How to Optimize Your Anti-Aging Routine Based on Your Skin’s Circadian Rhythm
FYI: Your skin follows a natural schedule.
You’ve probably heard about the circadian rhythm in the context of sleep. But did you know it can affect your skin, too?
Quick explainer: A circadian rhythm is your body’s 24-hour internal clock — driven largely by light exposure — which influences physical, mental, and behavioral changes. Though primarily linked to the sleep-wake cycle, it also affects other physiological functions like hormone release, digestion, and skin health. In the skin, circadian rhythms help guide functions such as cell turnover, repair, and protection, coordinating processes between day and night to keep your skin resilient and responsive to external factors.
Dr. Maximin Navarro, board-certified dermatologist and a fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS), explains further, “The immune responses in the skin are greatly impacted by the circadian system. Any disruption of the circadian rhythm of the skin leads to immune hyperactivity that can manifest as pathologies such as dermatitis or psoriasis. A better understanding of the circadian rhythm and the immune system could help in the development of therapeutic approaches to treat diseased skin.”
Day vs. Night: What’s Happening in Your Skin
Here’s a quick look at what goes on in your skin from a.m. to p.m.:
Daytime Defense: In the morning, your skin enters protection mode, strengthening its barrier and increasing sebum production to guard against moisture loss. This is also when your skin is more vulnerable to environmental aggressors, making antioxidants and sun protection crucial in your routine.
Nighttime Repair: By evening, your skin shifts into regeneration mode, with increased cell turnover and collagen synthesis. This period of repair and renewal is when your skin is most receptive to restorative ingredients, like retinoids and peptides, to support a youthful appearance.
Why Circadian Rhythms Matter for Skin Health
By syncing your skincare routine with your body’s circadian rhythm, you can support your skin more effectively. Each phase of the day primes your skin differently, so tailoring product use to these cycles — like focusing on protection in the morning and repair in the evening — can enhance product absorption and results. This approach ensures your routine works with, not against, your skin’s natural processes, amplifying hydration, protection, and anti-aging benefits.
Ready to maximize your regimen for the best results? Here’s how to align your routine for day to night:
Morning Skincare Routine: Defend and Protect
To sync your morning routine with your skin’s daytime needs, focus on products that protect and hydrate:
- Cleanse gently: Start with a gentle but deep-acting cleanser to remove overnight oils and prepare your skin for the day. A refreshing, non-drying option is the Mesoestetic Purifying Mousse, P2,800, which effectively unclogs pores and purifies texture. It also comes with bonus anti-pollution action — perfect for those are always out and about.
- Apply an antioxidant serum: Incorporate a serum rich in antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, to neutralize free radicals and enhance skin’s defense against external stressors. Derm Biologiques Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid Serum, P3,500, provides antioxidant support and also brightens skin, setting a strong base for the day.
- Lock in hydration: Choose a lightweight moisturizer with skin-nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid to keep skin plump and prevent dehydration throughout the day. Try TDF Ultra Light Hydrator, P1,900, for a sheer, non-greasy finish that layers well under sunscreen. (Also read: Hydrating vs. Moisturizing: What’s the Difference?).
- Slather on SPF: Sunscreen is a definite must during daytime for obvious reasons. Opt for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. Heliocare 360 Mineral Tolerance Fluid SPF 50, P1,900, offers high-protection coverage without clogging pores, ideal for daily use. (Check out our sunscreen guide here).
Plus, don’t forget midday touch-ups! If you’re outdoors or exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods, re-apply SPF every two hours or spritz on a hydrating mist, like Ivatherm Eau Thermale Herculane (Thermal Spring Water), P780, to reinforce protection and hydration.
Evening Skincare Routine: Repair and Rejuvenate
In the evening, the focus shifts to supporting the skin’s natural repair processes:
- Do a deep cleanse. If you wore makeup during the day, it’s best to go for the double-cleansing method: Start with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve impurities, followed by a gentle foaming cleanser to leave your skin clean without drying it out. Prefer a one-step cleanser? Try the Ivatherm Lotion Micellaire, P1,900, which works as a makeup remover, toner, and cleanser.
- Apply your targeted treatments: Now’s the perfect time to apply your anti-aging serums and other formulas with active ingredients. Retinoids, peptides, or growth factors work best at night, as they support collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines. AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) also help exfoliate and smooth the skin’s surface, enhancing the absorption of your products’ actives. (Also read: AHAs for your Body: A Beginner’s Guide).
- Pack on moisture: As the skin enters its peak regenerative phase (10 p.m. to 2 p.m.), it benefits well from nourishing creams that help restore and protect collagen. Choose a richer moisturizer, preferably with ingredients like ceramides and squalane, to help repair the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss.
For those who tend to break out with rich night creams: Ivatherm Aquafil Hydra Rich Hydrating Cream, P2,550, powered by skin-calming Herculane Thermal Water, is ideal for overnight repair for acne-prone skin types.
Also try: Profhilo Haenkenium Cream, P4,700
This provides immediate hydration with a patented hyaluronic acid (HA) complex and botanical Salvia Haenkei extract.
- Don’t skip eye care: As the delicate eye area is prone to showing signs of aging, a nourishing eye cream with peptides or hyaluronic acid can provide extra support for this area. Try Mesoestetic Age Element Anti-Wrinkle Eye Contour, P4,500, specifically designed to address visible wrinkles and signs of fatigue.
Try: Neostrata Glycolic Renewal Smoothing Cream (Ultra Smoothing Cream), P3,120, contains 10% AHAs to rejuvenate skin and improve texture.
Featuring 3% retinol, it’s formulated with Centella Asiatica and hyaluronic acid for extra soothing and moisturizing benefits.
This restorative anti-aging cream has apple stem extract to maintain skin’s stem cells and delay the signs of aging.
Packed with a blend featuring tranexamic acid, engineered peptides, and growth factors, this powerfully fades discoloration without drying or irritation.
The bottom line: Aligning your routine with your body’s natural cycles can create a balanced, effective approach to skincare anti-aging. It’s more than just applying products — it’s about timing them in harmony with your skin’s needs.
For customized skincare recommendations, you can book a face-to-face or virtual consultation with Dr. Navarro here. You may also contact the Bella Pelle Skin Solutions Clinic at (+63) 999-887-1933. For a full list of facial services and other treatments, click here.
Bella Pelle Skin Solutions is located 2/F L Building, #142 Katipunan, Brgy. Saint Ignatius, Quezon City. The center is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more beauty and skincare tips, subscribe to our newsletter:
SHOP OTHER PRODUCTS:
 Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser, P2,100 |
 Heliocare 360 Water Gel, P2,120 |
 Neostrata Brightening Eye Cream, P3,300 |
 ZO Firming Serum, P13,150 |
