The way you sleep can have a significant impact on your appearance, potentially contributing to premature ageing. This is according to Rupesh Shah, an aesthetics expert and founder of London Lip Clinic, who highlights a common sleep mistake that can accelerate the ageing process.
Shah explains that sleeping on your stomach or side can lead to compression wrinkles and even facial asymmetry. This occurs because these positions put pressure on your face, leading to lines and creases over time.
To combat these issues, Shah advocates for the ‘vampire’ sleep position – flat on your back. This position minimises pressure on your skin from the pillow, promoting even ageing and reducing the risk of one side of your face ageing faster than the other.
Furthermore, Shah emphasizes the importance of a cool bedroom environment for optimal sleep and youthful skin. Research suggests that an ideal temperature for sleep is between 15-19°C. This temperature range facilitates the natural decrease in core body temperature, signalling your body it’s time to rest. During deep sleep, your body produces collagen, a crucial protein for maintaining skin elasticity and preventing wrinkles.
Maintaining a cool bedroom also helps reduce inflammation and minimizes sweating, which can contribute to acne.
Finally, Shah warns against applying skincare products too close to bedtime. Allowing products time to fully absorb into your skin before you go to bed is essential for their effectiveness. If you apply them too late, they can end up absorbed by your pillowcase instead, wasting the product and potentially clogging your pores or causing irritation from product buildup.
To maximize the effectiveness of your skincare routine, aim to complete it at least an hour before bed, allowing ample time for the products to work their magic. This simple adjustment, along with a change in your sleep position and bedroom temperature, can significantly contribute to a more youthful and radiant appearance.
