In these unstable times when we are increasingly exposed to stress, it can be difficult to find a regular rhythm of life and to be in line with our biological clock. Nevertheless, ensuring that our cells follow a proper circadian rhythm is a first step to look healthier and feel better, and thus a first step to reduce our level of stress.
For this purpose, Clariant Actives & Natural Origins and its partner Biospectrum developed B-Circadin, a natural active ingredient that helps the skin cells resynchronize their circadian rhythm to improve their functionalities. Extracted from Lespedeza capitata, B-Circadin was inspired by plants own circadian rhythm that controls the movement of their leaves between night and day.

The circadian rhythm and its effect on cells’ biological functions

All living organisms have an internal biological clock that helps them to anticipate and adapt to the daily rhythm. Thus, the human body follows a global rhythm of approximatively 24 hours that responds to day and night cycles, called circadian rhythm. It is regulated by the brain that captures light intensity through the retina, allowing synchronization of different mechanisms that control psychological behavior and metabolism. This rhythm also governs the tiny clocks of all organs, thanks to a complex genetic mechanism, with some genes, called circadian genes, being expressed in the morning (Per/Cry) and others in the evening (Bmal-1/Clock). They play a key role in the expression of several other genes, explaining why a number of major biological functions follow this 24 hour rhythm. At the skin level, thanks to this regulation system, cells activate genes implicated in protection mechanisms against environmental aggression during the day, and genes involved in repairing during the night.

For example, the expression of aquaporin-3, a homeostasis marker allowing transportation of water and glycerol involved in the maintenance of epidermal hydration, and Nrf2-factor, one of the most well-known detoxification pathway and major antioxidant defense mechanism to detoxify the skin, follow a circadian rhythm.

Therefore, when the normal expression of circadian genes is disrupted, this can have important impacts on the cells, that won’t be able to have their biological mechanisms work properly. In the end, the skin will look dull, tired, and even show signs of premature ageing. To protect skin’s well-being, resynchronizing this rhythm is the key.

B-Circadin: helps cells regain harmony with their biological clock to improve their biological functions

Blue light: a stressor known to cause circadian rhythm disruption
As the use of digital devices has become an integral part of our way of life, we are increasingly exposed to blue light, a type of light emitted by screens that has a shorter wavelength and higher energy compared to other colors. High level of exposure to blue light increases oxidative stress and can affect the phase and amplitude of the expression of circadian genes, leading to dysregulated biological functions, which can in the long term cause premature skin aging effects.

An innovative skin model
To demonstrate the abilities of B-Circadin to resynchronize the skin’s circadian rhythm, a unique model of synchronized skin was used by Clariant’s R&D teams. A skin explant was exposed to dexamethasone, a known synchronizer able to set the cells in the same phase. The explant, whether or not in the presence of the active, was then exposed to blue light radiations in order to disrupt its circadian rhythm. After 24 and 36 hours (time required to be able to study a complete night and day cycle), several markers expressed in the morning or in the evening were observed: Per-2/ Cry-1 and Bmal-1.

Results
Thanks to the “synchronized” model, the anti-phasic expression could be observed: the expression of Bmal-1 increased while the ones of Per-2 and Cry-1 decreased.
On the “synchronized + blue light” model, the exposure to blue light radiation disrupted the level of markers expression: for Bmal-1 and Cry-1, the difference of expression levels between 24h and 36h was not significant any more.
On the opposite, on the “synchronized + blue light + B-Circadin” model, all the morning and evening markers were still expressed at the expected time, demonstrating that B-Circadin was able to counteract the desynchronizing effects of blue-light, to help the skin cell keep their normal biological rhythm.

On the synchronized cells, the effects on two main biological functions aquaporin-3 and Nrf2 detoxification pathway were also studied. It was demonstrated that B-Circadin improves the efficacy of all these functions while controlling the oxidative stress induced by direct impact of blue light. Skin cells are protected and correctly work thanks to the resynchronization of their natural rhythm.

Proven skin well-being effects: radiant and rested complexion

When the skin’s rhythm is disrupted, its well-being is affected. The complexion becomes dull and signs of fatigue appear. To prove the well-being effects of B-Circadin on the skin, two clinical studies were conducted on scientifically elaborated and selected panels.

Study #1: night workers
In order to measure the impact of a desynchronized circadian rhythm, a panel of people working exclusively at night was selected. After only one week of B-Circadin use at 3%, the skin ’s complexion was improved by 17% in comparison to placebo, and by 35% after four weeks.

Study #2: screen watchers
On other volunteers who watched a tablet screen for at least two hours every evening in order to affect their sleep quality - which is in direct link with circadian rhythm - it was shown that after only 4 days of product application at 3%, eye contour was more homogeneous and microcirculation was stimulated. In addition, eye puffiness was decreased by 18%.

On people with desynchronized circadian rhythm, B-Circadin efficiently improves skin aspect, for a rested look and a well-feeling skin!

Technical information

• Preservatives: none
• China: IECIC-listed
• COSMOS approved
• Naturality (ISO 16128): 100% natural origin content
• Recommended use: 3%
• Appearance: light yellow liquid
• Solubility: water-soluble
• INCI: Propanediol, Water, Lespedeza Capitata Leaf/Stem Extract