As your skin relaxes during sleep, now is an opportune time to add products supporting regeneration and repair. According to experts like Dr. Rafaeloff, experts suggest supplementing with serum containing hyaluronic acid or face oils.
According to Tanja, retinoids are another effective way to expand your skincare regimen.
Double Cleansing
Cleansing is one of the critical steps in any skin care routine, and double cleansing can help you reach healthier-looking skin. This technique involves washing your face twice with oil-based and then water-based cleansers; this method effectively removes makeup, SPF, and oil-based impurities that accumulate throughout the day (pollution, dirt, and excess sebum), along with any product residue left from last night’s skincare products.
Start by applying an oil-based cleanser such as our popular Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil or CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm on either your dry or damp face and neck, massaging gently while massaging around your eyes for 30 to 45 seconds before rinsing it away with lukewarm water after 30 to 45 seconds. Alternatively, no-rinse micellar water may also work – it’s fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin types.
Once you’ve rinsed away your first cleanser, switch to a non-comedogenic water-based cleanser like our Hydrating Gentle Cleanser to ensure you don’t over-cleanse your skin, which could result in irritation and deplete its natural oils. Dr. Graf suggests using an oil-free foam or gel cleanser rather than liquid or cream cleansers for this step if your skin tends to break out.
As an added benefit, toner removes any remnants of cleanser from your pores, leaving the skin smooth and revived. Furthermore, toning can prepare your skin for other treatments you plan on including in your nighttime regimen, such as exfoliants or retinoids, to penetrate more effectively into its layers and do their work.
Moisturize
Moisturizing should be part of every skincare routine, as it helps repair the damage, plump cellular structures, minimize wrinkles and pigmentation issues, and improve the texture and elasticity of your skin tone. While everyone’s skincare needs differ, some general rules can help you find the appropriate moisturizers.
Moisturizing before bed is especially essential because it can improve your complexion and prevent blemishes from reappearing as you sleep. Consistent use will make your skin glow – something regular moisturizers cannot.
Start by using a natural toner or hydrating mist, which will clear away any remaining debris like dirt, oils, and dead skin cells left after cleansing. This step also preps the skin for serum and moisturizer products, which will work more effectively on an already cleansed canvas.
Apply a serum tailored to your skin type that contains active ingredients like antioxidants and vitamin C to reverse any accumulated free-radical damage throughout the day. After using your serum, use a rich moisturizer that hydrates deeply while sealing in any active ingredients from previous products. Remember to apply effects thinnest-thickest-thickest, as this will allow them to penetrate more effectively into the skin.
At night, your skin enters repair mode, making this an excellent time to use retinol-containing creams as powerful anti-aging ingredients that reduce fine lines and wrinkles while diminishing dark spots and scars. In addition, they increase collagen production for plump and healthy-looking skin and boost hydration levels to promote cell turnover for overall wellness.
Eye Cream
Eye care should always include eye cream as part of your nightly skincare routine, according to Somenek. A quality product should help treat fine lines and wrinkles, dark circles, puffiness, uneven texture, and crow’s feet while being light enough to easily layering over other products.
An added benefit is that your skin can more effectively absorb the ingredients in a cream at night than during the day when exposed to light and other chemicals. That allows you to use more active ingredients like retinol and alpha hydroxy acids that smooth texture, brighten complexion, and minimize pores.
Always cleanse your face at night to rid your skin of oil build-up and other products, so be sure to find a gentle cleanser that won’t disrupt its protective barrier. “Those with oilier skin should opt for foaming or gel cleansers while those with dryer skin could opt for something creamier,” according to Anar Mikhailov, MD, founder of KP Away.
Your night skincare routine should include using a serum. With their thinner consistency and targeted treatments like hyaluronic acid that pulls water into the skin overnight to hydrate it better than ever, as well as anti-aging properties like retinol and vitamin C for reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles, serums provide another step for skin health care that goes far beyond moisturizers alone.
Lip Balm
Your skin naturally renews itself during sleep. By setting up an effective night skincare routine, you can increase your natural renewal process and ensure healthy and radiant results upon awakening.
With so much information and products on the market, knowing exactly what steps are necessary and in what order can be challenging. Thankfully, professionals like board-certified dermatologists Anna Guanche and Carl Thornfeldt and skincare expert Parvaneh Rafaeloff can provide an easy yet effective nighttime skin routine that will leave you with healthy and radiant skin in no time!
As part of any effective night skincare routine, cleansing should always be the starting point. This step is especially essential if you wear makeup; choose a gentle cleanser explicitly tailored to your skin type (for oily skin, try gel or foam cleaners; for dry or sensitive skin, consider cleansing balm).
After cleansing, it is beneficial to apply an exfoliating treatment to help smooth away fine lines or uneven pigmentation on your skin. After this step, use a serum containing anti-aging ingredients or retinol for younger-looking skin – this type of product also penetrates more deeply than moisturizer for added benefits to your complexion!
Once your skin has relaxed and is ready to rest, use a facial moisturizer that suits its type. People with dry or sensitive skin should look for a moisturizing cream that helps repair the barrier layer; those with oily or acne-prone skin should opt for non-comedogenic formulas that won’t clog their pores.
Herbal Mask
This mask provides deep cleansing and soothing relief to the skin. It helps remove everyday impurities (such as makeup, dirt, and oil) that could clog up pores or lead to breakouts or dullness. French green and bentonite clays combine to draw out dirt and excess fat, while herbal extracts such as green tea, licorice root extract, fenugreek seed powder, and reishi mushroom help nourish skin, leaving brightening effects for vibrant-looking results. Niacinamide (an acne-friendly form of vitamin C) and resveratrol – two powerful antioxidants that minimize free radical damage that causes premature aging and environmental stress to the skin – have also been added. Organic jojoba oil closely mirrors sebum production for an extra moisture boost; Bergamot essential oil provides a delightful therapeutic aroma.
Sleep allows our bodies to naturally regenerate the outer layers of our faces, helping smooth out fine lines and wrinkles or shrink pores, according to Dr. Palep. The dermatologist says that Nighttime is an ideal opportunity to apply serums containing exfoliants such as retinol or similar ingredients that may reduce hyperpigmentation while brightening the complexion.
Before bed, apply a luxurious, deeply nourishing face cream that contains antioxidants and hydration-boosting ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to hydrate skin; these two substances bind water molecules directly onto its surface, according to Dr. Palep; other good hydration can include ceramides which can often be found in creams and night serums. Apply this combination before heading off to sleep – your skin should feel plump and supple when you wake up! The right products really can make all the difference!
