What happens to your skin while you sleep

Your skin’s needs and behaviours are influenced by our body clocks and vary drastically during the day compared to overnight. Skincare products that have been designed and well formulated for night time repair can enhance the delivery of key active ingredients into the dermis and at a cellular level where their performance can be maximised while you sleep. 

Throughout the day your skin acts as the first line of defence against many environmental and stress factors, such as UV radiation, temperature changes, bacteria and pollutants. This means that every step of your morning routine should work to protect your skins barrier from these harmful external factors. Antioxidants provide the highest level of research when it comes intercepting free radical damage to the skin, and the most well known antioxidant that naturally occurs within the epidermal layer of the skin to act as a first line of defence is Vitamin C.

It is no surprise that the biological processes that occur throughout the night function to repair the environmental insults that your skin faces daily, making it incredibly important our skincare routine has a large focus on reversing possible damage by repairing and regenerating the skin. 

In the evening, deep cleansing is essential to remove the pollutants, make-up and debris that have built up on the surface of your skin. Skipping regular cleansing, will not only lead to clogged pores and a dull complexion, but it will also place your skin under prolonged periods of oxidative stress, leading to free radical damage and a weakened surface. Ocinium‘s Ecdysis Bio-Ferment Enzyme Cleanse is the perfect gentle cleanser to purify the skin without disrupting its delicate balance. This luxurious cleanser harnesses the power of Organic Acids and Papaya Enzymes to exfoliate skin to reveal luminous and soft skin.

Our skin’s immunity peaks in the evening and influences the skins response to inflammation to triggers DNA repair. Deterioration of these immune mechanisms can lead to a damaged skin structure, reduced collagen production and the increase in skin ageing. A hero ingredient to look out for is Niacinamide. Also known as Vitamin B3, Niacinamide helps to improve the skin’s response to inflammation, normalising skin function and promote DNA repair. This intelligent skincare ingredient, one of only a few that can communicate directly with cells, has been clinically trailed in sensitive and acneous skin, improving the appearance of skin conditions and the severity of acne. With an ability to intercept processes involved in pigmentation, discolouration and sun spots to increase brightening in skin, we consider it our go to for night repair.

Ocinium’s Immortelle Vitamin B3 Serum unites the powerful combination of b-vitamins to immediately rebalances and hydrates skin, perfecting the skin’s barrier defense to UV damage and pigmentation. Skin is infused with niacinamide to intensely hydrate cells, diminish fine lines and brighten skin. A soothing blend of botanical compounds deliver intense, replenishing hydration and calmness to perfect skin.

Throughout the night the skin also peaks in moisture loss, which is why dry and sensitive skin may become itchy during sleep, making it incredibly important that we are providing our skin with the increased hydration that it needs. Facial oils are a great way to boost the powers of hydration into your moisturiser, assisting to seal moisture within your skin. A non-comedgenic and quick absorbing oil such as Ocinium’s Green Tea + Ginseng Facial Oil provides essential fatty acids to the skin, ensuring supple and smooth skin. Botanical extracts of green tea and ginseng assist to intercept free radical damage and boost collagen levels within the skin.

Vitamin A (retinol) is a well-known active ingredient to use in a nightly routine as it functions to increase collagen production and re-arrange new and existing collagen. It’s ability to promotes skin desquamation (skin slough off) refines the surface of the skin so the complexion appears youthful and dewy.

Similarity to a well-balanced diet with a variety of antioxidants, nutrients, and essential fatty acids, your skin requires more than one super hero product to promote healthy skin. Ocinium’s Metamorphis Multi-Vitamin Cream represents our most complex formulation that not only helps to reinforce the skin’s natural defence system against stress and fatigue, but also contains proven anti-ageing actives such as Vitamin A to promote cell renewal for the skin to regain vitality, resilience and elasticity. When replenished, fine lines and wrinkles are softened and skin is hydrated, smooth and supple.

The moonlight hours are the perfect opportunity to give your skin specific officious ingredients to repair itself while you sleep. Follow our above night time repair guide, and you will be well on your way to healthy glowing skin!