THE paddling pool is out, the BBQ is on and the ice creams are ready as we all gear up for a glorious weekend in the sun.
But before you catch 40 winks in the garden, consider what napping is doing to your face.
Experts say we have all been sleeping more during the multiple lockdowns of Covid-19, but that our kip is far more disrupted, leading to us feeling less rested and wanting to nap more.
A survey by King’s College London found that half of the population feel more tired than before the pandemic.
Stress, uncertainty or changes to work patterns have made us lethargic, leading to “lockdown fatigue”.
And while sleep has been hailed as the key to a youthful complexion, because skin-firming collagen is produced when we sleep, if you nap in the WRONG way it can have the opposite effect, causing sagging, sunburn, puffiness and wrinkles.
Siobhan O'Connor explains the dangers of nap face and gives some fail-safe solutions.
Sleep spots from friction: Retinol
WHETHER you fall asleep on the sofa or a sunlounger, the material could impact on the skin’s surface.
According to Dr Munir Somji, friction against your face, from whatever you are lying on, damages the outermost layer known as the skin barrier.
This results in excess water loss and dehydration which, in turn, causes your glands to go into auto response and produce more sebum.
Excess oils can lead to a build-up of bacteria and debris, clogging your pores resulting in spots.
SOLUTION: Use retinol – or bakuchiol, a natural alternative, – at night.
This will lock in moisture, tackle signs of ageing and target acne all at the same time. Dr Somji suggests an oil-based product to help retain moisture.
A great natural option is Bakuchiol Booster, £12, bybi.com
Sagging cheeks from side-sleeping: Massage
CURLED up on one side is hands down the best sleeping position.
The only downside, is it can make your cheeks droop.
Skin expert Dr Somji, of DrMediSpa, says it can cut off blood supply to the fat in your cheeks and cause damage to the layers underneath.
SOLUTION: Dr Somji says: “When you wake up, get the blood circulating with exercises.
“Using your hands to massage and flick the skin will make it look more plump and over time will reverse the signs of ageing.”
Take it up a notch by massaging with a tool, Brushworks Jade Roller, £9.99, lookfantastic.com
UV damage from sun naps: Always wear SPF
AS naps are not always planned, regular top-ups of factor 50 suncream on your face is essential.
Dropping off in the sunshine can end in a glowing red face and neck area.
While sunburn is the main culprit of premature ageing and soreness.
Falling asleep inside, but next to a window, can also age your skin as the ultraviolet (UV) rays will still reach your skin and these are what causes wrinkles.
SOLUTION: Makesure to wear SPF50 moisturiser every day, and then also try a SPF50 mist for particularly sunny days.
This is a quick, easy and hassle-free way to top up your protection.
Ultrasun SPF50 mist, £18, beautybay.com.
Creased decolletage: Microneedling
WHILE your face may get off scot-free from naps on your side, your chest may suffer as sleeping in this position squeezes your decolletage together.
Bunching your skin will over time cause the folds and creases to stick, as your muscles become weaker and the skin becomes more lax.
SOLUTION: Dr Somji suggests a contoured pillow to distribute weight evenly.
You could also stimulate collagen production by microneedling with a dermal roller.
This device tricks the body into thinking it has been harmed, encouraging the natural healing process to spring into action.
Kitsch micro derma roller, £14, beautybay.com.
Face facts
- 400 per cent: The increase of web searches for ‘face yoga’
- 67 per cent: Percentage of Brits who don’t wear enough sunscreen
Breakouts on hands: Rolled up towel
WHILE your face may get off scot-free from naps on your side, your chest may suffer as sleeping in this position squeezes your decolletage together.
Bunching your skin will over time cause the folds and creases to stick, as your muscles become weaker and the skin becomes more lax.
SOLUTION: Dr Somji suggests a contoured pillow to distribute weight evenly.
You could also stimulate collagen production by microneedling with a dermal roller.
This device tricks the body into thinking it has been harmed, encouraging the natural healing process to spring into action.
Kitsch micro derma roller, £14, beautybay.com.
Deep lines from squishing face: Pillow
DEEP lines around your nose and mouth are not always a result of laughing or smoking.
They can also come from squishing your face up as your sleep.
Dr Somji says that crushing your cheeks together can stretch your ligaments, weakening muscles and enhancing the groove.
SOLUTION: Dr Somji says: “Sleep on your back. A study in 2012 showed sleeping on your side can flatten the nasal area, causing deeper melolabial and nasolabial folds [smile lines between the cheek and lip].
“If this is a struggle, use a silk pillowcase, the softer fabric will minimise creases due to a slip-and-slide surface rather than friction.”Silk pillowcase, £45, John Lewis, johnlewis.com
Puff eyes: Cold teaspoon
WAKING up with swollen eyes is not necessarily because you are still tired – but because your lymphatic drainage is blocked.
Pressure from sleeping on one side can prevent blood flowing smoothly and allows fluid to pool in your face leaving it puffy and pale.
SOLUTION: Dr Somji says: “Ice down puffiness with a cool flannel or fridge-chilled spoons.
“This tightens blood vessels and kickstarts lymphatic drainage to shift excess fluid.”
Try massaging balls to firm up further, Eye Therapist eye massagers, £10, templespa.com
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