The aforementioned extrinsic factors that influence overall stress levels are on the rise, prompting the medical and cosmetic communities to look for more innovative ways to counteract this trend. From practicing mindfulness-based activities (like yoga or meditation) to moderating screen time to diet, the cosmetic industry is trying to address this growing concern more holistically to boost the effectiveness of skin care products. The emergence of inner beauty products and supplements has been one of the tactics to combat stress-related skin issues. However, one area that has remained unexplored is the topical use of neuroactive skin care products.
Sleep science recognizes different distinct states, with REM and non-REM states being one of the planes of distinction… During these periods, physiological processes take place that allow the human body to regain balance, regenerate cells, and in extreme cases, recover from inflammation or a more serious condition.
The skin is no exception, as the repair process (cell mitosis) largely occurs during the non-resuscitative state, in the early stages of deep sleep, according to Dr. Durmer. Acute psychosocial stress and sleep deprivation disrupt the homeostasis of skin barrier function in women, and this disruption may be linked to stress-induced changes in cytokine secretion.
WHAT ARE CYTOKINES?
Among the many processes is the production of cytokines, small molecules responsible for signaling the cells of the immune system to initiate the anti-inflammatory processes necessary to repair what has been damaged during waking hours.
They are also responsible for rebuilding the skin barrier, which can prevent or minimize damage incurred during the day. (source: CYTOKINES IN DERMATOLOGY – A BASIC OVERVIEW Arijit Coondoo)
HOW DOES IT WORK?
This, of course, is if we follow our natural, biorhythmic sleep rhythm that allows these processes to begin and run through a full cycle. On the other side of the spectrum are the negative effects of sleep deprivation, which has been proven to accelerate premature aging. It also causes depression, weight gain, and heart disease, which only reinforces the vicious cycle of poor sleep performance.
Okay, so where does skin fit into this equation? Lack of sleep affects a number of processes that influence the health and condition of the skin, the main ones being:
As tested by Min Ah Kim, Eun Joo Kim, Byung Young Kang, Hae Kwang Lee in their study on the effects of sleep deprivation on the skin of 24 patients, after just one night of sleep deprivation, the following changes were observed:
THE EFFECTS OF SLEEP DEPRIVATION
All the scientific evidence collected leads to the conclusion that there is not only a correlation between lifestyle and sleep, but also strong evidence supporting the thesis that the health and appearance of our skin is linked to the quality of sleep.
This places more emphasis on the need to treat our skin health more holistically, taking advantage of ingredients that have topical applications, while also containing neuroactive ingredients that can aid in stress management and sleep quality.
