This 5-Step Night Time Skin Care Routine You Didn’t Know You Needed

Did you know that our skin cells regenerate every evening? This precise reason is why night-time is an excellent time to fit in the best products for your skin. What to include and what not to include can often seem overwhelming, though. I get friends texting occasionally: “Should I use a facial oil before a serum? Or first the moisturiser? In the evening or before I sleep? I’M SO CONFUSED!” And I totally understand this. No one is ever born with the innate knowledge of knowing what goes on where and in what order when it comes to our skin. I got you, though.

Your night-time skincare is extremely important and while there isn’t a one-size-fits-all ritual, there is an effective structure you can put in place. It doesn’t require 15 steps that are extremely time-consuming because let’s be real, we don’t really have the time to do that every night, nor is it necessary. Below, I have broken down a great order to apply your skincare in a simple order, so stress no more! After all, what are friends for?

Step 1: Double Cleanse

Remove Makeup and Impurities

This is a two-step process but you will notice a remarkable difference in the luminance of your skin. Sleeping without cleansing your face from makeup and/or pollutants is a skincare cardinal sin. Scrap the makeup wipes, they often leave a residue that can break you out or irritate your skin in the long run.

Use a gentle cleanser to first remove makeup. The Camomile cleansers below from the Body Shop is an all-time favourite. They are excellent for all skin types, cost-efficient and great for simultaneous skin soothing. All you’ll need with this are soft cotton pads to apply.

Next, A Gentle Soap Cleanser Aka Your New BFF.

Regardless of your skin type, a gentle cleanser is essential. It won’t strip away your skin’s natural and oil and, in turn, disrupt your skin’s micro-biome, as said by Carl Thornfeldt, MD, dermatologist and founder of Epionce. If you are looking for a gentle cleanser minus the harsh chemicals, Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, director of Mudgil Dermatology, recommends CeraVe for an efficient, money-friendly cleanser. The Vitamin E cleanser by The Body Shop is also a win.

Step 2: Treatment

This is where you can tailor this overall 5-step routine in accordance to your skin concern(s). This step can either include a serum or a prescription product. (e.g. Hyaluronic Acid for dry skin, a Vitamin C serum for all skin types, or a topical retinoid for acne-prone skin). This step can either make or break your skin, so make sure you know your skin type and its concern(s) well to avoid inflammation and breakouts.

Step 3: Eye Cream

The eye area is extremely delicate. Eye creams tend to be lighter and thinner than moisturisers, which is why it is important to apply it before any thick creams or oils. A simple hydrating eye cream, such as the two below, will replenish your under-eyes naturally and are always a fantastic pick. The tube may be small but remember – a small amount goes a long way.

Step 4: Moisturise

Always moisturise. Always. Even if you have oily or sensitive skin, I promise you there will always be the perfect formula for you! Lock in those amazing-for-your-skin ingredients with the best night-time moisturiser for your skin. Unlike the morning, where you’ll most likely be wearing sunscreen and/or makeup, now is the perfect time to use a thicker formula which can trap in all the benefits of step 2. My top picks to replenish and rejuvenate even the most lacklustre complexions are as follows:

Step 5: Oils

Facial oils are occlusive, which is why they are last in this 5-step routine. They will seal in all the benefits from the previous steps and help increase the efficacy; they are magic when it comes to penetrating through moisturisers, serums and treatments. If you’re reading this part unsure because you have oily skin, do not worry, this step is just as important for you, too. According to Dr Mona Gohara, M.D, associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine, certain oils, like rosehip and jojoba oil are perfect for acne-prone skin due to their ability in decreasing sebum levels. Marula and Aloe oils can also help soothe inflamed skin.

The Bottom Line

Skincare is extremely personal. There is no right and wrong, and there are other things that can be incorporated in your routine, such as toners, that will compliment your routine beautifully. Enjoy the process and always listen to your skin – if something is breaking you out, don’t ignore it!