by Jennifer McKinley, Founder, COR Silver Skincare
We've all heard the expression about "getting your beauty rest" – well, it's true! Getting the right amount of sleep can make a huge difference in keeping your skin healthy (along with the rest of your mind and body).
When you sleep, your body can spend more of its energy on replenishing skin cells and producing important things like human growth hormone and collagen.
This is why babies and teenagers sleep so much – their bodies are busy growing. But long after the teen years, we all still need good healthy sleep!
According to the National Sleep Foundation, teens (age 10 to 17) need at least 8 1/2 hours every night, and sometimes more, depending on lots of factors such as their activity.
Adults need between seven and nine hours of quality, uninterrupted sleep per night.
Some tips for better sleep (and therefore healthier skin)
Block out light and noise as much as you can. Your body has a normal rhythm of sleeping and waking (the 'circadian rhythm') and too much light or noise can throw you off. Ideas: sleep mask, ear plugs, dark curtains, white noise - even if it's just a small fan that produces a low, steady sound to help block out interruptive noises.
Invest in a good mattress and pillow. Fresh clean bedding also helps keep your skin free of germs or oils, so there's a second benefit in addition to better sleep.
Make a regular bedtime. When it comes to sleep, routine is helpful.
Wind down and unplug before bed. Experts recommend avoiding electronics (tv, phone, et cetera) for the last hour before bedtime. Nicotine or alcohol may feel like part of 'winding down' for some folks, but doctors say both those things actually lower sleep quality. Ideas: read a book, use a meditation app, stretch, take a warm shower.
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Jen McKinley created COR in 2008 to revitalize her sun-damaged and breakout-prone skin.
