You’ve probably heard countless tips on how to help your skin recover and glow overnight. While getting at least 6 hours of sleep, staying well-hydrated, and consuming plenty of citrus fruits are all important, dermatologists also emphasize the power of a solid nighttime skincare routine.
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Although it might feel like an extra chore to layer products on your face before bed, nighttime skincare can work wonders. That’s because your skin enters its regenerative phase while you sleep—damaged cells begin to repair themselves, and your skin is free from environmental stressors like sun exposure and pollution. This makes it the perfect time to nourish and restore your skin.
Nighttime skincare differs slightly from daytime routines, mainly because you don’t need to apply sunscreen or protective formulas designed for daytime exposure.
So, what exactly makes a great nighttime skincare routine—one that leaves your skin feeling refreshed and healthy in the morning?
Here’s a simple, step-by-step routine I’ve been following for over five years. Feel free to use it as a guide or tailor it based on your own skin type and concerns:
1. Remove Makeup
Never, ever make the mistake of sleeping with your makeup on. If you want to avoid breakouts and skin irritation, it’s essential to remove all traces of oxidized makeup, debris, SPF, oil, and sweat that have accumulated on your face throughout the day.
Start by soaking a cotton round with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water. Gently swipe it across your face until all makeup is completely removed.
Recommended oil-based cleansers from my skincare collection:
2. Cleanse
Now that your makeup is off, it’s time for a second cleanse. No matter how thorough the first step felt, double cleansing is non-negotiable. It ensures that every trace of dirt, oil, sunscreen, or pollutants is eliminated.
Apply a few drops of a gel-based cleanser to your palm, work it into a lather, and gently massage it over your face. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
- For dry skin: Choose a hydrating cleanser that won’t strip natural oils.
- For oily or combination skin: Opt for a gentle foaming face wash.
Recommended cleansers:
- Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
- CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
- Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
- Forest Essentials Kashmiri Saffron & Neem Face Wash
3. Tone
Some people skip toner at night, but it’s actually an important step. A good toner helps rehydrate the skin after cleansing, restores your skin’s natural pH balance, and preps your face to better absorb the next products.
Pour a few drops into your palm, rub your hands together to warm it up slightly, then gently press it into your skin. Wait a minute before moving on.
Recommended toners:
4. Spot Treatments & Serums
Once your skin has absorbed the toner, it’s time to target specific concerns with a treatment serum.
- For dry skin: Use a hyaluronic acid serum.
- For wrinkles or pollution-related damage: Use a niacinamide serum.
- For dark spots or dullness: Go for a vitamin C serum to brighten and even out your complexion.
After applying the serum, wait at least one minute before layering other products.
Recommended serums:
- Pixi Beauty Vitamin C Serum
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum
- Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster
5. Eye Cream
The delicate skin around your eyes is prone to dryness and fine lines. With exposure to daily stressors like screen time and pollution, this area needs extra care. A hydrating eye cream helps prevent wrinkles and delays signs of aging.
Choose a lightweight yet nourishing formula that doesn’t feel heavy on the skin.
Recommended eye creams:
6. Moisturize
Moisturizing at night is just as important as it is during the day. A rich night cream locks in all the previous products and keeps your skin hydrated and supple through the night.
Recommended moisturizer:
Pro Tip: While moisturizing, don’t forget your neck—it’s just as exposed to the elements as your face. Treat it with the same care. And before heading to bed, apply a thin layer of lip balm to keep your lips soft and hydrated.
Even though the steps and products mentioned above work well for me, they may not necessarily be the perfect fit for you. So feel free to make adjustments based on your unique skin concerns. Just remember—those precious sleep hours are the ideal time to give your skin the foundation it needs to regenerate and heal.