You might not think of your nighttime skin care routine as being all that important, but it’s actually the most essential part of your daily skin care regimen! While you sleep, your body restores itself and produces new cells, meaning that you should make sure to apply night cream every night before bed in order to make your skin healthy and glowing by morning. Here are five nighttime skin care tips you might not have heard of that will actually help get rid of wrinkles, blemishes and other skin issues—all while you sleep!
1.) Exfoliate Your skin
Perhaps obvious to some, but exfoliating your skin before bed is a crucial step to nighttime skincare and isn’t just part of your morning “wake-me-up” routine. As you sleep, the natural oils and dead skin cells on your face will accumulate and can clog your pores. Exfoliating with a product that contains alpha-hydroxy acids like glycolic or lactic acid will help remove dead skin cells, brighten your complexion, and decrease breakouts. Plus, it’s great for removing makeup as well!
2.) Apply a Retinol Serum Before You Sleep
A retinol serum before bed can help your skin regenerate and repair itself…so be sure to apply this type of serum one to two hours before bed, then apply your nighttime moisturizer. Wait at least 15 minutes for the serum to absorb into the skin before applying your night cream, or allow it to absorb on its own overnight. The important thing is that you use this skincare routine while you are sleeping. Your skin repairs itself during sleep. Be sure to wear sunscreen every day: Sunscreen is key in preventing wrinkles, acne and dark spots from developing on your face throughout the years.
3.) Use an Overnight Mask
Overnight masks are great because they can be applied before bed and you don’t have to worry about them wearing off in the middle of the night. If you want your skin to look brighter, opt for a mask with a hydrating ingredient like coconut water or hyaluronic acid. If you need help with acne, try a clay-based mask that will absorb any excess oils on your skin. First, apply a cleanser. Follow up by using an exfoliator such as retinol or chemical peel that removes dead cells and impurities from the skin’s surface. Use a soothing moisturizer if you feel dry.
After applying these products, put on an overnight mask. Be sure to avoid fragrances since these ingredients may react negatively with your other skincare products when it’s time to wash them off in the morning!
To complete your nighttime routine, use lip balm and finally apply eye cream around your eyes area which is often one of the first places where wrinkles show up!
4.) Don’t Forget About Your Neck and Chest
The neck and chest are often neglected when it comes to nighttime skin care. But these areas can also be prone to breakouts, so it’s worth taking a few minutes to cleanse and moisturize them before bed. It’s equally important to make sure that you dry your skin after showering or washing your face; damp skin is more vulnerable to acne-causing bacteria. If you’re looking for something new, try using silk pillowcases in order to prevent irritation on the delicate facial skin.
5.) The Obvious: Remove That Makeup!
Washing your face before bed is a must for nighttime skincare. Makeup can clog pores and cause breakouts, so always take the time to clean your skin when you head to bed. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry. If you use an eye cream, be sure to apply it now before continuing with the rest of your nighttime skincare routine. Lastly, apply moisturizer all over your face, neck and chest area.
