Last night skincare superbrand Dermalogica invited us along for some “us” time along with some of Irelands best known contant creators, journalists and influencers to chill out, cleanse, mositurise and get some serious Zen with Lottie, a mental health first aider who guided us to bliss.
Let’s delve a little deeper into the science behind sleep. Sadly, human beings are in fact the only species that will deliberately deprive themselves of sleep without legitimate gain. According to Dr. Neil Stanley PHD who has been a sleep researcher for 37 years:
– After a poor night sleep we see a 33% increase in sugar cravings
– You are 4x more likely to pick up the common cold with a poor night’s sleep
During the day, skin cells are in defense mode—working to protect themselves from UV exposure and free radical damage. When the sun goes down our skin switches into regeneration mode—repairing daytime damage and boosting the production of substances that protect and renew.
The mind and body enter a biological regeneration mode while we sleep, performing reparative functions that can’t occur during wakefulness. The skin follows a similar regenerative process. Melatonin secretion starts around 9pm. Sleep-inducing melatonin is produced at night when we sleep in complete darkness, and it allows our bodies to go into deep, recuperative, immune-enhancing sleep. Melatonin is also known for its antioxidant properties. As melatonin production rises, levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, begins to fall during sleep—allowing skin to repair and protect itself from outside damage.
We can also note that the maximum nighttime skin repair is right around 11:00 p.m. Sleep also allows the body to make more collagen, which minimizes fine lines, and release more human growth hormone, which increases muscle mass and strengthens skin. Blood flow to the skin increases, too, resulting in a healthy glow. And when you get your rest, you can even see noticeable skin benefits within 2-3 weeks of improved sleep. Your Skin Is Nocturnal. During this time, skin renewal increases,
collagen production increases and cell damage reverses.
Daytime Is Defence Mode
- Cells Defend Against UV Light
- Natural Antioxidant Protection
- Peak Hours: 7-11am
Night-Time Is Repair Mode
- Skin Renewal Increases, Almost Double the Rate
- Production of Collagen Increases
- Cell Damage Reverses
- Tewl Increases Due to Increased Body Temperature
- Peak Hours: 9pm-12 Midnight
When it comes to your skin care routine, sleep may be the closest thing there is to the fountain of youth. During this time, the skin is best able to absorb active ingredients to enhance repair of any damage that has occurred during the day.
Prepare for Sleep
- Turn off electronic devices
- Make room as dark as possible
- Breathe deeply
- Avoid alcohol or caffeine before bed
- Stick to a schedule
- Listen to binaural beats – www.soundsleepcocoon.com
Dermalogica Sound Sleep Cocoon €85
This revitalizing treatment gel-cream transforms skin overnight by optimising night-time skin recovery. Encapsulated, motion-activated French Lavender essential oil, along with calming Sandalwood and Patchouli, soothe the senses with aromatherapy to help promote deep, restful sleep for healthier-looking skin. Persian Silk Tree Extract reduces signs of skin fatigue and restores vitality while Wu-Zhu-Yu Extract provides visibly radiant skin by morning. Tamarind Seed Polysaccharide cushions skin, creating a nourishing cocoon of comfort for softer, more hydrated skin. When developing Sound Sleep Cocoon, the skin health experts at The International Dermal Institute extensively researched ingredients and formulations that would promote optimal overnight skin recovery and encourage restful sleep. These ingredients were selected for their abilities to enhance sleep, rejuvenate skin and reduce signs of fatigue.
Availability:
Dermalogica is available from www.dermalogica.ie and all authorized Dermalogica stockists
Local stockist locator: https://www.dermalogica.ie/pages/store-locator