The Sleep-Skin Connection: Better Sleep, Better Skin

Living with a chronic skin condition can feel unpredictable and frustrating. And let's be honest, those frustrating flares don't always stop when your head hits the pillow. You may think of sleep as downtime—but for your skin, it’s prime time. 

Why Rest Matters

When you sleep, your body is busy doing important repair work. It’s a crucial time for calming inflammation and healing the skin barrier. For your skin, getting enough good sleep helps in a few key ways:

• Reduces Stress: Poor sleep raises your body’s stress hormones, which can trigger or worsen inflammation in your skin. Good rest helps keep those hormones steady
• Calms Flares: Rest supports lipid production and skin barrier recovery, reducing dryness, itching, and sensitivity 
• Rest supports emotional well-being and self-care: Sleep improves mood, patience, and motivation—making it easier to stick to routines like moisturizing, gentle cleansing, or mindfulness.

How to Support Better Sleep (and Better Skin)

1. Keep a rhythm – Aim for consistent sleep and wake times, even on weekends.
   
2. Cool and calm – A slightly cooler room, between 60-67F is ideal, and breathable fabrics, like cotton or bamboo help wick away moisture reducing itch and night sweats.
   
3. Unplug early – Blue light delays the sleep hormone melatonin; try a screen-free wind-down at least 30 minutes before bed.
   
4. Soothe your skin – Moisturize before bed to lock in hydration and prevent overnight dryness.
   

At Zest we recognize the important role sleep plays in your skin health.  Talk to your Zest provider if sleep is a challenge for you. Small changes add up. Even one more hour of quality sleep can reduce inflammation and improve how your skin looks and feels.