skin recovery and reduce the appearance of inflammation after other treatments.
- HydraFacial MD: a facial treatment that cleanses and hydrates the skin, which some people use to address the appearance of dryness and redness.
- Volume and contour treatments: some people consider injectable treatments to address volume changes, including the appearance of under-eye (tear trough) hollowing. These also use prescription-only medicines and are assessed individually at a consultation.
The medicines used in injectable treatments are prescription-only. By law we cannot name specific brands, products or quantities in public information — these are discussed with you at your consultation, together with the benefits, limitations and risks. All cosmetic treatments carry some risk, and recovery and suitability differ from person to person, which is why an individual assessment comes first.
Talk to us
If you would like to understand which options might be appropriate for your skin, the best step is a consultation. To book a consultation at our Perth clinic, call us on (08) 9381 5840. We take the time to understand your individual skin concerns and, where appropriate, discuss a treatment plan tailored to you — including its benefits, limitations and risks.
