There’s a reason we call it beauty sleep: a good night’s kip can erase dark circles and transform a tired complexion, leaving you looking and feeling as fresh as a daisy. It’s not always possible to get the recommended seven to nine hours of shut-eye a night, however, so could your choice of bedding enhance your skin – and prevent bedhead hair – while you snooze? Some beauty buffs won’t sleep on anything but silk, and now there are even copper and skincare-infused pillowcases promising to smooth your strands and decrease the signs of ageing. But do these fabrics really make a difference, or will catching enough Zs keep your hair and skin at their healthiest? What happens to skin while we sleep? “While we sleep, skin cells regenerate, and the production of collagen and elastin, two essential proteins for skin elasticity and youthfulness, increases,” says Dr Radmila Lukian, dermatologist at Lucia Clinic. “Moreover, the skin’s protective barrier strengthens, helping it retain moisture and shield against environmental stressors.” That’s why you can end up with a dull, lacklustre complexion if you’ve not been getting enough rest. “Increased blood flow to the skin during sleep delivers the necessary oxygen and nutrients for cell renewal,” says Dr. Johannes Uys, GP at Broadgate General Practice. “Adequate sleep will contribute towards a healthier complexion as a result, while poor sleep can lead to skin issues such as dryness and premature ageing.” How important is sleep for hair health? “Deep sleep is vital for hair as this is when the body repairs and regenerates hair cells,” says Mark Blake, globally recognised trichologist and Nioxin ambassador. If you’re suffering with stress, sleep gives your body a break and a chance to recover. “Stress can cause hair loss conditions such as telogen effluvium,” says Blake, meaning temporary shedding of hair. “Sleep is the time your body does a form of damage control, sending anti-inflammatory agents to areas of damage: repairing, replacing, and removing damaged cells in the body. ” Can your pillowcase fabric have a detrimental impact? “The fabric of your pillowcase can have a notable effect on your skin,” says Lukian. “Coarse or abrasive fabrics can lead to friction, potentially causing skin irritation and even tiny tears.” This can be particularly problematic for individuals with sensitive or acne-prone skin. Cotton could, Uys says: “Lead to frizz or hair tangles because of increased friction, and may also potentially dry out the skin because of its greater propensity to absorb moisture.” While there’s no evidence that friction during the night can cause hair loss, if you don’t wash your pillowcase frequently enough (ideally once a week), it could affect the condition of your hair. Blake says: “Bacteria, sebum and general dirt can be transferred from your pillowcase back on to clean hair leaving it dull, lank, and lifeless when you wake up.” What’s the best type of pillowcase for skin and hair? If you want the smoothest and least absorbent pillowcase, experts say silk is usually the best – but also the most expensive – option, unless you’re vegan, as it’s derived from insects. “Silk pillowcases reduce friction, which can help prevent wrinkles,” says Lukian. “Silk is also less likely to absorb moisture from your skin, aiding in maintaining skin hydration.” Satin, which is a silk-like textile woven from a variety of materials, is a cheaper alternative, she says: “Satin pillowcases have a smooth surface that reduces friction and can be a suitable choice for those concerned about skin health.” If you prefer a crisp cotton pillowcase, Lukian recommends: “Look for ones with a high thread count, as they tend to be smoother and gentler on the skin. Cotton is breathable and can help prevent overheating during sleep.” Blake agrees that silk is the top choice when it comes to looking after your hair. “The tight weave gives a smooth, slippery surface helping prevent bed head allowing you to wake up with the same hairstyle you went to bed with,” he says. “Silk pillowcases cannot hold bacteria, fungus or mould and so are not a breeding ground or health hazard.” Could the new generation of high-tech pillowcases supercharge your sleep? “These products often incorporate materials like copper-infused fabric, with the promise of promoting collagen production and reducing wrinkles,” Lukian explains. “Skincare-infused and ‘anti-ageing’ pillowcases may offer some benefits, but should not replace a holistic skincare routine and healthy lifestyle choices when aiming to maintain youthful and healthy skin.” Drowsy Damask Rose Standard Sized Silk Pillowcase, £67 (was £89)Damask Rose Silk Pillowcase John Lewis Organic Mulberry Silk Standard Pillowcase Natural Cream, £45 Dunelm Dorma Silver Silk Pillowcases, £30 each Jessica Russell Flint Silk Pillowcase De Fleurs, £65, Not On The High Street Bed Lab Skincare Infused Pillow Graphite Grey, £49 Read More As transphobic hate crimes rise by 11% in a year, how to be a better ally Impact of relationships with AI chatbot programmes ‘worrying’, psychologist says Pokemon’s Detective Pikachu Returns and more top games of the week How to talk to kids about cigarettes and vapes, following Rishi Sunak’s smoke-free generation plans 4 must-have denim trends for autumn, from wide-leg jeans to split skirts Doorscaping: How to create a fabulous front door display for autumn

