Dr Nick Lowe, consultant dermatologist at Cranley Clinic London adds, “This reparation happens in both the outer layers of the skin (also known as the epidermis), as well as the structure of the skin (the dermis).”

“When you sleep, the blood flow to your skin increases and the skin is able to rebuild its collagen support and the skin barrier, which is very delicate and protects the outer layer of skin.” Dr Lowe adds it’s also an important time for skin to repair damage caused from sunlight exposure and free radicals.

So what exactly happens to our skin when we aren’t sleeping enough? “A variety of things,” says Dr Lowe. “You’ll have reduced blood flow, more stress hormones are released – which can make acne worse – and there’s damage to the production of collagen.”

Staying up late? This is what lack of sleep is doing to your skin