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Your night-time skincare routine

The night time is really important for our skin as this is when a number of important functions take place. From skin-renewing cellular turnover, to repairing free radical damage, the skin is actually at its busiest when we’re enjoying some all-important rest.

The products you apply just before bed are therefore very important in helping the skin perform these essential functions, and can even help to enhance them. Here we reveal the ideal night-time skincare routine and the best products to include in your routine.

Cleanse

Throughout the day, the skin is exposed to free-radical damage in the environment including smoke and pollution. This is why cleansing the skin before bed is a vital first step in removing makeup, skincare, sunscreen and debris from the pores. Look for cleansers that are suited to your skin type and contain ingredients such as exfoliating hydroxy-acids to smooth the texture of the skin, or soothing emollients if you have a more sensitive skin type. Cleansing will also ensure that the skin is prepared for the rest of the products in your routine.

Tone

A toner is a refreshing second step in any skincare routine and will ensure that any remaining makeup and debris is removed from the skin. Many toners also contain ingredients to address specific concerns such as salicylic and glycolic acids for exfoliating congested and blemish-prone skin, or skin-soothing antioxidants to calm the skin. Apply your toner to cleansed dry skin, sweeping across the forehead, cheeks, chin and neck with a cotton pad. Take care not to scrub or go over the skin too many times as this may cause irritation.

Treatment

An overnight treatment is an effective way of tackling specific concerns such as ageing, congestion and dullness while you sleep. Treatments such as retinol, for example, are best used while you sleep as they accelerate skin cell turnover but can make the skin more photosensitive. Likewise, treatments containing acids such as glycolic help to brighten and resurface the skin by promoting cellular turnover so should also be used overnight. Take care to follow the next morning with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Some antioxidants such as resveratrol are also suited to evening and can help to neutralise free radicals while strengthening the skin’s natural antioxidant defences and revealing visible radiance and firmness. Apply serums containing antioxidants before your usual corrective serum or treatment. The evening is also a good time to target more delicate areas such as the neck with targeted treatments.

Moisturise

Finally, all skin types, including oily and blemish prone, need moisture to maintain a healthy barrier. Without it, the skin’s natural protective mechanism is compromised and extra oil may be produced to compensate (if you have oily/ combination skin) or become very dehydrated and sensitised (if you have a drier skin type). Avoid this by applying a moisturiser suited to your skin type as the final step in your routine. This is a good time to use richer formulas that contain essential skin lipids such as ceramides, natural cholesterol, and fatty acids that will help to support the skin’s natural repair and nourishment.

Find your perfect night-time skincare routine