When people do not have adequate sleep, cortisol levels remain high in the body and are responsible for creating thinning skin, stretch marks, and discoloration. When people do get a good night’s rest, the body produces increased levels of melatonin, which acts like an antioxidant to fight age spots, fine lines, and, in some cases, skin cancer. There is also an increase in the efficiency of special growth hormones that repair and regenerate collagen-producing cells, which are directly responsible for skin’s elasticity and tightness. But it is not just about how long a person sleeps, but also about how well that person sleeps. According to Dr. Howard Murad, “While cells repair and rebuild at all stages of sleep, the majority of cell turnover and regeneration occurs during deep REM [rapid eye movement] sleep.”

SMELL YOUR WAY TO SLEEP

Lavender has a reputation as a mild tranquilizer. Simply place a couple of drops into a cream and place a little on the temples and forehead before going to sleep. The aroma should help encourage sleep. Too much lavender, however, can keep people awake.

Put a drop of jasmine essential oil on each wrist just before going to bed. In studies conducted at Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia, researchers discovered that people who spent the night in jasmine-scented rooms slept more peacefully than people who stayed in non-scented or even lavender-scented rooms.

Try a soothing aromatic bath before bedtime. Add five drops of lavender oil and three drops of ylang ylang to sea salt and add it to warm bathwater.

Diffuse essential oils. Try a blend of essential oils designed to help encourage sleep, such ingredients include valerian root, lavender, sweet orange, cedarwood, frankincense, and geranium.

SKIN CARE ROUTINES

Optimize the body’s natural healing systems while sleeping by using the appropriate skin care. Thorough cleansing, followed by high quality, clinical serums that support rejuvenation and regeneration, but also support barrier function, are recommended. Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, antioxidants, growth factors, stem cells, and peptides are a few suggestions.