In my 40’s I’m realizing my nighttime skincare routine is a must! Gone are the days that you just crawled into bed without washing your face! (although, i wish i would have never done that EVER!) My nighttime skincare regimen varies but I’m going to give you a few scenarios because let’s be honest no day is ever the same.
My Skincare Routine At Night
Step One: Facial Cleansing
On a typical day. I used a cleansing balm. I love the moisturizing feel it gives. My face tends to be on the dryer side so the more moisture the better. Here is my current favorite by Tata Harper. This step helps remove left over make up and to get rid of the dirt your face has gathered throughout the day. I have recently ditched the makeup remover wipes because they are horrible for the environment and can cause irreversible damage to your skin. Especially if you have sensitive skin. I have been double cleansing. The first gentle cleanser will take off my make up while the second cleanser actually cleans my skin. By cleansing first thing or even double cleansing will help prep your skin for the next step which is applying serums.
Step Two: Simple Serum Regiment
I then apply my eye cream/serum. These have collagen which is such an important ingredient as we age! The collagen in the eye cream helps plump up your eyes so in the morning you don’t wake up with tired eyes all while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You can apply the night cream to not only your eye area but around your mouth as well to rid the appearance of wrinkles. Lactic Acid is another need for anti-aging and this serum by Sunday Riley is amazing! This serum is an all in one treatment that helps reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and exfoliates the skin to reveal clearer and glowing skin.
Step Three: Moisturize
One of my beauty splurges is definitely a good moisturizer. I currently use Revive and while pricey it does deliver the results it promises. I also love this one by Natura Bisse mixed with extreme oil during super dry months. For a more inexpensive alternative, I use or this one my Lapcos and it’s $39. It is important to have different moisturizers for day and night. Your day time moisturizer should contain sunscreen as a preventive effort to reduce aging while your nighttime moisturizer should be more intense hydrating with hyaluronic acid. At nighttime our skin goes into a deep reparative mode, out blood flow increases which in turn increases cell turnover and collagen production. Our skin then tries to repair damage from UV rays, stress, and aging spots therefore, making the skin care products we put on our face at night essential for beautiful skin.
Should You Use Facial Oil Before or After Moisturizer?
Although they seem to be very similar, it turns out that serums and oils should indeed be applied at different times during your skincare routine. Contrary to public opinion, the verdict is in.
Serums should be applied before moisturizer, just as I have here in my nighttime routine. Applying mositurizer after serum ensures that you lock in all those skin-supporting ingredients. After all, serums are usually chock full of hydrating compounds, vitamins, minerals, and more.
Other the other hand, face oils should be applied after you apply your daily (or nightly) moisturizer. If applied before, your moisurizer may be less effective because it won’t be able to reach your skin through all that oil.
As a good rule of thumb to remember, products should be applied in order of heaviness. Lightest on the bottom, heaviest on the top. Since facial oil tends to be the heaviest product we use on our faces, it goes on last.
Additions To My Skincare Routine At Night
Which additions to your skin care routine you choose to add will depend on your skin type. Here are some non-negotiables for me:
EXFOLIATE twice a week, depending on your skin. This one is a MUST! This helps remove built up dirt and dead skin from our skin making our skin so clear! It also promotes better circulation and collagen production.
MASKS: These come in a 7 pack and are inexpensive! Just like the description states, these masks really do provide a week’s worth of hydration in one simple mask. They are suitable for all skin types including dry and oily skin.
Retinol Mask: Say goodbye to clogged pores and dull skin with a retinol mask. I like to incorporate one every now and then to exfoliate my skin and increase that ever-needed collagen production. Both of reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and give my face a more refreshed look.
Peels: This one is amazing to remove dead skin cells and to promote healthier-looking skin. Again a splurge, but using it can make such a difference! I also, just got the new Goop overnight Glycolic Overnight Glow Peel which I will be trying tonight!
LED Light Mask: While these are relatively new on the market, you don’t have to worry about effectiveness. Trust me, they work. While they’re main focus is increasing your collagen production, they are also known to assist with skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, scarring, and sun / UV damage.
Blemish Cream: It’s not everyday that I wake up with a new pimple or zit. In fact, it’s much less common now that I’m older. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t get any anymore (I wish!). Anyway, I also like to keep a blemish cream on hand for just these occasions. Find the right one for you depending on your skin type and the frequency of your breakouts, and apply at night as needed.
If I’m exhausted and need a super quick routine for the days I don’t wear make up all day: I love this cleansing micellar water by La Mer. It’s such a simple process and the product lasts a long time! Then I simply apply my Advanced Clinicals Collagen or Retinol Cream. You get two spa sizes for Under $20!
I always lay down on my Slip Pillowcase and Mask!! Which is currently on sale and would make the perfect vday gift for the beauty lover!
What is your nighttime skincare routine?
I hope my nighttime skincare routine inspires you to create your own or to spice your old nighttime routine up a bit. After all, skincare is one of the best forms of self-care. And when you look good, you feel good.
Do you have a special nighttime routine you want to share? Drop it below! Don’t forget to include your must-have products as well.
To check out all my beauty favorites including makeup, see my full coverage blog post.
