Skin expert WARNS how this weekend’s clock change affects your skin and what you can do about it

Beauty Expert Reveals How Daylight Saving Time Affects Your Skin and What You Can Do About It

Expert tips on how to prepare your skin for this weekend’s clock change

The spring clock change takes place this weekend, with the clocks springing forward by one hour this Sunday, March 30th, at 1am, switching from Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) to British Summer Time (BST).

As we bid farewell to dark nights and welcome extra hours of sunlight, it’s important to acknowledge that this may negatively impact your skin.

Hayley Walker, a skincare expert at beauty retailer Justmylook, sheds light on the effects the clock change will have on our circadian rhythm, potentially leading to negative side effects on our skin. She also shares her top tips on preparing the skin for this weekend’s clock change to aid in its recovery.

Hayley Walker, skincare expert at Justmylook said: “As we eagerly await the arrival of lighter nights, it’s crucial to consider how the upcoming clock change will impact our body clock and routines, potentially affecting our skin’s health.

“Our bodies are connected to our internal body clock, known as the circadian rhythm. Even minor disruptions to this rhythm can significantly impact our health, particularly the condition of our skin.

“Changes to our body clock can disrupt various bodily functions, including sleep patterns, body temperature regulation, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen consumption, and hormone secretion. These disruptions can manifest in changes to the appearance and texture of our skin.

“Moreover, our skin cells operate on their own internal clocks, which can also be disturbed. This disruption slows down their natural ability to rejuvenate and repair, especially during sleep.

“During the nighttime, our body undergoes crucial repair processes, including the production of growth hormones that aid in reconstructing damaged cells, including those in the skin, hair, and nails. Quality sleep allows our body ample time to repair, rejuvenate, and rebalance this healing cycle.

“However, external factors like the clock change can disrupt our natural rhythms, causing our skin’s repair mechanism to falter. Consequently, issues such as dryness, sensitivity, or exacerbation of existing skin conditions may arise.

“Individuals prone to hormone-related skin conditions, like acne or eczema, are particularly vulnerable to flare-ups during clock changes.

“Consider how your skin reacts to changing seasons or disrupted sleep schedules – these are clear examples of how our internal clocks impact skin health.”

How to prepare your skin for this weekend’s clock change

Hayley Walker, the skincare expert at Justmylook states: “It typically takes two to three days for our bodies to readjust to the new routine, during which any negative skin implications may continue. However, prioritising consistent sleep patterns and adopting mindful skincare routines can help keep your skin in sync with your body’s natural rhythms, ensuring a healthy and radiant complexion. Here are my top products to include in your nighttime skincare routine to help prepare your skin for the clock change:

1. Prioritise Exfoliation: Regular exfoliation is key to maintaining a healthy glow, especially during transitions like daylight saving time. Include products that gently exfoliate the skin, lifting away dead cells and revealing the vibrant, healthy skin underneath. This will leave your complexion smoother and brighter, ready to face the day. I recommend the Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner with AHA & BHA.  This toner includes chemical exfoliants AHA and BHA – 2% Glycolic Acid and 0.5% Salicylic Acid to refresh your skin’s natural radiance without causing irritation.

2. Nighttime Antioxidant Serum: After exfoliation, apply a nighttime antioxidant serum enriched with vitamin E and B vitamins. This potent combination helps to protect your skin against damage while you sleep, ensuring it stays nourished and resilient. Antioxidants work to neutralise free radicals, preserving your skin’s collagen and preventing premature ageing. I recommend the CosRX The Vitamin C 23 Super Vitamin E & Hyaluronic Acid Serum. This beautiful product is enriched with 23% pure Vitamin C which helps to prevent early signs of skin ageing and to brighten dull skin.

3. Follow with a hydrating moisturiser: Seal in the goodness of your antioxidant serum by applying a hydrating moisturiser on top. Choose a hydrating formula that suits your skin type to keep it soft and supple throughout the night. My go-to is the Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream. This skincare essential’s key ingredient is padina pavonica, a unique marine algae, blended with red coral and sesame and avocado oils. This sophisticated formulation produces a brighter, plumper complexion with increased skin elasticity and aids in keeping the skin hydrated overnight.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your skin remains radiant and healthy, even as the clocks spring forward.

Explore Justmylook’s skincare range at https://www.justmylook.com/skincare-c17, with many products featured in the Justmylook Easter sale.