We all know that sleep is one of the most important activity we can do for our physical and mental health. The time we spend sleeping is more active than most people realise. The mind and body enter a biological regeneration mode while we sleep, performing reparative functions that don’t really occur during wakefulness. The brain clears out waste products, ramps up its production of protective brain cells and consolidates memories to enhance problem solving and creativity.
But what about our skin? Does the skin benefit from a restful sleep? The answer is yes. Our skin utilizes night circadian rhythms to repair and regenerate.
What are circadian rhythms?
Circadian rhythms are periods of biological activity that occur when you’re awake and asleep, controlled by the way the body’s biological clock responds to light and dark.
During the day skin cells are in defense mode, working to protect themselves from UV exposure and free radical damage. When the sun goes down, your mind and body switch into an active regeneration mode – repairing daytime damage from UV exposure and boosting the production of substances such as collagen that protect and renew. The peak time for our skin cells to repair and regenerate at night is between 9pm and midnight.
Other activities occuring during sleep:
- The brain clears out waste products like amyloid beta (a substance associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease).
- Production of protective brain cells called oligodendrocytes ramps up.
- Memories are consolidated to enhance problem-solving and creativity.
- Melatonin, known for its antioxidant (a.k.a. anti-ageing) properties, is produced at night.
- Levels of the stress hormone cortisol fall during sleep, which helps skin repair daytime damage.
- The body makes more collagen, which minimizes fine lines.
- More human growth hormone is released, increasing muscle mass and strengthening skin.
Our favourite night cream options:
Dermalogica Sound Sleep Cocoon
A night gel-cream that harnesses the power of nature with science to promote sound sleep and healthy, radiant skin.
An advanced antioxidant night cream that works while you sleep to restore and deeply hydrate skin, encourage cell repair and restore natural defence barriers.
This intensive skin refining night treatment, uses AHAs to loosen the build up of dead skin cells, reducing the appearance of premature ageing and promoting a healthier more radiant complexion.
Thalgo Lifting Correcting Night Cream
Wake up to a fresh looking skin with this regenerating night-time moisturiser. Smooths, detoxifies and repairs whilst you sleep.
Inika Phytofuse Renew Resveratrol Night Cream
Enriched with Sunflower, Rosehip and Argan oils to help regenerate skin, it also contains a resveratrol-rich grape extract known for its powerful anti-ageing properties and anti-oxidant action.
Fights against signs of ageing to diminish and smooth away the appearance of wrinkles. Remodels facial contours and attenuates dark spots, while restoring radiance and comfort.
A re-sculpting night cream enriched with peony extract, which firms the facial contour and redensifies the volumes of your face while you sleep.
No more worrying about late nights and lack of sleep: this treatment's regenerating action works in the dark, revealing relaxed features and rested skin upon awakening.
