Like several other functions in the body, the skin follows a roughly 24-hour circadian rhythm, which can influence processes such as cell activity, blood flow, barrier function and repair. Most of us think of skincare in terms of ingredients: retinol at night, sunscreen in the morning and moisturiser whenever we remember. But there is another layer to skincare that often gets overlooked, timing.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Ritupurna Dash, senior consultant, dermatology, Medanta Hospital, Noida, explains how the skin’s needs change throughout the day and why timing can matter when building a skincare routine. (Also read: Planning a festive skincare overhaul? During the day, the skin is primarily focused on protection from external stressors, while nighttime is associated with repair and regeneration. “The morning routine should essentially prepare the skin for the day ahead. Antioxidants can provide additional support against oxidative stress, but they should not be considered a replacement for sunscreen . Ingredients such as gallic acid have antioxidant properties and can be found in some skincare formulations, but their use should complement rather than replace daily sun protection. The idea is to keep the routine protective and comfortable rather than layering multiple heavy products. “Skincare products are only one part of skin health. Adequate and regular sleep supports the body’s overall circadian rhythm , and this includes processes involved in skin repair and barrier maintenance. “The goal should not be to create a complicated routine based solely on the clock. Instead, use the body’s natural rhythm as one factor when deciding how to structure your skincare, while prioritising proven ingredients, sun protection, skin tolerance and consistency,” Dr Dash concludes.
Doctor explains why too many facial treatments can do more harm than good ) “The skin has its own circadian rhythm, with certain functions changing across the 24-hour cycle. A simple morning routine can therefore include a gentle cleanser, moisturiser if required, an antioxidant product depending on individual skin needs and a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can therefore complement a sensible skincare routine,” says Dr Dash.
Understanding this can help us think about skincare not only in terms of what we apply, but also when we apply it,” she says. Broad-spectrum sunscreen remains the cornerstone of protection against UV-related skin damage,” says Dr Dash.
