Our body clock regulate our sleep-wake cycles. Our skin too, has a clock too that tells us when it is oily, dry or even sensitive to spots and itchiness. Here’s how you can get the perfect timing for your daily skincare routine so you’ll know you’re on the right track:

6am

The extra puffiness of your skin as soon as you wake up is due to your skin cells also just waking up. They have spent the whole night multiplying in the base of your skin’s outer layer while you are asleep. Gentle massage on the hollow of your cheeks upwards to get rid of the puffiness.

8am

At this time, blood flow will be at its lowest so you will most likely look palest of the day. It is slowly activate its defense mechanism against the sun, so it stops toxins from getting out and moisture from getting out. You may opt to add an anti-oxidant cream or a moisturizer around this time.

10am

Studies show that this is the most supple time of your skin as your cells have grown hours, oil production is still low while your skin is increasing its moisture levels leaving it more plumped. However, if you’re stressed, your skin can also detect it and produce more hormonal Cortisol. Cortisol decreases hyaluronic acid, which is a natural moisturiser, and chronic stress impairs the skin’s barrier, leading to water loss.

1pm

It is best if you have eaten a protein-rich meal during your lunch and more liquid base items are important. The skin loses around a litre of water a day and moisture loss speeds up as the afternoon wears on.

3pm

This is not only the hottest time of the day for the environment, it is probably what your skin is saying. This is the oiliest time of the day where there is a huge tendency for your makeup to melt and slip. Facial oil absorbing sheets will come in most handy at around this timing. 

7pm

Blood flow increases early evening so it is prone to redness. If alcohol is consumed around this time, it inflames the skin as well as dehydrates it, which is why wrinkles may look at their worst now. 

9pm

Your skin’s natural barrier will be more permeable over the next few hours. It is the perfect time to exfoliate, as it removes dead skin cells and sends signals to produce more cells overnight. Exfoliating at night will double the function of night creams and serums making it easily absorbent.

12am

Skin is extra sensitive and low in defense. Make sure to apply moisturizers before you sleep as the skin loses water overnight. Avoid products that cause your skin some itchiness and irritation.

3am

Make sure to have a good night’s sleep. Studies show that women who sleep badly at night are more prone to premature skin aging.

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