FEED YOUR SKIN WITH CAVIAR (RETINOL) AT NIGHT
Skin processes follow a circadian rhythm—during the day, the focus is mainly on protection, whereas during the night, it is mainly on regeneration
Many processes in the skin follow a circadian rhythm, characterized by a peak and a low within a 24-hour period. During the day, the skin’s focus is mainly on protection, whereas during the night, it is mainly on regeneration, explained a skincare expert.
Nighttime gives way to creation with peaks in collagen synthesis and epidermal renewal, she added.
“But while these creation processes peak at night, so too does barrier permeability, as the skin has let down its defenses. This makes us more prone to nighttime water loss,” said Dr. Jacqueline Hill, director of strategic innovation and science of the Swiss luxury skin-care company La Prairie.
“As we age, the peaks of creation decline, while barrier permeability further increases and damages accumulate, creating an accelerated decrease in skin functionality.”
Hill, with La Prairie Group global chief marketing officer Greg Prodromides, last week virtually unveiled with Rustan’s the newest antiaging addition to La Prairie’s iconic Skin Caviar Collection, the Nighttime Oil.
“Skin Caviar Nighttime Oil is designed to work in conjunction with the skin’s natural rhythm, to help counteract this age-induced decrease in skin functionality,” Hill added.
La Prairie has extracted a proprietary ingredient from caviar called Caviar Retinol. Retinol, also known as Vitamin A1, is a popular antiaging ingredient that reduces fine lines and increases collagen production.
Caviar Retinol is composed of caviar lipids and caviar-derived retinol. Caviar lipids include vitamin D, and Omega 3, 6 and 9 essential fatty acids, Hill said.
“Retinol occurs naturally within caviar,” she added. “Caviar Retinol is exclusive to La Prairie. It is obtained through a specially designed extraction process, which creates the ideal conditions to capture and retain both caviar lipids and caviar-derived retinol.”
Essential nighttime processes
Skin Caviar Nighttime Oil is designed to work in conjunction with the skin’s natural rhythm, Hill said. “To help counteract this age-induced decrease in skin functionality, this product is unique in that it supports and improves three essential nighttime processes simultaneously—collagen synthesis, epidermal renewal and barrier permeability.”
During collagen synthesis, Skin Caviar Nighttime Oil increases the formation of collagen that leads to a densification of the dermal extracellular matrix, and to a strengthening of the dermal epidermal junction, which results in restored skin firmness, Hill explained.
The oil also optimizes the functionality of the epidermis by supporting the natural transformation of epidermal cells, consequently improving the structure and function of the epidermis.
Hill went to explain how the product decreases barrier permeability. “While its oily composition creates an immediate temporary outer barrier, its active ingredients work in the long term to minimize moisture loss,” she said. “On the one hand, by stimulating the formation of new hyaluronic acid, thus helping retain water within the skin; and on the other hand, by stimulating the formation of ceramides, thereby improving the skin’s own barrier function and decreasing skin permeability.”
As the last step in one’s nighttime ritual, Skin Caviar Nighttime Oil can be used on its own or in conjunction with other skincare products. For normal skin, up to two drops will suffice, while older and drier skin types can benefit from up to four drops, on its own or combined with a moisturizer.
Like with other retinol products, even if you use it only at bedtime, it is critical to use sunscreen in the daytime.