I’m a cosmetic doc and yes, you can sleep your way to better skin – my extra tip will even get you younger-looking hands

BEAUTY sleep is a real method for rejuvenating skin and maintaining an age-defying appearance, according to a cosmetic doctor.

Dr. Sonia Khorana shared her must-try tips for waking up with younger-looking skin.

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Dr. Sonia Khorana revealed how sleep can transform skin for a younger appearance (stock image)[/caption]

Dr. Khorana is a GP and Cosmetic Doctor at Kat&Co Aesthetics in Birmingham, England.

Speaking to The U.S. Sun, she expressed the importance of sleep for a youthful appearance.

SWEET DREAMS

Dr. Khorana said sleep is important for all of the body’s systems and their functioning.

“During sleep your body produces human growth hormone,” she said.

“This is necessary for the maintenance of collagen and cell regeneration.”

Melatonin not only makes us sleepy, but it “counteracts damage” to the skin during the day from aggressors like UV and pollution.

“Lack of sleep causes the stress hormone cortisol to be released, which in turn encourages inflammation in the skin, resulting in flare-ups of acne, psoriasis, and eczema,” she said.

“It is also linked to poor wound healing and breaks in skin barrier function. 

“I’d advise getting seven to nine hours of sleep per night.” 

BEDTIME RITUALS

Dr. Khorana revealed there are several ways to get the beautifying benefits of sleep. 

“Make sure you’re removing your makeup before bed,” she said.

“I’d recommend sleeping on your back to help avoid sleep lines.

“Prop your head up with an extra pillow to help with lymphatic drainage.”

She recommended swapping cotton pillowcases for silk and wearing a silk sleep eye mask.

Products to boost skin and hair health should also be applied before bed for the best results. 

“Apply hand cream as you don’t want to forget about your hands, they often show signs of aging,” she said.

“Apply a hair treatment to help keep your hair in good condition too.”

Dr. Sonia Khorana previously revealed a selection of ingredients that she recommends including in daily skincare routines. 

She said vitamin C brightens the skin while also stimulating collagen and fading hyperpigmentation.

Peptides improve “skin texture, tone, elasticity, and firmness” as the “building blocks” for proteins such as collagen, elastin, and keratin.

Dr. Khorana said retinoids should be used in the evenings but not by tweens and teens. 

Skincare products should be applied from thinnest to thickest consistency.

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Dr. Khorana said hand cream should be applied before bed to avoid visible aging (stock image)[/caption]