DOES YOUR SKIN SLEEP?
Lets talk about cycles!
Our bodies live in harmony in cycles.
There are cycles that are less than a day long. These are called ULTRADIAN rhythm or cycle_ examples of that are heart rate, breathing .
There are cycles that last roughly one day long and those are called circadian rhythm or cycles,- example is sleep/wake cycle.
There are cycles that last way longer than a day, like our menstrual period. Those are called INFRADIAN cycles.
When you are chronically out of synch, you age faster and even diseases like obesity, diabetes and hypertension seem to be associated with shift workers or people with unbalanced circadian cycles.
It may be surprising to know that our skin, like all organs of our bodies, also has a day-night cycle. This is an interesting area of medicine several new studies show that due to hormonal changes during the night and day, the skin function and skin barrier also varies.
Sebum production, blood flow to skin, transepidermal water loss ( TEWL) , skin temperature and even immune response of our skin undergo cyclic variation . Even cell growth and repair vary according to our sleep/awake state.
Things that happen more during the day:
Sebum production is highest midday and lowest at midnight.
The skin is coolest in am and increases as the day progresses.
There is less blood flow to the skin during the day.
Things that happen more at night:
There is greater trans epidermal water loss at night.
Skin blood flow increases in the later afternoon and at night.
Keratinocytes replicate more at night
Repairing of DNA damage
it is almost as if the skin is active during the day and regenerates at night.
So what do I do with all that information?
For the Morning:
Limit sun exposure to early morning, preferrably before 10 am , especially if you are in the tropics or subtropical areas.
Use sunscreen
Use oil control products in am or midday if you have oily skin or blemish-prone skin
Use lighter moisutrization in am.
For the Evening:
Use a “heavier” or more substantial moisturizer for your skin type.
If prescribed by your doctor, use your topical acne medicines.
Cosmeceuticals for pimples and blemishes are particularly effective if used in the evening/night.
Get good quality skincare!
Good sleep and healthy nutrition also contribute to beauty from the inside out!
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