What Happens to Skin at Night - And How to Maximise Overnight Repair After 40

 

Written by an independent, certified dermatologist


As we age, our skin’s natural rhythms begin to shift - and nowhere is that more important than overnight. While we sleep, the skin goes into repair mode, working to reverse the day’s damage and replenish lost moisture. But after 40, these processes slow down, and common issues like fine lines, dryness, dullness and sagging become harder to fight without targeted support.

Here’s what’s happening to your skin overnight- and what you can do to optimise your evening routine for firmer, brighter, more youthful skin.


Your Skin’s Night Shift: What Really Happens While You Sleep

Your skin follows a 24-hour cycle, known as the circadian rhythm. During the day, your skin focuses on protection - defending itself against UV rays, pollution, and oxidative stress. At night, that changes dramatically:

  • Cell regeneration peaks: Skin cell turnover is at its highest during the evening hours, especially between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
  • Collagen and elastin production increases: These two structural proteins are rebuilt while you rest - key for firm, youthful skin.
  • Blood flow improves: Enhanced circulation brings more oxygen and nutrients to the skin, helping with healing and repair.
  • Barrier function strengthens: Skin becomes more permeable, allowing for better absorption of active ingredients.
  • Melatonin release: This natural antioxidant is released at night, helping defend against free radical damage.

However, after 40, collagen and elastin synthesis slows significantly - making it harder for skin to "bounce back" without help. Hormonal changes (especially in perimenopause and menopause) can also weaken the skin barrier, reduce moisture retention, and increase inflammation.


Five Ways to Maximise Overnight Skin Repair in Your 40s and Beyond

Here’s how to build an evening routine that works with your skin’s natural repair cycle - and not against it.


1. Cleanse Thoroughly - but Gently

Your nighttime cleanser should remove makeup, SPF, and pollutants without stripping the skin. Look for a non-foaming cream or oil cleanser with skin-repairing ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, or fatty acids. Avoid harsh scrubs or alcohol-based toners, especially if you’re dealing with rosacea or eczema.


2. Use LED Light Therapy Before Bed

Devices like the DermaGlow LED & EMS Mask and DermaGlow Glasses are ideal for use before sleep, when your skin is primed for repair.

Here’s why LED therapy is such a powerful addition to your evening skincare routine:

  • Red light (640 nm) boosts collagen and elastin production, visibly improving skin firmness and smoothing wrinkles.
  • Deep infrared light (up to 780 nm) penetrates further into the dermis to stimulate healing and long-term skin regeneration. Unlike near-infrared (which many masks on the market use), deep infrared has been shown to visibly reduce wrinkle depth over time.
  • White light (600 nm) helps with overall cellular regeneration and is especially effective for overnight skin healing, especially for those dealing with eczema or sensitivity.

Used at night, these wavelengths enhance the skin’s natural repair functions - giving it the fuel it needs to work more efficiently while you sleep.

The DermaGlow Mask combines both red and deep infrared light modes, which is rare in many consumer LED masks. Most include near-infrared only, which doesn’t reach as deeply into the skin’s dermal layers, reducing long-term results. Our device is engineered to mimic the wavelengths used in clinical settings for visible anti-ageing and repair.


3. Apply a Barrier-Repairing Serum or Cream

After LED therapy, apply products with active ingredients that support the skin’s natural barrier. Ingredients to look for include:

  • Peptides: Help stimulate collagen and elastin production
  • Hyaluronic acid: Attracts and retains moisture
  • Niacinamide: Improves tone and texture, while reducing redness
  • Squalane or ceramides: Rebuild a damaged lipid barrier

Tip: Avoid high-dose retinols just before LED use - opt for milder forms like retinaldehyde if combining both in your routine.


4. Sleep on Silk or Satin

Believe it or not, your pillowcase can affect your skin. Cotton can tug at the skin and absorb your expensive creams. Switching to a silk or satin pillowcase reduces friction, prevents sleep lines, and helps retain skin moisture overnight.


5. Prioritise Sleep Quality

Poor sleep shows up on your face faster than almost anything else. Deep, consistent rest is essential for hormonal balance, collagen renewal, and skin hydration.

  • Aim for 7-9 hours per night
  • Keep the room cool and dark
  • Avoid screens an hour before bed (they reduce melatonin)
  • Try magnesium or chamomile tea to support relaxation


The Bottom Line

Your skin is never truly off-duty - but at night, it works even harder to repair and regenerate. After 40, giving your skin the right tools - like gentle cleansing, active serums, and advanced LED light therapy - can make all the difference.

By combining smart skincare with proven tech like the Dermaglow LED & EMS Mask or Glasses, you’re not just caring for your skin - you’re supporting its ability to heal and rejuvenate itself. Every night.