14 INTRODUCTION THE RHYTHMS OF YOUR SKIN

The Rhythms Of Your Skin

As the largest organ in the body, your skin has its own rhythms. It is tempting
to try to tame and bully your skin into submission, but getting in touch with its
natural rhythms is the most straightforward path to a healthier complexion.

THE DAILY CYCLE AT MIDNIGHT

The production of skin cells is at its
highest at midnight, although the
Healthy, normal skin can optimum time ranges from 21:00 to 03:00.
change on almost an hourly This means that if you have any allergies
or sensitivities, your skin should be fairly
basis. The clocks below calm between these hours.
show just how regularly
your skin changes in
the cycle of a day.
Before Noon
or Midday
You’re much more
likely to have an
allergic skin reaction
in the morning than 02:00
in the afternoon. Your skin produces half the
volume of oil at 02:00 than it
08:00 does at midday, so it is at its
Your skin is less likely to driest.
absorb products at 08:00 Apply rich moisturizer before
than in the afternoon, so you go to sleep to combat
it is not a good time to this.
apply rich nourishing
masks and serums.
AT MIDDAY
The production of new skin
cells is at its lowest at midday,
so you may find skin conditions
Afternoon & such as psoriasis are worse. Oil
Evening production is also at its highest—
your skin may look shiny,
Skin is calmer in the especially around the T-zone.
late afternoon and
evening. However,
water loss is high 16:00
at night, so apply The optimal absorption
moisturizing creams time is at 16:00, so apply
nourishing masks and
and serums before serums now.
you go to sleep.

21:00 MIDNIGHT
Skin is more sensitive to histamine
late in the evening, which means
itchy skin conditions such as
dermatitis may be worse. If you 16:00 – 21:00
need a skin-allergy test, schedule it Your skin temperature is at its highest
for as late in the day as possible. Your in the evening. Pores are more “open”
skin is more acidic, and as a result and you may sweat more, so it is a
oilier, when you sleep. Don’t make the good time for a warm bath or sauna,
problem worse by using harsh acidic both of which can aid detox.
peels and scrubs before bedtime.
 THE MONTHLY CYCLE
The average woman’s skin changes
according to the stage she is at during
her monthly 28-day menstrual cycle.

DRY
DAY DAY
Y DA
DA
6 7 8
Y

DA
Y 5 DA
Y
4 9
Y D
A DRY 1

A
D

Y
Your skin is likely to be

0
dry and a little flaky at the
E

beginning of your cycle. Drink

Y
DA

DA
plenty of water and increase
ON

11
2

your intake of healthy fats to

Y
help it to stay supple.
AY
ACNE PR

D
12
AY
1
D

GREASY AND
ACNE PRONE
Skin is most problematic during

NORMAL A
DAY
13
28

this time in the cycle. It is oily

AY

and thus prone to acne, and

D

you may have pronounced dark

circles under your eyes. Your NORMAL AND
skin is also more likely to react GLOWING
27

14
to allergies at this time. Even Skin should be at its healthiest

DAY
DAY

if you don’t feel like it, try to and clearest between days
work up a sweat in the gym—it 11 and 21. However, if you
D

helps remove dirt and unclog suffer from premenstrual

syndrome, stress-hormone
26

pores. Make sure you sweep

15
N
Y

toner over your face afterward to levels may increase, causing DA

DA

remove sweat and grease. your skin to produce oil. This

YA

may lead to inflamed skin

and acne. Engage in gentle
25

16

N
relaxing exercise, such as
DA
AY

yoga, to help ease your stress

S

D
levels and keep skin clear.
D

Y
A

7
G

2
Y

D
E

Y
18
L

D
23
R

O
G

DA
Y
22 19 D
AY W
21 20 DA IN
Y
DA Y
DAY DAY G