Why is a nighttime skincare routine important? When you go to sleep, various organs, including the skin (the largest organ), go into repair mode.
During the day, your skin produces sweat and sebum to keep supple and protect you from harsh environmental conditions, such as heat, UV, dust, and germs. Being the body’s outermost layer, constant exposure to dirt and germs can cause pores to clog, leading to undesirable effects, such as acne and other skin conditions.
So having a nighttime skincare routine is essential to ensure your skin is well taken care of before retiring to bed for a good night’s rest.
Do you need a nighttime skincare routine?
Your skin is in constant contact with dirt and germs during the day. It is also exposed to other hazardous materials such as dust, bacteria, and UV rays that damage it. As a result, the skin is constantly fighting to protect itself from these harmful substances.
So a nighttime skincare routine is vital to make it easier for the skin to regenerate, rejuvenate, and maintain a youthful look. A good nighttime skincare routine will foster cell repair, reduce wrinkles and acne, improve glow, and reduce moisture loss.
A good nighttime skincare routine should consider your skin type, individual skin needs, and what you want to achieve with your skin.
8 simple guidelines to help you achieve the perfect nighttime skincare routine
1. Remove your makeup
If you wear makeup, it is vital to ensure you remove it well before starting your skincare routine. This process will also remove dirt, sebum, sunscreen, and any other debris that got its way onto your skin during the day.
According to Dr. Anna Guanche, a dermatologist based in New York, double cleansing during your nighttime skincare routine will ensure your skin is perfectly cleaned and pores unclogged.
Dr. Guanche recommends using a gentle, non-foaming cleanser or an oil-based makeup remover if you use waterproof makeup.
2. Cleanser
If you don’t wear makeup, your nighttime skincare routine starts at this step. This process will remove dirt, sweat, sebum, and germs that accumulate on your skin during the day. Carl Thornfeldt, MD, practicing dermatologist and founder of Epionce, recommends using a cleanser that will not strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it irritated and dry.
He also advises that a hydrating cleanser is preferable for dry skin, and a gentle foaming cleanser is perfect for oily, acne-prone skin.
3. Toner
Most people will skip the toner in their daily skincare routine due to the misconception that toners do not benefit the skin. After cleansing or washing your face, a toner will help close pores and tighten cell gaps. It also restores your skin’s natural pH and moisture.
Therefore, you should incorporate a toner in your daytime and nighttime skincare routines.
4. Spot treatments
Considering your skin’s needs, this procedure is handy in treating acne, hyperpigmentation, or any other skin concerns you might want to address. For your spot and breakout treatments with active ingredients to work perfectly, let your skin air dry for about 20 minutes after cleansing before you apply them.
Active ingredient spot treatments should be used 2 to 3 times a week. You can skip this step on days that you are not using them.
5. Hyaluronic acid serum
Hyaluronic acid is an excellent hydrating serum, especially for people with dry skin. However, it can be used by any skin type. This step is not mandatory in your nighttime skincare routine. Still, it is essential to incorporate it if you’re using spot treatments.
6. Eye cream
Many people struggle with dark circles and fine lines under the eyes. An excellent hydrating eye cream should take good care of your delicate under-eye while reducing the appearance of dark circles.
When shopping for eye creams, look for one that contains peptides. They hydrate the skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, giving you a youthful look.
7. Moisturizer
No skincare routine should end without a moisturizer, no matter your skin type. According to Thornfeldt, a hydrating moisturizer that repairs and helps your skin rejuvenate is recommended.
If you have oily skin prone to acne and breakouts, choose an oil-free moisturizer that won’t clog your pores, but will still replenish your skin and keep it supple.
8. Oil or occlusive
This procedure is not mandatory in your nighttime skincare routine, but it benefits those with dry, flaky skin. Finishing your skincare with an oil that will seal and lock in the moisture is important. You can use a face oil or even the good old Vaseline.
These occlusives are not recommended for people with oily skin prone to acne and breakouts.
Beauty tip
All said and done, getting enough quality sleep is essential to maintain a healthy way of life. Experts recommend seven to nine hours of sleep for adults. Your body, including your skin, repairs, cleanses, and rejuvenates when you sleep. Therefore, your nighttime skincare routine should be backed with quality sleep to work perfectly.
