With Daylight Savings upon us, and the clocks moving forward, sleep is on everyone’s minds. For your health, however, it’s important to make sure the time change doesn’t affect your sleep too much. We all know that one less hour at night can impact our energy levels tomorrow, but it can also affect your skin in a surprising amount of ways. Whether you’re fifteen or fifty, beauty sleep should be a part of your daily skincare routine and shouldn’t be skimped on just because of the time change.

Paired with your favorite facial cream washes and moisturizers, a solid night of rest can keep your skin looking, and feeling, youthful and healthy. We’ve listed the different ways that sleep affects your skin, and how to make sure you’re getting the high-quality rest you need.

Moisturizes

Your body uses sleep as a time to regulate its systems and cleanse itself of toxins. With an increase in blood flow, your body naturally cleans and hydrates your skin from the inside out. This should leave you waking up with more youthful-looking and supple skin.

Improves clarity

Adequate rest lowers levels of cortisol, the hormone that causes feelings of stress. It’s the same hormone that can also worsen redness, breakouts and clogged pores. Getting enough ZZZ’s can therefore help keep your skin clear, even and healthy.

Smooths

Cells are rejuvenated and rebuilt overnight, repairing damage done to your skin throughout the day. This boosts collagen and elastin levels, the proteins responsible for smooth, flexible skin. This means that while you sleep, your body wards off wrinkles, nourishing your skin for a youthful glow.

So, that’s all great news, but just how do you go about getting better sleep? With the time change, it can be difficult to readjust. Here are some tips on helping you fall asleep and get back on track for better skin.

1. Get a cozier bed. Start at the root and ask yourself if your bed is up to modern standards. Is it older than ten years? Do you wake up with aches in your neck or lower back? If so, you deserve a better bed. Try out a modern foam mattress and pillow for the best support that should help you drift off in comfort.
2. Use aromatherapy. Studies have shown that essential oils can help relieve stress and anxiety, two of the most common roadblocks to falling asleep. Lavender in particular is a scent that’s known for its relaxing effects. Try mixing some with a body oil for long-lasting scent that supports better sleep.
3. Try bedtime yoga. The slow-moving stretches and breathing that are the cornerstones of yoga have been found to lower heart rate, clear the mind, and prep the body for bed. Test out some easy yoga poses to de-stress before going to sleep and work your way to better rest.

As you prepare to turn your clocks forward, remember to take your sleep into account! You may need to go to bed an hour earlier to make sure you get in your healthy eight hours. Test out some of our suggestions or find your own tricks to ensure you get the sleep that your skin deserves!