July, that wonderful month when my creativity at least usually blossoms and ideas flow in many directions. I have long been interested in Chinese medicine, because I believe they understand the human body better than Western medicine. One of the most interesting broad concepts is the body's own internal clock. It's worth learning more about this topic, as this is only a superficial scratch. But to pique your interest in the subject..
Did you know that, according to traditional Chinese medicine, each of your organs is most active during a specific two-hour period of the day? This is called the body's internal clock. It is the body's ancient wisdom about how our energy flows throughout the day and night.
Why is this worth knowing?
Modern lifestyle often conflicts with our body's natural rhythm. We eat late, stay up late in front of screens, and rush in the mornings without listening to what our body truly needs. The body's internal clock offers a simple, accessible way to understand oneself better. It doesn't require anything special, just a moment of pause and attention to when we do what.
When you know that your liver does its most important work at night or that your skin renews most actively while you sleep, you can make small but meaningful choices: eat dinner on time, calm your mind before going to bed, or give your skin care exactly when it absorbs it best. This is not a strict rule but an invitation to listen to your body a little more carefully.
Many also notice that recurring symptoms such as waking up at the same time at night, fatigue at certain times of the day, or skin irritation in the evenings gain a new perspective when reflected against this ancient wisdom. It's not about diagnosis, but a tool that helps to notice connections between everyday life and well-being.
In short: the body's internal clock reminds us that well-being is not just about what we do, but also when we do it.
Some important examples of the cycle:
From 11 PM to 1 AM, the gallbladder processes toxins accumulated during the day. During this time, the body needs rest and peace.
From 3 AM to 5 AM, the lungs are most active – many wake up at this time if breathing difficulties or stress bother them.
From 7 AM to 9 AM, the stomach prepares for the day's first meal. Breakfast should be eaten during this time.
From 7 PM to 9 PM, the pericardium calms down for evening relaxation – a perfect time for a skincare routine and self-care.
Liver time: 1 AM–3 AM
The liver is most active at night between one and three o'clock. During this time, the body focuses on blood purification, hormone balance, and the elimination of the body's own toxins. The liver also stores and releases nutrients and maintains metabolic balance.
If you often wake up at this time of night, it may be a sign that your liver is overworked due to, for example, a heavy dinner, alcohol, or stress. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the liver is also associated with emotions, especially frustration and irritation, so a restless mind in the evening can also affect sleep.
To support the liver's natural rhythm, a light and early dinner and a peaceful evening without screens help the body transition into deep, restorative sleep precisely when the liver needs space for its work.
What about the skin?
The skin follows the same circadian rhythm as the rest of the body, and nighttime is the most important time for it. During the day, the skin is in a protective state, fending off external stressors such as pollution, sunlight, and stress. At night, the role changes as the skin switches to a repair and renewal state.
Cell division accelerates at night, meaning damaged cells renew more efficiently and collagen production is more active. This is also the time when the skin most effectively absorbs active ingredients, such as retinol or its gentle plant-based counterpart bakuchiol, as well as nourishing oils.
While the liver cleanses the body from within, the skin benefits from external support. Therefore, the evening ritual should be done well before going to bed: cleansing removes impurities accumulated during the day, serum prepares the skin to receive treatments, and a nourishing oil, such as rosehip, jojoba, or bakuchiol oil, locks in moisture and supports the skin's nocturnal repair work.
Ultimately, sufficient, quality sleep is the best beauty treatment: it is the only time when the body and skin truly get time to heal.
Listen to your body and give it a moment each day. A small routine at the right time can make a big difference.
With kind regards,
Henriikka
