Are you aware that your skin has a biological clock? Well, I kinda suspected but wasn’t too sure until I stumbled upon this commentary from the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. According to the commentary, the biological clock of our skin is under the influence of the central clock of our body. Although the role of this clock is currently unknown, I would like to think that it most likely regulates the behavior of our skin cells such as signaling them to protect against harmful radiation in the day and regenerating in the night. If this is true, then we might need to consider our skin care routines on a time basis.
Actually, how I came to discover this commentary was because I was trying to establish if it’s true that we should be doing certain things for our skin at certain hours – something I picked up while reading a Chinese book. Most of these books do not indicate a source and hence, it’s kinda hard to convince readers without sounding like some old wives’ tale. But given that there is now evidence that our skin has a biological clock, then some of what I’ve read do make some sense.
Here’s a timetable of what the book recommends in terms of a 24-hour skin care routine:
Between 6:00 and 8:00
Recommended time to wash our face as it’s important to cleanse off all impurities on the skin resulting from a night of skin regeneration. As this is the time when we accumulate more fluid in our body, so it’s also recommended to use products that can depuff the eye areas which are most susceptible to puffiness.
Between 8:00 and 10:00
A good time to drink sufficient water to balance the natural lipids of our skin when our skin cells are functionally optimally but the worst time to smoke as doing so can accelerate skin aging.
Between 11:00 and 12:00
Probably a time for some touch up because your nose area in particular, will probably look shiny with traces of oil. However, try to avoid using alcohol based products to touch up as that may cause skin sensitivity.
Between 13:00 and 16:00
Recommended time to take a 10-minute rest or nap as this stretch is when our skin may look tired and most prone to developing wrinkles.
Between 16:00 and 20:00
A good time to indulge in facials or facial massage to improve hydration level and skin condition to leverage on the improved blood circulation.
Between 20:00 and 23:00
Bad time to do too much to our skin as this is the time belt when our blood pressure dip and too much skin care activities might trigger sensitivity.
Between 23:00 and 5:00
Best time to sleep and rest as this is the peak hours for skin regeneration and the best time to absorb topical products. Apparently a good time to apply facial masks too.
So what do you think? Are these making any sense to you at all or do you think they’re unsound? Well, I think some of the recommendations do make sense but I’m not sure if they’re all feasible. In addition, the importance of applying sunscreen to protect our skin in the day is also not highlighted in this timetable. But I’m quite intrigued by the recommendation to indulge in facials during the late afternoon. I don’t go for facials anymore but if I do, I’ll remember to book my appointments during that recommended time. (~_^)
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