Our skin doesn’t operate on autopilot. Just like sleep, digestion, and hormone regulation, the skin follows its own internal clock, renewing, repairing, and protecting according to the body’s circadian rhythm. And the emerging science behind this, known as chronobiology, is transforming how we approach skincare.
One of the pioneers in this field was Dr. Peter T. Pugliese, founder of Circadia, whose research revealed that the skin’s needs change dramatically from day to night. During daylight hours, it’s in defence mode, shielding against UV, blue light, and pollution. As darkness falls, it switches to recovery, ramping up cellular repair and regeneration.
This understanding sits at the heart of Circadia’s philosophy: ‘protect by day, repair by night.’ With formulations that work in harmony with the body’s natural rhythm, the brand has earned a loyal following among dermatologists and facialists worldwide.
In this interview The Ethicalist chats with Jitin Jaggi , Managing Director, Circadia Skincare SAMENA who tells us how Circadia’s science-led approach helps skin stay balanced – even in challenging climates like the UAE – and why aligning our skincare routine with nature’s clock could be the ultimate secret to radiant, resilient skin.
TE: What exactly is chronobiology, and how does it apply to skincare?
Jitin Jaggi: Chronobiology is the study of biological rhythms, how the body’s systems function in cycles, such as sleep, hormone regulation, and cellular repair. Dr. Peter T. Pugliese, founder of Circadia, was one of the first to recognise and document the link between circadian rhythms and the skin. These rhythms influence everything from barrier function to cell renewal, which is why Circadia formulations are designed to work in sync with the body’s natural day-night cycle. This helps to optimise protection and repair processes according to the skin’s daily cycle.
Poor sleep disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm, interfering with the skin’s natural nighttime repair cycle. This reduces cell renewal and barrier recovery, leading to dryness, dull tone, and increased sensitivity
TE: Circadia’s philosophy is ‘protect by day, repair by night.’ Can you explain what happens to our skin during these different phases?
JJ: During the day, the skin’s focus is on defence — shielding itself from UV exposure, blue light, and environmental stressors. At night, the focus shifts to recovery, increasing cell turnover, collagen production, and DNA repair. Circadia products are formulated to support these natural phases: protecting and energising the skin during the day, then enhancing regeneration and repair while you sleep.
TE: How does circadian rhythm disruption such as poor sleep or late-night screen time show on our skin?
JJ: Poor sleep disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm, interfering with the skin’s natural nighttime repair cycle. This reduces cell renewal and barrier recovery, leading to dryness, dull tone, and increased sensitivity. Late-night screen exposure further confuses the skin’s internal clock and heightens oxidative stress, accelerating visible signs of fatigue and ageing.
TE: Are there specific ingredients in Circadia products that work in synergy with the body’s natural rhythm?
JJ: Most Cof our formulations are designed around the principle of protecting the skin during the day and repairing it at night, reflecting the body’s natural circadian rhythm. Two key ingredients that support this process are B-Circadin and CircanBlue. B-Circadin helps regulate the skin’s biological clock, restoring optimal timing for repair and recovery, while CircanBlue provides advanced protection against blue light and oxidative stress. You can find these innovative ingredients in products such as the Circadian Time Balancing Mask with Malachite, which helps recharge tired skin, and the Pre & Post Biotic Nourishing Mask with Royal Tea, which supports microbiome health and skin restoration.
TE: How can someone align their skincare routine more closely with their body’s natural rhythm especially in fast-paced environments like the UAE?
JJ: In a busy, high-exposure environment like the UAE, the key is simplicity and protection during the day, followed by restoration at night. Using multi-functional products such as Light Day Sunscreen, which provides hydration while shielding the skin from UV and environmental stress, supports the skin’s daytime defense phase. At night, incorporating restorative formulas like Nighttime Repair Plus or Serum 71, helps synchronise the skin with its natural repair rhythm. Maintaining consistency, even with a minimal routine, allows the skin to stay in tune with its circadian cycle despite the fast-paced lifestyle and challenging climate.
TE: Does climate or lifestyle (for example, heat, air conditioning, or frequent travel) affect the skin’s circadian rhythm?
JJ: Environmental stressors like extreme temperatures, humidity changes, and dry indoor air can disrupt the skin’s balance and hydration, indirectly impacting its rhythm. Circadia’s Moisture on Demand is a climate-controlled moisturiser that adapts to environmental conditions, ensuring optimal hydration whether you’re in the desert heat or under constant air conditioning, making it the perfect choice for the UAE climate and lifestyle.
TE: The brand has become a trusted professional brand worldwide. What do you think has driven its success and loyalty among dermatologists and facialists?
JJ: Our strength lies in its scientific integrity and education-driven approach. Every product is grounded in research on skin physiology and circadian rhythms, ensuring measurable results and safe performance on all skin types. Professionals value the brand’s effectiveness, diversity, transparency, and the trust that comes from decades of innovation led by Dr. Pugliese’s pioneering work.
TE: What can people expect from the Circadia facial experience at partner spas?
JJ: A Circadia facial is both scientific and sensory — tailored to the skin’s natural rhythm and condition at the time of treatment. Clients can expect immediate radiance, long-term improvement in texture and tone, and a true understanding of how their skin functions. Every protocol blends advanced ingredient technology with professional expertise, delivering results that go beyond surface-level beauty.
Circadia products are available in The Spa The Palace Downtown, The Spa, Address Downtown, Aqua Face Facial Bar.
Fir more information visit circadia.com
