How the Clock Change Affects Your Skin and How to Support Your Circadian Rhythm

As the clocks spring forward, many of us feel the effects of losing an hour of sleep. You might notice grogginess, a change in energy levels, or even shifts in mood. But have you ever considered what the time change means for your skin?

Our skin follows a natural cycle known as the circadian rhythm—a 24-hour internal clock that governs crucial processes, including repair, regeneration, and hydration. Disruptions to this rhythm, like the transition to daylight saving time, can impact your skin's health. Let’s explore how the clock change affects your skin and how you can support its natural cycle.

How Does the Time Change Affect Your Skin?

1. Disrupted Sleep = Weakened Skin Barrier Losing an hour of sleep can leave your skin vulnerable. Overnight, your skin goes into repair mode, producing collagen and combating oxidative stress. Less sleep means less time for regeneration, potentially leading to dullness, dryness, and a compromised barrier.

2. Increased Sensitivity and Irritation A sudden shift in your sleep schedule can throw off cortisol levels, leading to increased skin sensitivity, redness, or breakouts. Your skin may feel more reactive, especially if you already have sensitive or acne-prone skin.

3. Dehydration and Fatigue Disruptions to your circadian rhythm can impact your body’s hydration balance. As a result, your skin may appear lackluster, with fine lines more pronounced. A tired body often translates to tired-looking skin!

How to Support Your Skin’s Circadian Rhythm

1. Prioritise Nighttime Skincare
With your skin working overtime to repair itself overnight, choosing the right products before bed is essential. Hydrating and barrier-strengthening ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants can support overnight renewal. Try our Argan Skin Renew Moisturiser to deeply nourish and restore your skin while you sleep.

2. Adjust Your Evening Routine
To help your body adapt to the time change, create a relaxing pre-sleep ritual. Reduce screen time before bed, incorporate a calming skincare routine, and consider using a lavender-infused product like our Relax Hydrating Peptide Serum to help you unwind.

3. Replenish Hydration Levels
Start your morning with a burst of hydration! Drinking water and using a hydrating mist or serum can help counteract dehydration caused by disrupted sleep. Our Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm provides an extra boost of hydration and nourishment throughout the day.

4. Protect Your Skin During the Day
Since your skin may be more vulnerable due to the shift, applying SPF is crucial. UV exposure can exacerbate the effects of tired skin, leading to oxidative stress. Our Protect Daily Moisturiser SPF 25 is packed with plant-based ingredients to shield and hydrate your skin.

Listen to Your Skin

If you’ve been feeling sluggish since the clocks went forward, your skin might be feeling the same! Paying extra attention to hydration, nourishment, and sleep can make all the difference. By supporting your skin’s circadian rhythm, you can help it adjust to the time change more smoothly.

How has the clock change affected your skin? Let us know on social media! @nourishskinrange