As someone who gets the worst sleep (does anyone actually get good sleep these days?), I'm fascinated by the concept of circadian rhythm, which refers to the 24-hour cycle in our body's internal clock. According to the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, most living creatures have circadian rhythms, including animals, plants, and microorganisms. In humans, circadian rhythms impact not only sleep patterns but also other bodily functions, like our hormones, digestion, body temperature, and more. When it gets out of whack, so can everything else—including our skin.
"People who work night shifts have a higher incidence of cancer, inflammatory disease, heart disease, and just higher mortality overall," explains Ava Shamban, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles with clients including Nicole Kidman, Michelle Yeoh, and Zooey Deschanel. "So then you think, okay, well if it's that important to the body, then something bad is happening to the skin." After delving into the importance of circadian rhythm and its connection to skin health, Shamban was inspired to launch the innovative skincare brand Althaea Skin.
As Shamban explains, the circadian rhythm is connected to "clock genes." (The scientists who discovered them won a Nobel Prize in 2017.) "Clock genes control 50% of the genome," she says. They turn certain genes on during the day and certain ones at night, so it made sense to look at a product that would really support these genes." Shamban worked with veteran cosmetic chemist John Garruto and discovered ingredients that helped support circadian rhythm. These include an ingredient called Circalys, which is sourced from the Ayurvedic botanical green chiretta, and another ingredient called B-Circadin, an extract of the South Korean medicinal plant Lespedeza capitata.
These two ingredients were tested on night-shift workers and showed improved overall skin quality, hydration, eye puffiness, and fine lines and wrinkles. "It was really fascinating that you can reverse some of these changes because you're changing the wake and sleep cycle of the skin," says Shamban. The line includes four skincare products: Day Serum, Awake Eye Gel, Night Serum, and Activation Mask, as well as a device, the C.A.R.A Multi-Modal Tool.
A lot of thought went into building Althaea Skin, from the ingredients to the packaging. According to Louise Butler, the brand's general manager, the formulations are biotechnology derived and meet clean standards. From a sustainability standpoint, each product features refillable and recyclable packaging. "We want healthy skin, but we also want to leave a healthy planet to the next generation and hopefully make good decisions in that way," says Butler.
Now, does the existence of these products justify poor sleep? Obviously not, but it's great that there are products specifically focused on keeping our skin healthy—especially during the nights we can't resist a late-night movie marathon.
Keep reading to learn about my experience using the entire Althaea Skin line.
I was excited to use the Day Serum, which Shamban said contained a "very stable form of vitamin C" for antioxidant protection during the day. This, of course, helps reduce dark spots (a major concern of mine). Circalys, the circadian rhythm–supporting Ayurvedic ingredient mentioned earlier, is featured in the serum via Solar Synq Technology, which also has hyaluronic acid for deep moisture and argan leaf polyphenols for UV protection and skin firming. (Another highlight is plankton extract from arctic algae, which also targets dark spots and evens out skin tone.)
I have to say it's my new favorite daytime serum; I didn't experience any tingling like with other vitamin C serums I use, and it's also fragrance-free.
As someone with perimenopausal skin that can go from oily to dry in 24 hours, overnight hydration is key. As with any average skincare routine, I usually use moisturizer after serums, but this one was hydrating enough on its own. It contains the proprietary evening complex (Lunar Synq Technology), which includes the South Korean botanical that balances the circadian rhythm. The complex also has a shiitake mushroom extract that firms and tightens, and plant-based hyaluronic acid for powerful moisture.
One look at the ingredients on this list and you'll immediately know that this isn't your ordinary eye cream. Aside from Solar Synq Technology, the Awake Eye Gel features antioxidant argan leaf polyphenols that help protect the delicate skin area against UV damage. Meanwhile, a shiitake mushroom–based extract helps firm and tighten while red marine algae increases skin elasticity, and a tetrapeptide helps with dark circles and puffy eyes. I liked the consistency of this eye gel—it absorbed quickly and didn't pill under my makeup, which tends to happen with other eye creams I've used.
This mask is meant to be used with C.A.R.A, the brand's skincare tool. It contains the Lunar Synq Technology, plus ultra-moisturizing ingredients like squalane and Antarcticine. Compared to other serums that I've used with skincare tools, this mask had a nice, silky texture that wasn't sticky or tacky. After using it with the C.A.R.A, you can either remove it with water or simply massage it into the skin like a moisturizer.
I've used a lot of skincare devices over the years, but nothing that does as much or is as easy to incorporate into my routine as the C.A.R.A. (The acronym stands for clarify, activate, restore, and amplify.) It uses a combination of light therapy (blue, red, and violet), radio frequency, and electro stimulation to repair and rejuvenate the skin. The brand recommends using it three times a week for the first 60 days for 10 minutes, but you can use it every day. But there's flexibility—I took Shamban's advice and used it for three minutes on the highest setting for a little boost on busy days.
More Sleep-Friendly Skincare & Products to Try
Our skin loses water at night, so it's important to keep hydration locked in. This new night cream uses Estée's CollaNight-8 technology to support the skin's natural collagen production, reducing wrinkles and amplifying moisture while you sleep.
Thanks to a combination of caffeine, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C, this new eye gel from Belif soothes and de-puffs tired eyes while brightening the area and adding hydration. Plus, the ceramic tip makes application a breeze—no having to dip your finger in little tubs!
First off, this luxurious, velvety-feeling night cream smells like lavender for instant relaxation. Then, while you sleep, ceramides, adenosine, and hyaluronic acid are at work supporting the skin barrier, fighting dehydration and dullness, and reducing wrinkles.
Don't forget about the rest of your skin! Slather this magnesium-rich butter from head to toe for full-body hydration and a good night's rest.
Whether you're sore from a workout or just need some tub time, this ALO bath soak is a must. Loaded with magnesium, arnica, and antioxidants, it will loosen up your tired muscles and melt away any stress.
You may be familiar with Lush's beloved Sleepy line of products, but if you want to switch things up, grab the Deep Sleep bath bomb for some much-needed "me" time in the tub. It's made with magnesium-loaded Epsom salt, chamomile, and lavender to help you drift off to bed in no time.
Get better rest from the inside out by popping one of these Dream Bites from Sourse into your mouth before bedtime. In addition to relaxing magnesium, L-theanine, and chamomile, these bites contain vitamin B6, which helps regulate circadian rhythms.
