This Is the Best Night Skin Care Routine, According to the Pros

 

The evenings offer an ideal chance to engage in a wind down ritual that readies us for sleep and prepares us for a productive day ahead. It is a wonderful opportunity to relax our minds, practice self-care, and attend to our physical well-being. This, of course, includes grooming our hair and brushing our teeth, as well as cleansing away the day and nourishing our skin with ingredients that soothe, hydrate, and enhance its radiance.

According to board-certified dermatologist Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD, our skin undergoes a process of repair and rejuvenation while we sleep. Establishing a nighttime skincare routine allows us to provide our skin with the nourishment and care it requires before entering this restorative phase. Dr. Chacon emphasizes that a consistent night skincare routine not only helps maintain the health of our skin but also slows down the aging process and counteracts the effects of daily exposure to environmental stressors, such as the sun. By adopting the simple nighttime regimen outlined below, you will be showing your skin gratitude.

👉A Simple, 4-Step Night Skincare Routine 

The most effective evening skincare routines are surprisingly uncomplicated, as they encompass the essential elements while still allowing for personalization. This guarantees that your skin receives the necessary care and additional attention tailored to your individual concerns.

Step 1: Wash Your Face With a Gentle Cleanser

The initial step in your evening skincare regimen involves cleansing your face. Regardless of your skin type, it is recommended to use a mild cleanser and take your time to thoroughly cleanse your skin for about a minute or two. According to Dr. Chacon, cleansers effectively eliminate the impurities accumulated throughout the day, including makeup, dirt, and other environmental factors.

If you have dry skin, it is advisable to choose a moisturizing, oil-based cleanser such as Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm ($36, Sephora). On the other hand, for those with oily or combination skin, a gentle foam or gel cleanser like Brightening Cleansing Gel ($19, Nordstrom) would be more suitable.

Step 2: Follow Up With a Toner 

Maintaining the pH level and moisture of our skin is crucial for its protection against harmful pathogens and to regulate moisture. However, this balance can be disrupted by various factors throughout the day. To restore this balance, it is essential to use pH-adjusted products like toners. Even if you have oily or acne-prone skin, using a toner is highly recommended. Opt for a lightweight and nourishing option such as Versed Baby Cheeks Hydrating Milk Toner ($17.99, Target) or Sulwhasoo Essential Comfort Balancing Water ($68, Sephora). This will help replenish the moisture that has been washed away during the cleansing process and rebalance your skin's pH level.

Step 3: Apply a Treatment Product (Pick Your Path!)

After allowing your toner to set for approximately 60 seconds, proceed to apply a treatment product. This particular step in your skincare routine offers the greatest level of customization as it specifically addresses your individual skincare goals. According to Dr. Chacon, you have the freedom to choose whether you want to focus on anti-aging, brightening, acne reduction, or dark spot minimizing. It is crucial to note that since the treatment product contains an active ingredient, it should only be applied once per evening. Depending on your needs, you can alternate the product you use every other night or every few nights.

For anti-aging purposes, it is recommended to opt for a retinoid such as the Matter of Fact Wrinkle + Texture Concentrate with .2% Encapsulated Retinol, Vitamin C, & Azelaic Acid ($98, Sephora). 

To achieve a brighter complexion, consider applying an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)-based or enzyme-based product that gently exfoliates the skin, resulting in a smoother and more vibrant appearance. The Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment ($6, Ulta) is a great option.

If you are dealing with acne flare-ups, target them with a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) based product (also known as salicylic acid) or benzoyl peroxide. The iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Acne Serum Medicated Treatment for Acne & Blackheads ($35, Sephora) is worth exploring.

In the case of dark spots or hyperpigmentation, you can incorporate a product that helps minimize them. The Topicals Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration ($38, Sephora) is specifically designed for this purpose.

If you find this treatment step overwhelming or unimportant at the moment, you have the option to skip it for now and gradually introduce it into your routine when you feel ready.

Step 4: Slather On Some Moisturizer 

Once you have allowed your leave-on treatment to settle in, complete your skincare routine by applying a moisturizer. This essential step not only hydrates the skin but also helps to lock in the benefits of your serums and other skincare products, according to Dr. Chacon. When selecting a moisturizer, it is important to consider your skin type.

For individuals with dry or combination skin, it is recommended to choose thicker and more emollient moisturizers that contain ingredients such as shea butter, ceramides, and botanical oils. Two excellent options are the Sunday Riley ICE Ceramide Moisturizer with Vitamin F ($65, available at Sephora) and the SkinCeuticals Hydra Balm Moisturizer Ointment ($25, available at Dermstore).

On the other hand, those with acne-prone or oily skin, who still require moisture, should opt for a water-based gel moisturizer. Consider trying the Bubble Level Up Balancing Moisturizer ($16, available at Ulta) or the Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Gel Moisturizer ($40, available at Sephora).

Tips For Your Night Skincare Routine

Maintaining a nighttime skincare routine involves finding joy in the process. This can be achieved by using products that excite you and incorporating other rituals that enhance the experience.

Allocate Sufficient Time: Make a conscious effort to dedicate enough time to your nighttime skincare routine. Dr. Noreen Galaria, a board-certified dermatologist, suggests starting 20 to 30 minutes before bedtime. This allows you to apply your products without feeling exhausted and gives them ample time to absorb before you sleep. Many of my patients often skip their nighttime routine due to exhaustion.

Indulge in Entertainment: Remember, this is your moment of self-care. Enhance the enjoyment by listening to music, tuning into a podcast, or immersing yourself in an audiobook. Create a soothing ambiance by dimming the lights and lighting a candle.

Nurture Your Mind and Body: If time permits, consider incorporating additional rituals that relax both your mind and body. Dr. Chacon recommends deep breathing exercises, a warm bath, or a gentle facial massage to unwind and prepare yourself for bedtime. These practices not only benefit your skin but also promote a peaceful state of mind.

Seek Professional Advice: If you find that your skincare routine is not yielding the desired results, don't hesitate to seek guidance from skincare professionals such as estheticians or dermatologists. They can help tailor your routine to address your skin's unique needs. The ultimate goal is to use products that you love and achieve satisfying results. By doing so, you will transform the process into something you eagerly anticipate rather than a mundane chore.