Acne stressing you out? Sleep on it.
Sometimes the most often overlooked solutions are the simplest, like drinking more water each day. One of those simple solutions is getting enough sleep. You may not realize it, but your body gets a lot done while you are asleep, and keeping your skin healthy is a big part of that. Of course, while dozing off sounds pretty easy, sleep is often one of the first things we sacrifice when a busy lifestyle leaves you feeling like there aren’t enough hours in the day.
Some will tell you that you only need 6 hours of sleep. While it’s true that you can get by with 6, your body will be in better shape (adult or not) if you stick with a more generous 8 hours. While you sleep your body rejuvenates itself, and it’s during those hours that the body is most effective at tissue repair. That means acne blemishes will disappear faster if you are getting better sleep, and your skin’s defenses will be better able to handle whatever challenges the next day has in store.
Not all sleep is equal. The quality of your sleep can have an effect on your stress level and your skin’s ability to combat acne. If you frequently wake up in the night or have trouble falling asleep in the first place, consider a sleeping aid or consult a doctor if over-the-counter medications don’t solve the problem for you. Also, keep in mind that your body likes to keep things predictable. You’ll get better sleep if you keep to a regular schedule, going to bed and waking up at about the same time each day. An erratic sleep pattern leaves your body burnt out and takes a toll on your healing processes.
So while you’re working out a skin-healthy lifestyle, don’t overlook sleep. Acne blemishes will last longer and can crop up more easily if your body isn’t getting enough rest. And by the way, don’t forget to wash those bedsheets regularly! You sweat while you’re asleep, and your bedding is prime real estate for pore-clogging bacteria. Keep your sheets clean and your body well rested, and your skin will thank you for it.
