It’s true. Your body heals at night. And this includes your skin. Which is why building and maintaining a night time skin care routine is a crucial part of ensuring an overall heathier skin for you.
Not convinced? Or unsure of where to start? Let us help!
What are the benefits of a night time skin care routine?
Night time is when the skin has the chance to repair, rejuvenate, replenish, and refresh. Basically, it is the most effective time for skin care.
And while it is extremely tempting to simply sink into your comfortable bed, and forgo the night time routine (just this once), the advantages of sticking to a nightly skin care regimen trump even the most enticing-looking bed.
Some of the benefits of a carefully curated nocturnal routine include:
- Enhanced cell repair
- Reduced dryness and improved absorption
- Reduction in the appearance of wrinkles
- Prevention of clogged pores, blackheads, and pimples
- Improved skin texture and glow
Yes, this is definitely worth a few minutes of your evening!
What are the steps involved in the ultimate night time skin care routine?
While skin care looks different on each individual, and the products utilised vary based on specific skin types, the various steps of a nightly routine are there to ensure that your skin gets the best and most complete treatment every night. These steps essentially involve:
1. Makeup removal
This is a crucial first step as sleeping with your makeup on is basically a cardinal sin against your skin. This step generally involves using cotton makeup removal pads to gently but effectively remove all the makeup on your face and eyes (even the waterproof mascara!).
Choosing a formula that removes product while being gentle on the skin is therefore a must. Our personal favourites are those with the tough but gentle micellar water as its active ingredient. These include:
- Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
- Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
- L’Oreal Paris Micellar Water
- Garnier Micellar Oil Infused Water
- Embryolisse Micellaire No Rinse Makeup Remover
2. Wash and Cleanse
Once the makeup is gone, it’s time for a cleanse. This process removes the oil, dust, dirt, dead skin, and pollutants that have made your skin their home during the day. And while cleansing is required for all, the type of cleanser you use should take into account your specific skin type.
If you have oily and acne-prone skin, it is best to use a cleanser that contains salicylic acid, while gently exfoliating to prevent clogged pores. But if you have dry skin, a hydrating formula with peptides would be an ideal option.
3. Application of Toner
The regular use of a toner can have a profound effect on your skin. Not only does it cleanse and refresh the skin, but it also significantly reduces the appearance and tightness of your pores.
It also acts as the perfect bridge between cleansing and treating the skin, and should ideally be applied before any other serum or lotion.
Toners with glycolic, salicylic, or hyaluronic acid are perfect for cleansing and hydrating the skin.
4. Application of Eye cream
The thin skin surrounding our eyes is usually the first to show signs of ageing and damage, and therefore must be treated carefully and meticulously.
Gently patting the area around the eyes with a peptide, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidant-rich formula is a sure-fire way to depuff, brighten, and anti-age your sensitive eye area.
Our top picks?
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Super Charged Serum
- Garnier Ultra Lift Eye cream
- Boots Vitamin C Eye serum
5. Skin-Specific Treatments
With the above steps completed, it is now time to take targeted action that treats the specific issues that are unique to your skin. This includes treatment for pimples or dark spots.
Naturally, finding the right formula for this targeted treatment is vital to guarantee its efficacy. For example, your treatment for acne should ideally contain salicylic, glycolic, lactic, or mandelic acid. For dark spots or hyperpigmentation, use products with vitamin C, niacinamide, and licorice extract. And for anti-ageing treatment, trust the formulas with peptides and retinol.
6. Moisturisation
Arguably the most important step of all.
Hydrating your skin, especially at night, allows it to refresh and rejuvenate, while locking in the moisture required to keep it plump and healthy. However, here too, it is important to select a moisturiser that will not clog pores and aggravate acne.
Products that contain hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and ceramides are most recommended. This includes:
- L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream
- Neutrogena Refreshingly Clear Moisturiser
- CeraVe Moisturising Cream
Conclusion
There is no hiding it. Your skin is a direct and obvious reflection of the care it receives. This is why a regular and well curated nightly routine is so crucial for your skin’s health.
Fortunately, the steps involved are easy, soothing, and ultimately fun! Add in a mask every week or so, and you have a perfectly developed self-care ritual. And with consistency, patience, and discipline, your night time skin care regimen will show dividends through your healthy skin and obvious confidence.
If you are looking to create the ultimate skin care routine, start by checking out the incredible array of products that are available just a click away! Visit essentails.lk today to find the best products and the best prices!