When you’re tired, it shows on your skin. Here’s how to change that.
If you’ve ever tossed and turned, pulled an all-nighter, or hit the alarm and wondered “Did I even sleep?” you’ve probably worn it: That unmistakable too-little-sleep look. Having too little sleep has many impacts on our overall health and wellbeing. From reducing our information processing abilities, to giving us slower reactions, the list goes on. When it comes to tired skin, most people chalk it up to dark under-eye circles– but looking tired is actually a combination of the many ways that fatigue impacts our bodies – and our skin.
Other lifestyle factors will also play a role in how tired our skin looks, and how quickly we can see recovery. Exercise levels, nutrition and even smoking will all contribute to skin that exhibits signs of ageing prematurely.
how to treat tired skin
Tired skin is tough to cover up. That’s why we suggest actually treating it instead of piling on concealer (in fact, makeup can actually prolong the problem and keep skin from bouncing back). Whether you’re suffering from chronic sleep loss or just one restless night, there are ways to combat the four telltale signs of dull and tired skin, helping you look a little more like you until you can settle back in for a full night’s sleep. Read on for our recommendations to fix the four major signs of tired skin:
dark circles
Despite what you’ve heard, the darker pigmentation below your eyes doesn’t get darker when you’re tired; it just looks darker because the skin above it is dehydrated, letting dark “circles” show through. This area of the face contains less tissue, as well as less oil glands and less collagen than some other areas of the body, which can exacerbate the impact that a lack of sleep can have.
Resist the urge to just cover them up; instead, drink plenty of water and apply a brightening treatment like Stress Positive Eye Lift, which is specially formulated to restore luminosity and hydration to that delicate under-eye skin.
puffy eyes
Tired skin retains water near the eyes in efforts to stay hydrated, leading to another giveaway that you’re sleep-deprived: Puffy eyes. Not only do they scream “I’m tired;” they also cast shadows on the under-eye area that can make dark circles look even darker, especially in some overhead lighting. A cool compress can take the edge off; you can also use Stress Positive Eye Lift to brighten and de-puff.
fine lines
Like dark circles, fine lines stem from the dehydration your skin endures when lack of sleep throws off its pH. On tired days, use a quality moisturiser on your face and body after dragging yourself out of bed. Use a dedicated night cream like Sound Sleep Cocoon before falling back into bed; the added moisture will make fine lines less obvious, and motion-activated essential oils will help soothe you into getting some more much-needed rest.
dull, lacklustre skin
Buildup from dead skin cells and products becomes a bigger problem when your body hasn’t had enough time overnight to regenerate. After all, sleep is the time in which our skin undergoes the natural process of restoration, resting and recouping for the morning.
The silver lining: Exfoliating your skin can restore some of its missing glow. Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant® powder works well with all skin conditions, keeping your face smooth and bright. If you know you’ll be missing out on sleep sometime soon (maybe you’re traveling, prepping for an exam, or expecting a new baby), prepare skin beforehand by double cleansing with one of dermalogica's cleansers. Double cleansing helps to melt away makeup and impurities in the days before and during sleep loss, giving your body one less thing to do when it’s tired. Learn more about double cleansing with our handy guide.
Sound Sleep Cocoon is a revitalizing treatment gel-cream that transforms skin overnight by optimizing nighttime skin recovery. For more of our expert advice, speak to one of our skin therapists today. Search for your closest store for tailored, professional skin treatment and advice on our products.