ENHANCING the benefits of cosmetics

And this also applies to cosmetics: for them to act correctly and effectively, it is important not only to use them as indicated on the label, but also to use them at predetermined times, to enhance their benefits.

Beauty treatments that work in knowledge and respect of circadian rhythms therefore become the essential prerequisite for 24-hour beauty.

Let’s see in detail what it is.

The circadian rhythm

It has a strange name, many of us do not know what it is, but our body knows it very well. The circadian rhythm is a sort of internal clock that regulates the body’s activity throughout the 24 hours and which remains synchronized with the natural cycle of day and night, sunlight, environmental temperature and social stimuli – think of family dinners, always at the same time.

Circadian rhythms are important in determining the sleep and wake cycles of all animals, including humans. Their study also made it possible to detect how these actually direct brain activity, hormone production and cell regeneration, as well as other related biological activities.

The circadian rhythm ultimately affects the correct functioning of our entire body.

The REGULARITY of the circadian rhythm

The progress of our internal clock is regulated by a group of brain cells present in the hypothalamus – called the suprachiasmatic nucleus. This receives information about external light through particular photosensitive cells present in the retina, and organizes the body’s biological rhythms based on the succession of day and night. In turn, this information has important implications on the internal clocks of other organs, such as the heart, the liver and our beloved skin.

Anything that interferes with the regulation of this biological clock – staying up late, changing the time zone, resetting solar or summer time, as well as a change in the length of the day during the change of season – can promote malaise, changes in mood and negatively affect skin aging.

Circadian rhythms influence the skin’s ability to absorb and receive cosmetic products. Therefore it is necessary that these are applied at the right time, taking into consideration that the skin cells have their own particular functioning pattern, which reaches the maximum vitality between midnight and four in the morning and the lowest point at midday.

The epidermis also has its own internal clock, subject to circadian rhythms.

Chrono-cosmetics work in this direction: they respond to the variable needs of the skin throughout the day. Chrono-cosmetics become available when their supply is required and optimized, while their particular nature boost cellular regeneration and repair and allows them to operate in synergy with the skin’s natural processes.

Based on this knowledge, Beauty Spa has developed a high-end home treatment that deeply intertwines with circadian rhythms, optimizing them. For sublimated beauty.

THE PHASES OF THE DAY

6:00 am – 9:00 am

The body slowly gets back into motion. The production of melatonin – the hormone that regulates sleep – ceases, while cortisol levels increase, bringing the body into a state of alert.
It is difficult to wake up if darkness and cold tell our body that it is time to sleep – especially in winter.

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

It is the moment when cortisol reaches its peak and the concentration and activation of the body are optimal. Body temperature continues to rise steadily until midday, along with performance related to key cognitive functions.

3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

At this time of the day the body temperature naturally increases, and the heart and lungs reach their maximum efficiency, while the muscle tone is increased.

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

At this time the liver and intestines have more difficulty digesting fats and sugars, so dinner must be light. Our mind is freer and more creative ideas arise.

9:00 pm – 12:00 am

The pineal gland in the brain begins to secrete melatonin – the hormone that facilitates falling asleep. The body temperature progressively drops and the body prepares to fall asleep. In this time slot we must pay attention to excessive exposure to smartphones, tablets and PCs, which risks keeping us awake due to their blue light.

12:00 am – 3:00 am

Melatonin levels are maximum and the body is in the deepest phase of rest: in this period of time, the brain gets rid of the toxins accumulated during the day and gets ready for the next day. Memories crystallize, and internal organs relax.

3:00 am – 6:00 am

Body temperature reaches minimum levels. The body’s energies are directed toward other inner activities including the regeneration of epidermis cells. Meanwhile, melatonin levels begin to drop in order to prepare the body for awakening.

Belief or SCIENCE?

Geneticists Hall, Rosbash and Young studied the molecular mechanism that controls the circadian rhythm and on October 2, 2017 they were awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine.