Poor Sleep Leads to Skin Aging

Sleep deprived women show signs of premature skin aging and a decrease in the skin's ability to recover from sun exposure. A recent study commissioned by Estee Lauder is the first to "conclusively demonstrate that inadequate sleep is correlated with reduced skin health and accelerates aging". Insufficient sleep has been linked to medical problems such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, and immune deficiency but until now its effect on skin function has not been known. In a recent clinical trial, scientists at University Hospitals Case Medical Center found that sleep quality impacts skin function and aging. The study showed that poor sleepers had increased signs of skin aging and slower recovery from a variety of stressors including sunburn and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It is also worth noting, poor sleepers also had a worse assessment of their own skin and facial appearance. Also, self-perception of attractiveness was lower in poor quality sleepers.

The skin trial was commissioned by Estee Lauder. Estee Lauder is a beauty company that manufactures and markets prestigious skin care, makeup, fragrances, and hair care products. The study evaluated women between the ages of 30 and 49. Half of the participants fell into the poor sleep category. Poor quality sleepers had more signs of skin aging (like fine lines), uneven pigmentation, reduced elasticity, a slower recovery from sunburn, and more loss of moisture in the skin.

Dr. Baron, Director of the Skin Study Center at University Hospitals said, “Sleep deprived women show signs of premature skin aging and a decrease in their skin’s ability to recover after sun exposure.” The functioning of our organs is not typically external but with the skin, the proper functioning of your skin can be evident. These connections between sleep and skin aging may have a profound effect on how we study skin and its functions. Future research can be directed toward patients who want to look and feel their best.

Skin acts as a barrier to external stressors like environmental toxins and UV rays. Sleep is vital to maintenance of the body's systems. Now, it has been proven that sleep also impacts the skin. FusionSleep is dedicated to understanding the way sleep impacts the entire body. If you feel your poor sleep patterns are impacting your health or appearance, contact us today to schedule a consultation.