You may have thought until now that the syndrome called 'jet lag' only occurred when you traveled by plane across different time zones. However, something as innocent as the time change marking the transition from autumn to the prelude of winter can take a toll on the skin. This happens because our internal clock (which synchronizes everything from when we're hungry to when we're sleepy) is interrupted or altered.
"This time change causes it to get dark earlier and for us to wake up, in most cases, when it is still dark," explains Pedro Catalá, founder of Twelve Beauty. "This means an imbalance in the secretion of serotonin and melatonin and, consequently, a greater feeling of tiredness that negatively affects the appearance of the skin. Poor sleep leads to higher cortisol levels in the skin, which causes problems such as dull tone, prominent fine lines, more sensitive skin, and, in some cases, acne," he concludes.
And all for one reason: sleep is an essential stage for skin beauty. While we sleep, body cells regenerate, especially at the skin level, so if the quality of rest is altered, it will inevitably affect the skin. On the other hand, humidity levels and pH can decrease, causing the skin to lose firmness and become dull and withered.
Why don't yogis suffer from jet lag?
For a simple reason: they meditate. And they meditate a lot. Meditation is an excellent tool for activating the pineal gland, related to what they call the "third eye" (according to a mystical-esoteric concept, the eye that sees beyond the obvious), which is responsible for stimulating the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone.
It is no coincidence that an emerging field of research called psycho-dermatology (which studies the interaction between the mind and the skin) is thoroughly investigating the negative effects of emotions and their skin manifestations, such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, and vitiligo (a pigmentation disorder). And there are already favorable conclusions that show that incorporating a daily meditation routine can be beneficial for calming negative emotions and, with it, solving many skin problems.
What's more, the conscious breathing techniques that accompany meditation activate a good portion of the oxygen that reaches the skin, which is key to boosting cellular health. This not only achieves cellular repair of organs and tissues but also prolongs longevity. A true internal booster that leaves its mark on the outside.
Nutritive remedies: the cosmetic antidote
In any case, to avoid the effects of jet lag on the skin, anticipation is the best defense. There is unanimity among experts: extra hydration is key. Internally, of course, but also externally.
Cosmetics rich in water that preserve internal moisture levels are crucial at this stage. We will never tire of recommending it, Ideal Moisture Level Serum is a serum capable of maintaining ideal moisture in the skin, creating an invisible barrier, and combating the negative effects of the climate.
Another good option: spray the skin several times a day with hydrating and antioxidant mists that provide nutrients, such as Ultra Revitalising Elixir, an excellent option for maintaining a healthy pH and strengthening the skin barrier, while soothing fragile and altered skin.
"My best recommendation in these cases is Nutritive Repair Emulsion, which is soothing and a good antidote for skin subjected to high cortisol levels," suggests Pedro. It is an authentic hydrating, soothing, and comforting 'cushion' thanks to its exclusive combination of ingredients rich in unsaturated fatty acids, such as linoleic acid and phytosterols, essential for regenerating and strengthening the epidermal barrier.