SAFEGUARD YOUR DRY SKIN OVERNIGHT

Just as you're slipping under the covers at night, preparing yourself for some much needed shut-eye, your skin's about to clock-in for its business shift...regenerating new cells and repairing all the damage you've incurred during the day. But there's a downside to this productive phase, it's also the time when your skin is most vulnerable to dryness--which is why a proper nighttime skincare routine is oh so critical.

Why dryness happens at night? Your skin undergoes daily circadian rhythms, in which certain activities occur in the morning and others occur in the evening. And research shows that at night, a handful of these natural functions can deplete hydration levels. Take transepidermal water loss (TEWL), for example, a process in which water passes from the dermis and evaporates out through the epidermis, spikes in the evening. Meanwhile, the recovery of your skin barrier, its outermost layer, dips...making it more susceptible to microscoptic cracks that allow water to evaporate. Additionally, the skin's temperature and permeability increase. On one hand, that's a plus! It makes it easier for skincare ingredients to dive in and fuel the aforementioned natural repair work. Yet, it can also facilitate the evaporation of water from skin's surface. All of these factors help promote skin that would otherwise feel rough, tight and parched in the morning.

How to prepare your skin for sleep? Start with washing with warm water. Washing your face with a non-stripping cleanser (oil versions tend to be best for dry types) before bed is a non-negotiable for removing any makeup, dirt and pollution particles that pile up during the day. If left on overnight, inflammation stems. However, be vigilant of the water temperature, as higher temps exacerbate dryness. Instead, keep it lukewarm and pat--don't rub--the skin dry once cleansing is done. Patting is less disruptive and also leaves your face more moist and more receptive to the products applied next. Amp it up by spritzing a face mist post-cleansing. In order to seal in maximum moisture, slather on your skincare within five minutes of cleansing.

In addition to using your most reparative and regenerative treatments (i.e. antioxidants, niacinamide, peptides) at bedtime to sync with skin's renewal cycle, it's also vital to apply products with a combination of humectant, emollient and occlusive properties. Emollients like natural oils soften rough skin cells while humectants like squalane and hyaluronic acid act like a sponge to pull hydration into the skin. Occlusives perform the essential function of forming a seal over skin to prevent water loss, unlike most night creams which rely on pore-clogging waxes or petrochemical-based synthetics to do this.

The next best thing? Investing in a humidifier. Beyond having benefits for your immune system, humidifiers do wonders for your complexion--more water in the air equals more water in your skin. This is especially helpful during the water, when the mix of cold, dry air outside and indoor heating zaps moisture levels. Opt for a cool-mist model, which is safer to use than the hot steam version that can easily burn your fingers if too close in contact.

#selfcare #skincare