Aging : The Impact of Sleep on Skin | by Tyler Peters
away from a relaxing night in bed . So , we need to work on sleeping better to allow our bodies to rest , repair , and grow .
Impaired sleep alters hormone production and metabolism . The result – stress , a factor that is detrimental to every aspect of life and health , including the skin .
Skin shields us . It is a protective barrier designed to repel harmful environmental factors and to help regulate temperature .
Poor sleep significantly impacts melatonin , cortisol , insulin , DHEA , estrogen , testosterone , and progesterone . Each of these hormones plays a significant role in skin aging . To maintain youthful , healthy skin and to repair aging , damaged skin , we need adequate levels of each hormone .
Primarily produced by the pineal gland , melatonin regulates the circadian clock . Many people only associate melatonin with sleep , although melatonin protects against aging . Other benefits include free radical scavenging , protecting skin against UV damage , and assisting in the repair of UV damaged skin .
Cortisol is one of the stress hormones and regulates the stress response . The internal circadian rhythm ensures high levels of cortisol in the morning and lower levels in the evening . This hormone plays an important role in inflammation reduction and metabolism regulation . Stress can significantly impact cortisol ’ s daily rhythm and its effects on sleep and the skin . As sleeps reduces , stress climbs and brings with it an increase in cortisol production . Combined with stress , heightened cortisol levels contribute to skin concerns , such as dullness , thinning , reduced elasticity , lines , and wrinkles . High cortisol levels also eventuate in increased sebum production , which leads to clogged pores and the development or worsening of acne .
The metabolic processes producing cellular energy are regulated by insulin . Glucose metabolism and energy creation require insulin , but elevated levels of the hormone are associated with insulin resistance , aging , and obesity . As sleep quality decreases , insulin levels and glucose intolerance rise . When the body lacks adequate rest , cortisol increases . The body then releases more insulin , resulting in insulin resistance and glucose intolerance . Overall stress levels elevate .
DHEA , a steroid hormone , assists in the production of other hormones , including testosterone and estrogen . With fatigue , stress , or aging , DHEA levels decline . Adequate DHEA levels assist in the production of collagen while also decreasing collagenase enzymes that destroy collagen . Collagen is the main structural protein in the body and represents a well-known component of healthy skin . Collagen strengthens connective tissue , skin , hair , and bone . DHEA also assists in
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