If you often fall asleep at night without taking off your makeup or giving your skin proper nourishment, you will likely wake up with skin that looks dull and lackluster.
In case this sounds too familiar, you need to focus on building the right nighttime skincare routine.
Treating your skin to natural rejuvenation during the nights can make it more durable during the day.
A nighttime skincare routine that concentrates on hydration and repair can keep your skin firm and clear.
Read on to find out how to build an ideal nighttime skincare routine and why it’s essential.
Here’s why nighttime is the best time to apply skin care products
You expose your skin to pollutants, UV rays, dirt, and grime during the day. At night, your skin gets the chance to undo the damage, rejuvenate, and create new cells. Hence, you must properly remove all traces of dirt and old makeup from your skin before hitting the pillow.
By following a nighttime skincare routine, you assist your largest organ in repairing itself faster and better. The effort you put into cleansing, hydrating, and nourishing your skin will go a long way in keeping it supple and firm.
At night, the skin’s cells regenerate fastest due to the increased blood flow to the skin. If you use effective products, your skin can maximize its rejuvenation with serums and creams that help the skin renew itself.
Night skincare routine: Steps
1. Remove makeup
Removing your makeup should be the first step to your skincare routine. Use some micellar water or a mild makeup remover that will not dry out your skin further. Choose a formula that gets rid of oil-based makeup as well.
2. Cleanse
Use a gentle cleanser to clean your face and neck. You can even follow the Korean skincare routine and double cleanse your skin by using an oil first, followed by a cleanser. Double-cleansing ensures nothing blocks your pores as you eliminate all the dirt and sebum collected on your skin.
3. Tone
Use a softener or toner to smoothen the skin and balance its pH levels [1]. Toners are especially useful for those who have oily skin. If you have dry skin, use a softener to hydrate the skin.
4. Serum
Using a serum can address numerous skin concerns. You can use a serum on problem areas of your skin like an anti-acne or oil-control serum. Based on your skin’s needs, you can also use a formula that contains retinoids [3] or a hydrating or firming serum.
5. Moisturize
Moisturizing your skin is crucial as it provides your skin with essential nutrients and helps repair damage. Choose a night cream that contains Hyaluronic acid, which helps the skin retain moisture and nourishes it without blocking pores.
6. Eye cream
Many of us overlook this area and presume that a moisturizer is enough. But the skin surrounding your eyes is the thinnest and is likely to wrinkle the fastest. Opt for products that target the under-eye area, and contain peptides that increase hydration and prevent wrinkles and fine lines.
7. Masks
Face masks are an effective way to deliver an intensive burst of nourishment and therapeutic skincare ingredients to your skin. Try to apply a hydrating mask to your face, at least once a week. While there is an abundance of masks to choose from, clay masks work best for oily skin and hydrating ones for dry skin.
8. Hydrate/Use a humidifier
If you live in an arid or dry climate, it can strip your skin of moisture even as you sleep. You can use a humidifier in the room, so the air is not too dry. Hydrating from within by drinking enough water throughout the day also helps the skin stay moisturized.
9. Lip balm
Your lips are also likely to bear the brunt of dirt and pollution. Wash your lips too when you clean your face, and after drying, apply a lip balm to keep them moisturized through the night. Apply it only after you have brushed your teeth.
