Scientists have discovered a critical “repair window” that occurs while we sleep, potentially revolutionizing anti-aging skincare treatments.
Researchers at the University of Manchester and No7 identified a skin repair “rush hour” between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., when genes responsible for cell renewal dramatically increase their activity. They found that sun-damaged skin experiences a form of “skin jet lag,” with repair genes either activating an hour late or shutting down completely, accelerating visible aging.
“Chronobiology is a relatively new and rapidly evolving field of science that examines circadian rhythms in living organisms,” explained Qing Jun Meng, professor of chronobiology at the University of Manchester. “We see great potential in harnessing chronotherapy to optimize effectiveness and minimize side effects,” he added.
The team discovered that an extract from Lindera Strychnifolia, an evergreen shrub used in East Asian traditional medicine, can help restore these disrupted rhythms. This ingredient has been added to No7’s Future Renew peptide blend, which was announced two years ago and is being investigated for wound and scar healing.
Dr. Mike Bell, No7’s head of science research, explained the significance: “At night time, renewal and repair is happening but we knew there were some gaps in our knowledge. The first thing we found is that actually night time is a busy time for the skin and while we’re asleep, the skin certainly isn’t asleep. Nearly two thirds of these rhythmic skin genes were peaking in their expression and in their activity and controlling things like remodeling of the skin, things like repair and scaffolding, collagen production,” he said.
This breakthrough builds on a 20-year partnership between the University of Manchester and No7, which was recently renewed for another five years. Their collaboration previously produced the renowned Protect & Perfect serum, which gained fame after a 2007 BBC Horizon program confirmed its effectiveness.
The serum works through a “world-first super peptide blend” that effectively “tricks the skin into thinking that it has been damaged which leads to renewal of key proteins such as collagen and fibrillin,” according to scientific documentation. This technology is exclusive to No7 and resulted from 15 years of research into skin aging and repair.
The product has undergone extensive testing, with No7 conducting 37 studies on over 4,200 people, including two clinical trials and 23 user trials. More than half of the participants had skin of color, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to inclusive research.
Consumer testing shows impressive results. In a blinded split-face controlled trial, 97% of women had improvements in three or more visible signs of skin damage, including fine lines, wrinkles, lack of luminosity, dryness, uneven skin tone and loss of firmness.
Dr. Emma Wedgeworth, consultant dermatologist, called it “a breakthrough range that can help reverse visible signs of skin damage,” noting the serum contains “a world-first peptide technology that you won’t find in any other skincare product”.
The research will be presented at The British Society of Investigative Dermatology’s annual conference this month, with details to be published in the British Journal of Dermatology.
The new Night Serum targeting these circadian mechanisms launches this week, adding to No7’s Future Renew line, which already holds a significant market position following its launch last year.
For those concerned about aging skin, this research signals a shift from products that merely moisturize to treatments that actively reverse existing damage by working with the body’s natural repair mechanisms.
