Why Night-Time Skincare is Different
While you sleep, your skin goes into repair mode — cell turnover increases and your skin is more receptive to active ingredients. A dedicated night-time routine helps you make the most of this natural regeneration process.
Step 1: Double Cleanse
Start with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen, followed by a gentle water-based cleanser to clean the skin thoroughly. Double cleansing ensures no residue is left behind to clog pores overnight.
Step 2: Exfoliate (2-3x per week)
Use a chemical exfoliant like AHA (glycolic acid) or BHA (salicylic acid) a few times a week to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and improve skin texture. Avoid physical scrubs that can cause micro-tears.
Step 3: Toner or Essence
Apply a hydrating toner or essence to prep your skin and boost absorption of the next steps. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or fermented extracts.
Step 4: Serum
Night-time is the best time to use potent actives like retinol, Vitamin C, or peptides. These ingredients work synergistically with your skin's natural repair cycle to target fine lines, dark spots, and uneven texture.
Step 5: Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is delicate and thin. Apply a nourishing eye cream with ingredients like caffeine, peptides, or retinol to address puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines.
Step 6: Night Moisturizer or Sleeping Mask
Seal everything in with a rich night cream or sleeping mask. These formulas are typically thicker than daytime moisturizers and work to deeply nourish and repair skin overnight.
Step 7: Face Oil (Optional)
If your skin is very dry, add a few drops of a nourishing face oil as the final step to lock in all the moisture and actives beneath.