A nighttime skincare routine is important if you want healthy, hydrated skin. This guide covers all of the steps and tips for a good nighttime routine.
Wash Away the Day’s Grime
Washing your face is an important first step to your nighttime routine. Your face has makeup, as well as an accumulation of dirt and sweat by the end of the day. This is why washing your face at night is a crucial step when it comes to skincare.
Consider using the double cleanse method, especially if you wear makeup. It is a great way to make sure you are removing all of the impurities from the day as well as effectively cleaning your face.
Double Cleanse Method
The double cleanse method can be used morning and night, but it is especially a good idea at night. It is a 2-step process that begins with an oil-based cleanser or something like micellar water. The first step is meant to get rid of makeup and excess sweat and dirt.
The second step is for getting your face clean and removing excess skin cells. Use a gentle cleanser for this step that doesn’t strip your face of all of its oils.
Moisturize
Moisturizing is probably the most important step in your nighttime skincare routine. Nighttime is a great time to restore your skin’s moisture barrier as you sleep. This step should be the last thing you do before going to bed.
Get a nice, hydrating night cream to use before bed. Also, consider slugging as you sleep for ultimate hydration.
What is Slugging?
Slugging is a trendy moisturizing method that comes out of Korean skincare. Basically, you slather a thick layer of petroleum jelly on your face and leave it overnight. You wake up with a restored skin barrier and very hydrated skin.
Typically people use petroleum jelly products like Vaseline for slugging. However, you can use any moisturizer that is used by creating a barrier to prevent moisture loss, such as Aquaphor. This method can clog pores, so be sure to only use this a few times per week.
Exfoliate
After washing and before any serums, it’s a good time to exfoliate. Exfoliants help you get rid of excess skin cells. Excess skin cells can lead to clogged pores. There are two main groups of exfoliants; physical and chemical.
Physical vs Chemical Exfoliants
Physical exfoliants have beads or other small pieces in them to scrub your face. This type of exfoliant is not recommended because it can lead to micro-tears in the skin.
Instead, opt for a chemical exfoliant. Chemical exfoliants, such as Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are more gentle on the skin. These exfoliants use acid to remove a thin layer of dead skin from your face. It’s best to use these no more than 1-3 times per week.
Spot Treatments, Eye-Creams, Serums, and Face Masks
After washing and exfoliating, but before moisturizing, it’s time for any eye-creams, serums, or face masks. These are not necessary steps, but they can be beneficial for target areas or if you feel like pampering yourself.
Eye-Creams
Eye creams are creams designed to treat under-eye sagginess or dark circles. Apply these products generously before moisturizer.
Face Masks
Face masks are not a necessity in an effective skincare routine, but can be a lot of fun and they can definitely aid in hydrating the skin and reducing the appearance of pores. For nighttime, consider a hydrating skin mask that can be left on overnight.
For more information on skincare, or to get a custom skincare routine, visit Advanced Esthetics today. Also, check out our range of skincare products available for purchase on our website.