3 December 2023
Dermatologists explain the benefits of a simple, personalized nighttime skincare routine
As the day comes to a close, it’s essential to take some time for self-care and prepare our bodies and minds for a restful night’s sleep. A crucial part of this wind-down ritual is a night skincare routine that not only cleanses but also nourishes and rejuvenates our skin. Board-certified dermatologist Anna Chacon emphasizes the importance of this routine, as it allows our skin to repair and replenish itself while we sleep. In this article, we will explore a simple, four-step night skincare routine recommended by experts, along with tips to make the process enjoyable.
Step 1: Wash Your Face With a Gentle Cleanser
The foundation of any effective skincare routine is a thorough cleanse. Regardless of your skin type, it’s crucial to use a gentle cleanser to remove impurities accumulated throughout the day. Dr. Chacon advises spending a good minute or two lathering the cleanser and working it onto your skin. For dry skin, a moisturizing, oil-based cleanser like Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm is recommended. Oily or combination skin types can opt for a gentle foam or gel cleanser such as Brightening Cleansing Gel.
Step 2: Follow Up With a Toner
After cleansing, it’s essential to rebalance your skin’s pH level and replenish moisture that may have been lost during the cleansing process. Justine Kahn, an esthetician and founder of Botnia Skincare, explains that a toner helps restore the skin’s protective barrier and maintain moisture balance. A thin, lightweight toner like Versed Baby Cheeks Hydrating Milk Toner or Sulwhasoo Essential Comfort Balancing Water is ideal for nourishing and hydrating the skin.
Step 3: Apply a Treatment Product (Pick Your Path!)
This step allows for personalization based on your specific skincare goals. Dr. Chacon suggests choosing a treatment product that targets concerns such as anti-aging, brightening, acne reduction, or dark spot minimizing. It’s important to apply only one active ingredient per evening and adjust the product based on your needs. For anti-aging, a retinoid like Matter of Fact Wrinkle + Texture Concentrate is recommended. Brightening can be achieved with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)-based or enzyme-based products such as Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment. Those dealing with acne can use a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) or benzoyl peroxide-based product like iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Acne Serum Medicated Treatment. To tackle dark spots, consider incorporating a product like Topicals Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration.
Step 4: Slather On Some Moisturizer
The final step is to lock in the benefits of the previous products and provide hydration to the skin. Dr. Chacon emphasizes that moisturizing is crucial for all skin types. Dry or combination skin types can benefit from thicker, emollient moisturizers containing shea butter, ceramides, and botanical oils. Sunday Riley ICE Ceramide Moisturizer or SkinCeuticals Hydra Balm Moisturizer Ointment are excellent choices. For acne-prone and oily skin types, a water-based gel moisturizer like Bubble Level Up Balancing Moisturizer or Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Gel Moisturizer is recommended.
Tips For Your Night Skincare Routine:
To make your night skincare routine enjoyable, it’s important to look forward to the process. This includes using products that excite you and incorporating other rituals. Consider investing in skincare products that are not only effective but also aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, you can enhance your routine by incorporating relaxing activities such as listening to calming music, diffusing essential oils, or practicing a short meditation before bed. Remember, self-care is a holistic practice that involves nourishing both your body and mind.
Conclusion:
A well-rounded night skincare routine is essential for maintaining healthy, vibrant skin. By following a simple, personalized regimen, you can provide your skin with the necessary nourishment and care it needs before entering the repair process during sleep. Remember to cleanse, tone, treat, and moisturize, and make the routine enjoyable by incorporating other relaxing rituals. With consistency and dedication, your skin will thank you for the extra care and attention, resulting in a brighter, more youthful complexion.