Thousands of 'Penis Fish' have been found on a beach… giving locals the willies. The rude-looking marine creatures appeared after a heavy storm. The pink wrigglers were about 10 inches in length. They freaked out locals in Río Grande, southern Argentina, on the afternoon of 17 July. The species are called Urechis Unicinctus, but they are also dubbed the 'Penis Fish' due to their phallic appearance. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Despite their nickname, the creatures are actually a type of spoonworm. Their other nickname is 'The Fat Innkeeper Worm'. They create U-shaped burrows in sand or mud that are then left for other animals to move into, hence the use of ‘innkeeper’ in its moniker. They are eaten by sharks and seagulls. They usually live underground but are brought to the surface during strong storms, leaving them exposed to predators. Evidence of their U-shaped burrows dates back over 300 million years. The worms, which can live up to 25 years, are a common delicacy in countries such as South Korea, Japan and China where they are eaten raw or cooked in a variety of different styles. They are said to have a chewy texture and are surprisingly sweet, often served with a savoury sauce made from sesame oil or vinegar with gochujang. Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

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PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 24, 2023--

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Lance Stroll has been given the all-clear to race in Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix, despite his staggering 110mph qualifying crash. The Canadian driver lost control of his Aston Martin through the final left-hander at the Marina Bay Circuit before he slammed into the barrier. The force of the high-speed impact sent Stroll’s head rocking from side-to-side. He catapulted back across the track, with British driver Lando Norris forced to take evasive action, dodging a flying wheel and Stroll’s out-of-control machine. “Is the driver all right?” asked a concerned Norris on the radio. “That must have been quite a big one.” Stroll pirouetted to a standstill in the middle of the track before his race engineer Ben Michell came on the radio. “Lance, car is safe,” said Michell. “Are you OK?” Stroll, 24, replied: “Yeah, I am OK.” The Aston Martin driver emerged from his wrecked vehicle unaided before being taken off in a medical car. But there is some doubt if Stroll, the son of the team’s fashion billionaire father Lawrence Stroll, will be able to take part in the race given the significant damage sustained by his machine. A statement from Aston Martin read: “Lance was taken to the medical centre for a precautionary assessment. He was cleared by the on-site medical team and returned to the team at track. “Aston Martin pay tribute to the ongoing work of the FIA and the safety measures of current Formula One cars.” Stroll’s accident brought a premature end to Q1. A 34-minute delay followed as the mangled tyre barrier was repaired. Stroll was 20th and last at the time of his crash. Fernando Alonso qualified seventh in the other Aston Martin. “I’m frustrated as we have a big job – in the garage and on the race track – ahead of us,” said Stroll. “I was struggling for grip throughout the qualifying session. When I saw my lap wasn’t improving, I pushed really hard in the last corner to try and make up that extra time and that’s when it went wrong. Let’s see what we can salvage tomorrow in the race.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live ‘You can forget about that’ – Max Verstappen rules out another win in Singapore Lance Stroll crashes into barrier at 110mph in Singapore Grand Prix qualifying Max Verstappen struggles in Singapore practice under the lights

A “monster” catfish has been caught in Italy’s River Po. The huge fish measured 9ft 3in, or 285cm, making it the largest ever to be caught. However, it will not break the world record, thanks to angler Alessandro Biancardi’s kindness. While the catfish surpasses the current record holder by 40cm, set by another fish pulled from the Po in 2010, Mr Biancardi decided to release his catch back into the river. He managed to pull the fish to the surface of the water and realised he had “hooked a monster” after a 40-minute battle. Read More Piers Morgan wishes Prince Harry ‘luck with privacy campaign’ after court criticism Prince Harry suffered ‘huge amount of paranoia’ from press intrusion, court told Influencer culture and unwanted fame - with Curtis Sittenfeld

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