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The importance of a good nighttime skincare regimen cannot be overstated. While your morning regimen is all about protecting the skin, your evening skincare routine is the time to focus on correcting any damage. During the day, our skin is exposed to pollutants, UV rays, dirt, and other cell-damaging elements. With a proper evening skincare regimen, it’s possible to undo the damage and rejuvenate the skin. Certain ingredients work best at night when the skin is in repair mode. Ingredients are absorbed better in the evening and there is not an issue with the sun inactivating them.
How to Build a Nighttime Skincare Regimen
What is the best way to build a nighttime skincare routine? Here, we break down the steps to follow and the best skincare ingredients to hydrate, nourish and kickstart the skin’s ability to regenerate.
Evening Skincare Routine Step 1: Remove Makeup
It all starts with cleansing. You’ll need a bare canvas to reap the benefits of any active ingredients at night. If you are wearing makeup or sunscreen, it’s best to begin with a makeup-removing balm or cleanser or a product containing micellar water.
Remember that oil attracts oil and by using an oil-based cleanser, you will help attract and remove sebum, makeup and grease. The Makeup Melt Botanical Cleansing Balm contains skin-healthy oils that remove and break down makeup. If you’re feeling lazy or pressed for time, use a cleansing wipe, such as our HydroPeptide HydroActive Cleanse Micellar Cleansing Cloths.
Evening Skincare Routine Step 2: Cleanse
Now that you’ve removed any makeup and sunscreen from your skin, you can move onto a deeper cleanse with a water-based cleanser. By following the double-cleanse method, you will ensure grime, sweat and bacteria are fully removed from your skin. Double cleansing will also improve the efficacy of your serums, moisturizers, and treatment products. This method offers a deep cleansing of the pores, which allows for better penetration of your active ingredients. Think of it this way, if you’re investing in premium products for your skin, you want to make sure they are getting absorbed!
The type of cleanser you choose will depend on your skin type. There are many different cleansing formulas to choose from. Acne-prone skin types should find a cleanser that increases cell turnover and helps fight the bacteria that causes pimples to form, such as Purifying Facial Cleanser. If your goal is to reduce the visible signs of aging from the skin and to deliver a smoother, more radiant tone and texture, try the Exfoliating Cleanser. A gentle, hydrating cleanser, such as the nourishing Cleansing Gel, is best for sensitive skin types.
Evening Skincare Routine Step 3: Serum
Serums are extremely lightweight treatment products that typically pack a higher concentration of active ingredients than other products. Serums are designed to target issues specific to your skin concern, so choosing the right serum can help address everything from dark spots and wrinkles to skin laxity and dullness.
Wait until skin is dry before applying a serum if your skin is on the sensitive side. Damp skin can absorb the active ingredients too quickly and lead to irritation. For a powerhouse serum that addresses all of the signs of aging (fine lines, wrinkles, volume loss and sagging skin), try Power Serum. If hyperpigmentation, brown spots and sun damage are your biggest concerns, you will want to apply LumaPro-C Serum at night. If you want built-in antioxidant protection to help your skin fight environmental stressors better during the day, try HydroStem Serum. If redness, irritation and sensitivity are your biggest pain points, the calming botanicals in Soothing Face Serum will help neutralize redness and give your skin back its natural glow. Acne and oily-prone skin types will love the bacteria-blocking peptides in Redefining Serum.
Evening Skincare Routine Step 4: Moisturize
It’s a common mistake to assume that you only need a moisturizer if your skin is dry. The truth is that everyone, regardless of their skin type, needs to moisturize in the evening. As we age, the skin’s ability to retain moisture diminishes. On top of that, daily activities can further strip the skin of its natural hydrators. A good moisturizer will not only improve the skin’s hydration levels, but it will also protect the skin’s barrier and help prevent moisture loss. Heavier creams that pack a lot of benefits can also feel heavy on the skin during the day, which is why evening is the best time to apply them.
For a deeply rich moisturizer packed with peptides, hyaluronic acid, shea butter and ceramides, try Power Luxe Moisturizer. For more acne-prone skin, try AquaBoost, a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that will not clog pores.
