Hold It—This Circadian Rhythm– and Gene-Supporting Skincare Line Just Might Transform Your Skin

As someone who gets the worst sleep (does anyone actually get good sleep these days?), I’m fascinated by the concept of circadian rhythm, which refers to the 24-hour cycle in our body’s internal clock. According to the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, most living creatures have circadian rhythms, including animals, plants, and microorganisms. In humans, circadian rhythms impact not only sleep patterns but also other bodily functions, like our hormones, digestion, body temperature, and more. When it gets out of whack, so can everything else—including our skin.

“People who work night shifts have a higher incidence of cancer, inflammatory disease, heart disease, and just higher mortality overall,” explains Ava Shamban, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles with clients including Nicole Kidman, Michelle Yeoh, and Zooey Deschanel. “So then you think, okay, well if it’s that important to the body, then something bad is happening to the skin.” After delving into the importance of circadian rhythm and its connection to skin health, Shamban was inspired to launch the innovative skincare brand Althaea Skin.