How to beat your skin clock
Skin not looking its best? It may be a question of timing. We know our 24-hour body clock – our circadian rhythm – tells us when to wake, sleep, exercise and eat.
But research now shows each skin cell in our body also has its own daily clock, governing everything from when it is most oily, to when it’s most likely to look tired.
And getting your timing right when it comes to applying skincare, having facial treatments and even when you exercise will ensure your complexion looks its best all day long.
So if you want to sync your skin, read on.
Here we share our guide to beating the clock.
6am to 7am
If your skin seems puffy or sensitive in the morning, it could be due to elevated cortisol (the stress hormone) levels.
These peak early in the morning and cause inflammation if overproduced.
■■BEAT THE CLOCK: Try substituting your morning cup of coffee for green tea and apply a light layer of a calming moisturiser, such as SVR Sensifine Hydra Cream (£15, labo-svr.co.uk). Reduce puffiness with a gentle facial massage – put two fingers in each cheek hollow and massage upwards, then pinch along your jawline.
Each week our experts Dr AAMER KHAN and LESLEY REYNOLDS bring you the latest beauty news and anti-ageing advice
8am
The skin’s natural barrier, which stops moisture loss and prevents toxins getting in, is at its peak now.
But skin may appear slightly greasy from the natural lipids produced overnight.
■■BEAT THE CLOCK: Remove excess oil using a gentle cleanser such as Shiseido Waso Shikulime Gel-to-Oil Cleanser (£23, shiseido.co.uk). Next, use an antioxidant-rich serum to protect skin during the day and top with a hyaluronic acid moisturiser to plump and maintain moisture levels.
9am
Think your skin looks pale? It may be. Blood flow is at its lowest now. ■■BEAT THE CLOCK: Exposure to sunlight as the day goes on will raise the skin and body’s temperature to normal, so don’t be tempted to overdo the blusher first thing in the morning. Instead, boost circulation with some light exercises such as stretching, or massage your skin with a jade roller.
10.06am
Did you know that 10.06am is precisely the time researchers say women hit their beauty peak?
Studies show this is the time women believe their skin looks its best – moisture levels are rising so skin is plumped, lines are less visible, and oil production is still fairly low.
11am
Skin’s natural antioxidants, which protect against environmental stressors such as pollution, decline from around 11am.
The antioxidant protection you get from your morning serum also depletes. ■■BEAT THE CLOCK: If on the go, try an antioxidant mist such as Typology Antioxidant Botanical Mist
With Organic Green Tea (£16.50, uk.typology.com).
It’s also worth noting that your skin can take the most pressure in the morning, so book any facials or treatments which involve deep cleaning, microdermabrasion or skin peels accordingly.
Midday
Oil glands produce twice as much sebum at noon as they do between the hours of 2am and 4am, and this can lead to shine on the skin. ■■BEAT THE CLOCK: Time to refresh your skin. Keep oil at bay with blotting papers or a mattifying moisturiser. Try Algenist Algae Niacinamide Moisture Veil (£54 cultbeauty.co.uk), which helps reduce the appearance of excess surface oil.
1pm to 2pm
The skin loses around a litre of water a day and moisture loss speeds up as the afternoon wears
on. But this is also the time when what you ate for lunch – be it healthy or unhealthy – will show on your face.
■■BEAT THE CLOCK: Eat a lunch rich in protein, healthy fats and fibre. Avoid an excess of carbs and sugar as this will leave the complexion bloated and dull. Top up SPF if outside – Susan Posnick Brush On Block SPF30
(£40, facethefuture.co.uk) can be applied on top of make-up. And studies show pain tolerance is at its peak during the middle of the day so book any injectables, laser, waxing, eyebrow shaping or threading treatments.
4pm to 5pm
Skin temperature is approximately one degree higher at 4pm and, as your body temperature starts to climb, those prone to flushing may experience facial redness.
It’s also the time when, after a stressful day, it will show on your face. Stress causes inflammation, redness and triggers oil production. ■■BEAT THE CLOCK: Suck an ice cube to help reduce redness and try to relax.
Now is the ideal period to have any relaxing facial treatments that incorporate massage and moisture-boosting therapies. Apply Avene Antirougeurs Fort Localised Redness Serum (£23, Boots) to hydrate and visibly reduce localised redness.
5pm to 6pm
As far as your skin goes, this is the best time to exercise. Thirty minutes of activity boosts blood circulation, supercharging cell regeneration and the removal of toxins.
But if you’re swapping a run for the pub, a tipple at wine o’clock can mean skin looks at its worst at this time due to dehydration. ■■BEAT THE CLOCK: Avoid that alcohol and have a refreshing glass of lemon water instead. And try StriVectin Line BlurFector Instant Wrinkle Blurring Primer (£29, strivectin.co.uk), which blurs imperfections and leaves skin glowing.
6pm to 7pm
As evening approaches, dirt, grime, pollution and stale make-up that’s built up on the skin during the day are at their highest level.
■■BEAT THE CLOCK: A thorough cleanse will remove impurities and keep skin looking and feeling healthy. Do it now before you get too tired. Exfoliate too to remove dead skin cells and encourage regeneration overnight. An overnight mask a couple of times a week will boost hydration. Try
Olay Regenerist Night Overnight Face Mask (£29.99, Superdrug).
9pm to 10pm
Skin’s hydration levels are at their highest and skin is most receptive to treatments.
What’s more, skin temperature is higher so products can penetrate deeper for better results.
■■BEAT THE CLOCK:
Apply your evening skincare, using active ingredients such as retinol. Don’t forget to treat the neck, decolletage and hands.
Try Medik8 Crystal
Retinal (£39, medik8.com), which is a great beginner retinol with hyaluronic acid and calming vitamin E.
11pm
As we sleep, our bodies and skin rejuvenate and correct some of the damage that has been done throughout the day.
■■BEAT THE CLOCK: Aim to be in bed asleep by 11pm each day.
For more advice visit lesleyreynolds.com