The 4 Skin Issues That Can Be Solved by a Good Night's Sleep

We know how important it is to get eight hours of sleep in theory, but somehow getting too happy at happy hour or popping out of bed for a morning spin class seems to get in the way. If you're not making time to catch z's, your complexion may be paying the price. Sleep is the opportunity our skin takes to recover from a long day being in the sun and braving the elements. Find out the four major beauty issues you're welcoming if napping isn't on your nightly agenda.

01
Acne
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Acne

When you skip your prescribed eight hours of sleep, it causes stress on your body. An increase in the stress hormone cortisol in turn increases your likelihood of getting breakouts. So you'll not only be sluggish the next day, but you'll also have a huge zit (#worstdayever)!

02
Wrinkles
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Wrinkles

In case you didn't hate cortisol enough, the hormone can also cause your skin cells to deteriorate faster. Guess the saying "stress ages you" is true! Getting a good night's sleep is paramount in the cell-renewal process.

Nighttime is when your skin repairs itself, making it the ideal time of day to apply antiaging treatments like retinol. Also during REM (the middle hours of sleep), melatonin is released, which acts as a natural antioxidant. Pull up a satin pillowcase, and catch some z's for younger-looking skin.

03
Uneven Skin Tone
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Uneven Skin Tone

Pale, spotted skin is common after an evening burning the midnight oil. When we rest, our heart rate and blood flow evens out. This helps you get a well-rested glow, while skipping sleep can deprive your skin of nutrients causing an uneven complexion. Stock up on sleep, and (perhaps!) you'll save money on foundation.

04
Dark Circles
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Dark Circles

We've all been there once (or twice). You spend all night drinking margaritas, and the next morning, the evidence is written on your face. Under-eye bags and darkness are noticeably worse after you've skipped a few hours of sleep. Insomnia can cause your blood vessels to dilate, making the under-eye circles more obvious. Puffiness can also be attributed to bad rest. Next time, place a few pillows underneath your head, so you're sleeping with your face at an angle.