Yes, it’s true. Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate is now proven to help visibly correct the appearance of skin damage caused by a month’s worth of poor sleep.
If you follow my over on the gram, you’ll know that my own sleep schedule has been massively impacted by the pandemic (as I’m sure yours has as well). Hence, I had to write this article when I learned of the benefits of the ‘Midnight Magic’, the name given to it by its loyal fan base, which is completely warranted given the 56 beauty awards its acquired.
So, let’s delve into how and why this magical oil can help your skin look better after continuously nights of poor sleep.
The circadian rhythm
The first thing I need to explain is why your skin needs this help. You may think, dull and lacklustre skin is from poor sleep is a myth. Or, you might just hope it is because otherwise it’s just another side effect that will keep you up at night.
Well, unfortunately poor sleep does mean unhealthy skin (believe me when I say I was disappointed by this fact too).
Skin damage is one of the most prevalent physical signs of a poor sleeping pattern. When you don’t get enough hours of sleep your skin can lose its radiance, the texture can change and the appearance of fine lines becomes more prominent.
I can vouch for this because my skin looks extremely dull and lack lustre. The texture is much drier than usual and of course my dark circles are seismic.
The link between bad skin and sleep, is something to do with the circadian rhythm. This is our skin’s internal clock and while we sleep, it regulates the recovery processes that help address the signs of ageing.
Disruption of the circadian rhythm has been implicated in a wide variety of dermatologic conditions.
We all know that UV can damage the skin, but did you know that the repair of these skin cells peaks at night? This study even indicates that adequate sleep is necessary for optimal DNA repair activity to occur in the skin.
Which as we all know, is essential at fighting off the signs of ageing.
Additionally, disruption to the circadian rhythm causes major oxidative and barrier stress. This is why the skin’s texture and radiance dwindles with a lack of sleep.
Well, the Kiehl’s scientist’s figured the same thing. In fact the brand even completed their own study to uncover the biological impact that poor sleep has on skin health.
The Kiehl’s study
Kiehl’s surveyed their customer database and 80% reported a negative impact on sleep over
the past year.
They then tested the impact Midnight Recovery Concentrate had on those who had, had poor sleep for 30 days.
The study demonstrated measurable improvements with the nightly use of MRC improving all sleep-related signs of ageing, including an improvement in the look of radiance and texture and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines.
Key measurable’s included: a radiance boosted of up to +13%, improved texture up to +27% and fine lines reduced by up to -14%.
How does it do this, I hear you ask?
The ingredients that are outlined as the most useful in this process are; Lavender Essential Oil, Evening Primrose Oil and Squalene.
These three ingredients combined are designed to give your skin a boost of hydration, antioxidants and omega fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
Kiehl’s Global Consulting Dermatologist, Dr. Meghan O’Brien, said;
“There are studies that show that chronic lack of sleep, which disrupts the circadian rhythm, can
lead to an acceleration of the signs of ageing. To help combat this, I tell my patients to create a sleep schedule they can stick to – consistency is key! Engage in good “sleep hygiene” and create a relaxing nighttime routine that includes your skin care regimen. You can easily incorporate MRC as the first step of this routine to help visibly improve skin overnight.”
So, it’s true. The Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate actually DOES improve skin damage caused by a lack of sleep. It’s officially backed by a study, which is very rare these days.
However, it’s equally important to actually get good sleep. Your circadian rhythm being out of balance will cause your skin health to decline. Work on that too.
References
Lyons, A. B., Moy, L., Moy, R., & Tung, R. (2019). Circadian rhythm and the skin: a review of the literature. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 12(9), 42.
