Keys Soulcare’s expert dermatologist is answering questions about ingredients that are ideal for downtime after dark.
– KEYS SOULCARE
We’re back with another installment of Ask Dr. Renée, our up-close-and-expert skincare series with Keys’ very own leading dermatologist (and holistic skincare advocate) Dr. Renée Snyder.
Skincare requires our presence and intention, but it only works when paired with the rest we need. So today, we’re exploring some of the rituals that are designed for our downtime.
Why are rituals best to do when we’re resting?
I always try to tell my patients that nighttime is the time for regeneration. It’s the time for healing. When I’m working with a patient to actively address something [with a regimen, topical product, or medication], I always try to make them do it at night. People always carve some time out to go to bed.
Do bad sleep habits have a negative effect on our skin?
Sleep is essential to all of our wellbeing. But specifically, if people sleep on average less than six hours a day, they produce cortisol, which is a stress hormone that is not good for skin. Not sleeping and dehydration (which often happens when we’re not taking great care of ourselves) can also lead to things like sunken, darkened under eye areas and a duller complexion overall.
When you’re refreshed in the morning, your skin looks better because it has had a chance to rest, too.
What’s one common ingredient that works better when we’re sleeping?
Vitamin A is not photo-stable [which is a must for your daytime routine], so ingredients based solely on that don’t work best during the day. Some specialized products now work 24/7, but I tell patients [who] are buying generic products, to use them at night to maximize their effectiveness.
What are the best beauty and skin rituals that I can do while I’m sleeping?
Nighttime is a great time for any type of rejuvenation ritual, whether it’s an antioxidant-powered product or a serious moisturizer. For this reason, I always coat my lips with lip balm, put cream around my eyes, and massage my cuticles with something awesome before I go to bed. This way, my body gets some regenerating and healing support while I’m sleeping.
What are some of your go-to treatments and rituals while you rest? Share those and any more q’s for Dr. Renée in the comments!
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