We all need beauty sleep, and sleep plays a pivotal role in the skin’s healing and regeneration. Good sleep promotes collagen production, regulates stress hormones and improves blood flow. As a skin therapist, a holistic approach to non-surgical skincare is important so that your clients can achieve their skin goals. So, let’s find out more about the role of sleep in skincare.

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The Role of Sleep in Skincare

Sleep is a key contributor to skin and wellbeing. It is your duty as a therapist to make sure clients understand that getting adequate, quality sleep promotes better skin health.

Natural Repair Process

The connection between sleep, skin health and skin ageing is undeniable. Lack of sleep has a detrimental effect on the skin – and every part of the body. Poor sleep can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier function leading to water loss, dryness and a reduction in resilience against environmental stressors. During the night, the body naturally repairs itself from the day’s wear and tear. 

Role of Sleep in Skincare: Key Hormones

Understanding which hormones play important roles during sleep can help your clients improve their sleep quality. 

Somatotropin

The hormone essential for growth and repair. A natural peptide, its release during sleep is important for growth in children and tissue repair in adults.  It contributes to the maintenance and repair of the skin by promoting cell regeneration. 

Melatonin

The best-known hormone to affect sleep. It is lower in the daytime and rises once darkness sets in. Melatonin regulates biological processes and has antioxidant properties which contribute to skin repair. 

Cortisol

Also known as the stress hormone, is released when we feel stressed or anxious. High levels of this hormone in your blood can stop you falling or staying asleep. A lower cortisol level contributes to increased collagen production and collagen synthesis.

How Poor Sleep Affects Skin 

Pollution and UV exposure attack skin during the day. Skin needs sleep to allow the body’s cells to regenerate. Lack of sleep can exacerbate existing skin conditions because of the rise in certain hormone levels. It is visible on the skin with puffiness, dark circles and a lacklustre complexion. 

Implications for Therapists

Focus on the role of sleep in skincare in discussions with your clients. Ask them about their sleep habits during consultations, and explain how sleep affects skin goals. They need quality sleep to maximise the benefits of their treatments. Recommend bedtime routines and products to help maximise the condition of their skin. Remind them to aim to go sleep at the same time every night, to keep their rooms cool and dark – and to manage stress. They should avoid being on devices before bed and engage in deep breathing.