You don’t feel great when you fail to get enough shut eye, but did you know that sleep deprivation can also take a serious toll on your skin? In fact, getting enough rest is one of the best steps you can take toward improving and maintaining your youthful beauty. 

One study, commissioned by Estee Lauder and reported in Science Daily, found that the skin of those who slept poorly showed more signs of aging, such as fine lines, slackness, uneven pigmentation and compromised elasticity. The skin of those who slept little or badly also recovered more slowly from environmental stressors, such as UV damage from sunburn.

“Insufficient sleep has become a worldwide epidemic,” said lead investigator Dr. Elma Baron. “While chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to medical problems such as obesity, diabetes, cancer and immune deficiency, its effects on skin function have previously been unknown.”

Researchers examined 60 women between the ages of 30 and 49, half of them “good” sleepers and the other half “poor” sleepers. This designation was based both on length and quality of typical sleep. 

The study’s poor sleepers were also far more likely to struggle with obesity. While less than one in four of those who were regularly rested were obese, nearly twice that many sleep deprived subjects were obese.

According to Everyday Health, sleep deprivation can also worsen acne, contact dermatitis or other skin conditions. 

Are you interested in correcting damage on your face and body wrought by a lifetime of too little sleep? Contact Christopher Craft Cosmetic Surgery in Miami to discuss your surgical and non-surgical rejuvenation options. As one of the best plastic surgeons in Florida, Christopher Craft MD can help you look and feel your best!