What are the two best ways to keep your skin looking young for as long as possible? 1) Wearing sun block every day and 2) Getting enough sleep

Remember when you were a teenager or 20-something and you could stay out all night and wake up looking fresh and lovely? As most of us have experienced, this is no longer the case in our thirties and beyond—and that’s a good thing: getting enough sleep is also important for your overall health. (Not 30 yet? Keep reading, this advice is important for everyone!) Let’s talk more about how crucial sleep is for preventing premature aging.

We’re always talking about how the skin repairs itself while you sleep. In fact, it’s the reason we suggest you apply serums before bed, to boost the skin’s repair process. Here’s what happens while you’re catching up on beauty rest:

• While you’re sleeping, your body produces human growth hormone, which is essential for collagen production.
• Facial muscles that cause wrinkles and lines will relax while you’re in the deepest part of sleep (the final three hours).
• During the middle of the night, Melatonin, the ‘sleep’ hormone that also protects the skin against aging free radicals, also increases. A lack of sleep also seriously compromises the immune system, which can also affect the skin negatively in terms of allergens, sensitivities, and increased inflammation.