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 (such as yoga or meditation) to moderating screen time to diet, the cosmetic industry is attempting to address this growing concern in a more holistic way to enhance the effectiveness of skin care products. The emergence of inner beauty products and supplements has been one tactic to combat stress-related skin issues. However, one area that has remained unexplored is the topical use of neuroactive skin care products.
The science of sleep recognizes different distinct states, with REM and non-REM states being one plane of distinction... During these periods, physiological processes take place that allow the human body to regain its balance, regenerate cells, and in extreme cases, recover from inflammation or a more serious condition.
The skin is no exception, as much of the repair process (cell mitosis) occurs during the non-recovery 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 related 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 the waking hours.
They are also responsible for rebuilding the skin barrier, which can prevent or minimize damage during the day. (source: CYTOKINES IN DERMATOLOGY - A BASIC OVERVIEW Arijit Coondoo)
HOW DOES IT WORK?
This is, of course, if we follow our natural, biorhythmic sleep pattern that allows these processes to begin and run on a full cycle. On the other end of the spectrum are the negative effects of sleep deprivation, which has been shown to accelerate premature aging. It is also the cause of depression, weight gain and heart disease, which only reinforces the vicious circle leading to a degradation of sleep performance.
Okay, so where is the skin in 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 only one night of sleep deprivation, the following changes were observed:
THE EFFECTS OF SLEEP DEPRIVATION
All the scientific evidence gathered 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 puts more emphasis on treating our skin health more holistically, taking advantage of ingredients that have topical applications, while also containing neuroactive ingredients that can help with stress treatment and sleep quality.
