Why Do You Look Tired?
Dr. Vera Teh- 12 hours ago
- 4 min read
Have you ever wondered why you seem to look exhausted, even after a decent night’s sleep? Many factors contribute to what we recognize as a “tired appearance.” This look, which can include dark circles, dull skin, and a drooping expression, can significantly affect both personal and professional interactions, often leaving others to assume we’re fatigued or stressed.
What Makes You Look Tired?
Tired or fatigued skin is generally characterised by a lacklustre complexion, dryness, and rough texture. Common signs include dark under-eye circles, enlarged pores, and fine lines or wrinkles, which give the face a worn-out appearance. Several factors contribute to this look, from internal stressors to environmental toxins.
Research has shown that the skin constantly defends itself against external harm, fighting pollutants, replacing dead cells, and working to retain moisture. Stress is particularly damaging, as it activates the body’s release of cortisol, the so-called “stress hormone.” Prolonged exposure to cortisol can degrade collagen, the essential protein that keeps skin smooth and resilient, resulting in premature signs of ageing .
The Influence of Sleep on Skin Appearance
The power of a good night’s sleep goes beyond feeling rested—it also plays a crucial role in skin health. Studies show that sleep restriction has been associated with signs of skin fatigue, such as reduced hydration, increased trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), and altered elasticity. Poor sleepers often have paler skin, drooping eyelids, and darker circles, which combine to give a fatigued, aged look .
Our body uses sleep to repair and regenerate skin cells. During deep sleep stages, there is an increase in the release of melatonin, cortisol reduction, and secretion of growth hormones (Léger, D. et al, 2022). These processes aid in cell regeneration and repair, helping to counteract oxidative stress from the day. Without enough sleep, these restorative functions are compromised, which can accelerate skin ageing and lead to a duller, tired-looking appearance .
Furthermore, inflammatory skin conditions—such as eczema and psoriasis—are often accompanied by sleep disturbances and general fatigue (Misery, L. et al, 2020; Mostaghimi, L. and Hetzel, S., 2019). The inflammation in these conditions can lead to visible skin damage and can increase the perception of tiredness .
Visual Cues Associated with a Fatigued Look
Interestingly, people often focus on the eyes when judging if someone appears tired. Visual cues such as drooping or “heavy” eyelids, red eyes, and dark under-eye circles have been strongly linked with a fatigued appearance. Studies show that observers naturally gravitate toward the eye region when assessing fatigue in others. In fact, some research suggests that even with a neutral facial expression, a tired look can make a person seem sad or disengaged (Sundelin, T. et al, 2013).
Aging and Fatigue: An Unwanted Partnership
The natural ageing process amplifies the appearance of fatigue by causing changes in skin tone, texture, and elasticity ( Skin becomes less able to retain moisture, loses volume, and sags over time. These factors combine to create a more “tired” or “sad” look, often misinterpreted as a reflection of one’s mood or energy levels.
How to Combat Skin Fatigue
Luckily, advancements in aesthetic treatments provide effective ways to address the common signs of skin fatigue. Here are some of the top approaches to help restore a youthful, vibrant look:
1. Redermalization with Electri: This treatment combines succinic acid with hyaluronic acid, helps rejuvenate the skin by regulating cellular energy exchange, strengthen skin barrier, improve lymphatic drainage and promote cell renewal.
2. Bio-Revitalization with Polynucleotides: Bio-revitalization with polynucleotides is a cutting-edge treatment that uses DNA fragments to deeply repair and rejuvenate the skin. These polynucleotides boost cell regeneration, improve collagen production, and enhance elasticity, making the skin firmer and more resilient. It’s an effective approach for restoring a vibrant, refreshed appearance, especially in tired or ageing skin.
3. Stabilise with Hyaluronic Acid: Stabilising the skin with hyaluronic acid offers essential hydration while delivering anti-inflammatory benefits and mechanical support to tissues. This approach promotes the synthesis of structural proteins like collagen, enhancing skin firmness and resilience. Hyaluronic acid also helps maintain a healthy pH balance, creating an optimal environment for skin repair and vitality. The result is deeply hydrated, balanced, and revitalised skin.
4. Dermal Fillers for Structure: Dermal fillers re-anchors the vital facial ligamental support and restore volume in areas like the under-eye region and cheeks, which can sag or hollow over time. By adding subtle volume, the result is a more defined, awake and youthful appearance, just like a glow-up!
5. Radiesse for Extracellular Matrix Regeneration: Radiesse is a biostimulator that encourages collagen production, given your skin a softer touch while improving skin elasticity and firmness. It also redefines facial contours, providing a more sleek and refreshed appearance.
Takeaway: Small Steps for a Fresh Look
While no one can escape occasional stress or a rough night, focusing on sleep quality and maintaining a consistent skincare routine can make a significant difference in how rested you appear. They are called "beauty sleep" for a reason 😉 And when natural remedies aren’t enough, aesthetic treatments like redermalization, bio-revitalization, and fillers offer reliable options for restoring a vibrant, refreshed appearance.
Ready to supercharge your glow and say goodbye to that tired look? At Dream Clinic, Dr Vera is here to help you refresh, brighten, and get that wide-awake, youthful radiance back! Looking tired doesn’t have to be a constant look—you can reverse it! 🌟
References
Léger, D. et al. (2022) ‘“You look sleepy…” the impact of sleep restriction on skin parameters and facial appearance of 24 women’, Sleep Medicine, 89, pp. 97–103. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2021.11.011.
Misery, L., Shourick, J. and Taïeb, C. (2020) ‘Prevalence and characterization of fatigue in patients with skin diseases’, Acta Dermato Venereologica, 100(18). doi:10.2340/00015555-3694.
Mostaghimi, L. and Hetzel, S. (2019) ‘Insomnia and other sleep complaints in inflammatory versus noninflammatory skin disorders: An observational case‐control study’, International Journal of Dermatology, 58(8), pp. 976–981. doi:10.1111/ijd.14488.
Pollefliet, C., Corstjens, H. and Declercq, L. (2016) ‘042 the causes and symptoms of self-reported skin fatigue’, Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 136(9). doi:10.1016/j.jid.2016.06.059.
Sundelin, T. et al. (2013) ‘Cues of fatigue: Effects of sleep deprivation on facial appearance’, Sleep, 36(9), pp. 1355–1360. doi:10.5665/sleep.2964.
