What you don't know about the effects of sleep deprivation on your skin and hair
Insufficient sleep is not limited to concentration problems or persistent fatigue. It even shows up in the mirror, visibly altering the quality of the skin and hair. Chronic sleep deprivation affects the body's biological balance, and the skin and scalp are the first to show the effects.
1. Insomnia: a gateway to skin imbalances
Insomnia, whether occasional or chronic, profoundly disrupts biological rhythms. The circadian clock, which regulates, among other things, skin cell regeneration, becomes disrupted. This imbalance results in a slowdown in nighttime repair functions, affecting the overall appearance of the skin.
2. Premature aging: sleep as an elixir of youth
Reduced sleep time is accompanied by increased oxidative stress. This phenomenon is caused by excessive production of free radicals that break down collagen and elastin fibers. The result: loss of firmness, the appearance of wrinkles, and impaired skin elasticity.
In addition, the secretion of certain inflammatory cytokines is increased, promoting chronic inflammation of the skin and accelerating its aging.
3. Dryness and dehydration: a weakened skin barrier
Well-hydrated skin is one of the essential markers of skin health. However, without restorative sleep, trans-epidermal water loss increases, while skin lipid synthesis is disrupted. The skin then becomes drier and rougher, with a noticeable deterioration in its barrier function.
Factors involved :
- Gene disruption watchmakers
- Decrease in sebum and protective lipid production
- Accumulation of dead cells linked to slowed regeneration
4. Dull complexion, dark circles, and pigmentation irregularities
Sleep deprivation affects blood microcirculation. By slowing down subcutaneous blood flow, the complexion loses its radiance. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable under the eyes, where dilated capillaries reveal the pigments responsible for dark circles.
Some studies also indicate a change in the metabolism of keratinocytes, which produce excess bilirubin, a yellow pigment, resulting in a yellowish or grayish complexion.
5. Exacerbation of skin conditions
Chronic sleep deprivation is an aggravating factor in many skin conditions:
- Acne and dermatitis : related to the increase in cortisol and inflammatory processes
- Psoriasis : aggravated by excessive production of cytokines
- Immune impairment : reduction in the activity of T lymphocytes, promoting skin infections
These disturbances are particularly noticeable in night workers or people suffering from repeated insomnia.
6. Irritated scalp and slower hair growth
The scalp, an extension of the skin, also suffers the consequences of sleep deprivation:
- Dry skin causes itching and flaking.
- Oxidative stress damages hair follicles.
- Cortisol inhibits the production of GAS6, a molecule involved in the activation of hair stem cells.
These mechanisms contribute not only to a loss of hair density, but also to the early appearance of gray hair, due to a decrease in melanocyte activity.
7. Orange blossom hydrosol: a natural ally against insomnia
Orange blossom hydrosol is known for its soothing properties, which make it an interesting natural remedy for sleep disorders. Thanks to the presence of compounds such as linalool and limonene, This hydrosol has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. It helps to relieve tension, calm palpitations, reduce stage fright, improve mood, and alleviate anxiety attacks, thereby promoting a state of relaxation conducive to falling asleep.
To benefit from its effects, there are several ways to use it: vaporize it in the bedroom, inhale it, or apply it to the skin (solar plexus, arch of the foot) diluted in vegetable oil.
