The internal clock of our skin

The circadian rhythm is the body's own timekeeping system, which monitors a daily cycle of about 24 hours. It is the main pacemaker of our body and regulates most of the physiological functions in our body, including the release of hormones.

What most people do not know: like every other organ system, our skin is subject to a circadian rhythm. Our skin cells therefore have their own internal clock, but what changes are there in our skin in each 24-hour period?

We know, for example, that our skin is more active in cell regeneration and repair in the evening and at night than early in the day. One of the reasons for this is that the stem cells in the lower layer of our epidermis (those that form new cells) are most active late at night. That naturally makes sense, since at this time of night our skin cells are more likely to have the "quiet" for it, without being constantly disturbed by the need for "fire-fighting", such as protecting themselves against free radicals like sunlight, urban environmental pollution and many more.

Sleep and skin

Good, restful sleep is also decisive for nocturnal cell repair, regeneration and immune function. Every night we go through repeated cycles of two distinctly different phases of sleep.

It is known that sleep deprivation contributes to inflammation after only a few weeks, as research has shown. In fact it is assumed that sleep deprivation intensifies all kinds of age-related processes as well as chronic health problems. Sufficient sleep is also important for the nocturnal peak of our natural anti-ageing hormone GH (growth hormone). This not only helps us to look younger, but also helps to repair tissue. If we do not get enough sleep, however, our natural GH level is suboptimal – and this becomes worse with increasing age.

Skin care that helps with this

One of the evidence-based skin care active ingredients for increasing collagen are vitamin A derivatives such as retinol and retinaldehyde. For people with very sensitive skin, peptides can be a good alternative. It is advisable to use these repair ingredients in the evening and to combine them in the morning with an antioxidant serum and SPF 30-50.

A combination of a healthy lifestyle, the right skin care and an individual plan from your dermatologist, adapted to your skin, will best bring you to the skin you wish for!