A Nighttime Skin Care Routine That Supports Skin Longevity, According To Research

As the beauty industry moves toward the teachings of longevity, the future of skin care will be all about optimizing your skin span through the science of longevity. In this new era of beauty—one grounded in longevity research and fueled by the hope of longer, happier lives—we'll see beauty routines that harness the body's inner regenerative systems at the cellular level. 

We'll also see the beauty industry further integrate lifestyle modifications into skin care practices—because as we continue to learn, a well-rounded approach to skin health does far more than just skin care alone. (As I've long preached: No product can replace the simple act of taking care of yourself.)

This is because lifestyle choices—such as eating a robust balanced diet, moving your body daily, and getting adequate sleep—can actually optimize your skin's regenerative processes. 

All of our bodily functions are based on a 24-hour circadian rhythm, which is regulated mostly by the presence of dark and light. Your skin also operates on a circadian rhythm. Fun fact: Your skin actually has its own circadian rhythm1—and as a sensory organ2, can also sense light and dark. 

During the night, notably while you sleep, the skin performs several important repair functions that don't happen during the day. Meaning: If you don't sleep, your skin isn't actively repairing itself. 

During the REM cycle, your body heals the skin's structural proteins3 like collagen, refreshes the epidermis4 (which means it sloughs off dead skin cells and pushes younger ones forward), balances hormones5 related to skin health (such as melatonin, cortisol, estrogen, and so on). 

To add another layer: Without deep, restorative rest, cortisol spikes. Increased cortisol can inhibit collagen production, cause an increase in inflammation biomarkers6 in the body, and lead to a compromised skin barrier7. 

Finally, the skin is more permeable8, which means actives can sink deeper into the skin and essentially become more effective. 

Quite literally wash away the day with a gentle yet thorough cleanse. Cleansing is the backbone of any longevity-focused skin care routine, as it reduces free radical damage, allows for deeper penetration of products, and helps remove dead skin cell buildup. 

At minimum, look for gentle, sulfate-free cleansers that won't strip the skin's protective oils or damage the skin barrier. Harsh face washes can wreak havoc on the skin, triggering inflammation and dysbiosis9. 

If you want to take it a step further, look for a cleanser that has microbiome-supporting ingredients, such as fermented botanicals, prebiotics, or postbiotics. Fermented botanicals (for example, fermented honey, which is found in Burt's Bees Fermented Honey Cleansing Balm) are not only more sustainable, but they can support the skin microbiome.

On freshly cleansed skin, apply a treatment step that supports cell renewal. At night, the skin is more permeable, so it's important to utilize this time for optimal effectiveness. 

There are a lot of appropriate options, but the most famous (and well studied) is retinol. 

When applied to the skin, retinol is converted into retinoic acid. Retinoic acid upregulates collagen production10 and increases the speed of skin cell turnover11, helping skin look and act younger. 

Moisturize and support the skin barrier with a night cream that contains ingredients naturally found in the skin. A strong barrier is vital for longevity, as it protects dermal collagen, reduces the risk of damage, and keeps skin supple. 

Ceramides are lipids naturally found in the epidermis and are vital for skin integrity. Peptides are made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins like collagen, elastin, and keratin. Together, these can strengthen the skin framework and reduce the signs of premature aging.