Ingredients are ingredients, right? Their formulations remain the same, the concentration remains the same and what they provide also remains the same. So, how does it matter if they are used in the night or in the day, right? The truth is, time matters.
When it comes to skincare, we often hear about the importance of using the right ingredients but what about the time? It turns out that our skin behaves differently during the day and night.
Skincare is not just a morning affair; it's an around-the-clock commitment. While your AM routine is all about protecting your skin from potential sun damage & environmental stressors, your PM routine focuses on repairing & rejuvenating the damage caused throughout the day. It focuses on cell regeneration & skin nourishment, which is why certain ingredients are known to perform better at night.
All throughout the day, your skin is in a proactive stage, constantly dealing with warding elements like sun damage or oxidation versus at night, when your skin gets enough time to heal. While it’s critical to protect your skin during the day with topical sunscreen and antioxidants, applying topical antioxidants again at night can help detox to enhance the skin’s own repair process.
They say beauty sleep is real. While you peacefully slumber, your skin undergoes a remarkable rejuvenation process and incorporating ingredients into your night time skincare routine can further enhance their benefits.
Let’s delve into the reasons behind using certain ingredients at night and how they can help transform your skin while you sleep.
Sensitive to Sun:
Some active ingredients can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight and make it more prone to sunburn and damage. Ingredients like Retinol and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) help to exfoliate the dead skin. Due to this action, applying retinol and AHA makes the skin sensitive to sun and hence it is advisable to apply them at night to reduce the risk of sun sensitivity and allows the skin to recover while you sleep.The efficacy of these ingredients, especially if these are present in treatment products like serum, is much higher at night, because your skin tends to heal & repair itself while you sleep. Another thing that shouldn’t be overlooked is the importance of using sunscreen the next day, after application of actives overnight.
Skin cell turnover:
Night time is the optimal period for promoting skin cell turnover. The skin undergoes a natural process of cell turnover during sleep. The process of cell mitosis of the skin is at its peak at night. This essentially means cell division that occurs in order to renew and repair skin.The skin's natural renewal process is at its peak during sleep, allowing for the shedding of dead skin cells and the emergence of new cells. By incorporating exfoliating ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), you can enhance this process and optimize the benefits.
Improved efficacy:
The skin's barrier function is also more permeable during the night, compared to the daytime, which enables the active ingredients to be absorbed more readily. It basically means that the skin is more receptive to the care of topical treatments, hence utilizing specific ingredients, such as serums or treatments, during the night time can maximize their effectiveness. The moisture from the skin absorbs quicker than day time, which is why it is extremely important to use a moisturizer at night. Not only does it help with skin hydration, but it also helps with locking in the actives, resulting in better efficacy.
Protection against TWEL:
Talking about skin hydration, the barrier function of our skin is at its peak during the night. This presents an excellent opportunity to address hydration concerns and replenish moisture levels in the skin. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, known for its exceptional water-retaining properties, can deeply hydrate the skin when applied at night. By providing much-needed skin moisture, these ingredients help to plump the skin, diminish the appearance of fine lines, and improve overall skin texture.
Potential skin reactions:
Some active ingredients, particularly those with potential side effects such as dryness, redness, or irritation, are better suited for night time use. This way, you can minimize any discomfort or inconvenience during the day. Examples include strong retinoids, chemical peels, or prescription-strength treatments, which are often recommended for night time application to reduce the risk of adverse reactions.
The timing of skincare ingredients can make a significant difference in their effectiveness. By utilizing specific ingredients at night, we can align their benefits with the skin's natural repair and regeneration processes. Night time skincare allows us to focus on targeted treatment for specific skin concerns. By choosing ingredients that address our individual needs, we can achieve optimal results.
From promoting collagen production and deep hydration to exfoliation and renewal, some ingredients shouldn’t be skipped. Taking care of our skin requires a tailored approach, and understanding the best time to use certain ingredients is crucial.
Remember, consistency is key. Regardless of using ingredients in the day or in the night or both, maintaining a schedule is important & sticking to it makes a lot of difference. Also, choosing the right ingredients for your unique skin concerns is important & in case you’re struggling to find those, fret not, we got you covered!