Our skin is the first line of defense against the environment. It acts as a shield all day; protecting us from the sun, pollution, smoke, harsh air conditions and the elements in general..
At night, as we rest, so does our skin. Muscles relax allowing pores in the skin to open up. Throughout the night, cells multiply eight times faster than during the day. This high rate of cell division results in the rejuvenation and regeneration of skin. Seventy percent of new cells emerge at night-because the skin is a hotbed of regenerative activity at night it is also most receptive to skincare treatments at this time.. Cream applied at night is more efficiently absorbed by the skin, it penetrates deeply and can work intensively to replenish skin with nutrients. This is why an overnight skincare regimen is essential.
Remember your program should be specific, thorough and intensive for your skin type. Here are a few factors to keep in mind while preparing your overnight skincare ritual:
•Find a product with ingredients that will work gently on your skin. Some of the best products contain natural ingredients. .
•A good night cream product can help to reverse the damage done by environmental factors each day and slow down the signs of aging. Antioxidants like Vitamin A, in the form of retinyl propionate and Vitamin C, in the form of L-ascorbic acid, promote the anti-aging process.
•Use a good exfoliant. Natural exfoliators, like glycolic acid, will work to remove dead skin and dirt from pores. It also supports the production of collagen and helps to moisturize the skin.
Role of Vitamin C in Night Skin Care
Vitamin C, in the form of L-Ascorbic acid, is very effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Vitamin C is light sensitive, so it is rendered ineffective during the day when skin is exposed to light. As an antioxidant it plays an important role in converting an inactive form of vitamin E into an active form.
Photo-Aging1
Vitamin C plays an important role in skin health. As an antioxidant it helps to reduce the damaging effect of free radical activity in the skin. It protects the skin against harmful UV rays. L-ascorbic acid is absorbed by the skin and still provides a protective guard up to thirty-six hours even after it has been washed off the skin.
Reducing Wrinkle Visibility2
Vitamin C plays a vital role in the synthesis of collagen and elastin. Both are skin proteins. Lack of either of these proteins can lead to thinning of the skin that produces sagging and wrinkles.
Reducing Pigmentation3
Pigmentation is produced by an oxidative process. Vitamin C, being a powerful antioxidant, neutralizes this process and prevents the formation of melanin, or pigmentation.
Nighttime creams, like NightSkin, can work overnight while you sleep allowing for better penetration of active ingredients, especially the likes of the wonder-working Vitamin C! A good night cream can help to rejuvenate your skin and retard the aging process, giving your skin a beautiful, youthful glow. A morning after using NightSkin will leave your skin looking younger and refreshed-just as if you've gotten a great night's sleep.
References:
1.Topical ascorbic acid on photoaged skin. Clinical, topographical and ultrastructural evaluation: double-blind study vs. placebo, Exp Dermatol. 2003 Jun;12(3):237-44, PMID: 12823436.
2.Ehrlich M, Rao J, Pabby A, et al. Improvement in the appearance of wrinkles with topical transforming growth factor beta(1) and lascorbic acid. Dermatologic Surgery 2006/5;32:618-625
3.Vitamin C affects melanocyte dendricity via keratinocytes, Pigment Cell Research, Volume 18 Issue 5, Pages 389 – 390.
Overnight Skin Care
