Evening Skincare Routine
During the day, the skin becomes prone to environmental elements that build dirt and oil on the skin’s surface. At night, the skin works to repair itself, actively growing new skin cells that remove daytime damage. Your skin routine during the day should ideally focus on protection from harsh elements while your nighttime regimen should work on restoration. Helping your skin with natural rejuvenation at night will make it more durable during the day and keep damaging factors like the sun, wind, stress and debris from penetrating the epidermal layer. A nighttime skin care routine that focuses on repair and hydration can keep your complexion clear and your skin firm.
There are three main steps to an evening skincare routine.
Cleanser: This will get rid of any lingering dirt.
Spot Treatment: Breakouts can be effectively treated at night with anti-inflammatory and drying products.
Night Cream or Sleep Mask: A richer moisturizer to assist with skin repair.
EVENING ROUTINE
Makeup Remover
Cleanser
Exfoliator or Clay Mask
Hydrating Mist or Toner
Acid Treatment
Serums and Essences
Spot Treatment
Hydrating Serum or Mask
Eye Cream
Face Oil
Night Cream or Sleep Mask
MAKEUP REMOVER
What is it? As well as dissolving the natural oils produced by your skin, an oil-based cleanser can break down oily ingredients found in makeup.
How to use it? Follow the specific product instructions. You may be advised to apply the makeup remover on wet or dry skin. Once applied, massage in until skin is clean then rinse with water.
CLEANSER
What is it? The right formula cleanses your skin without stripping essential, healthy oils. Combination skin is best cleansed with a foaming face wash or a liquid cream cleanser. The foaming liquid is best for more oily skin, and the cream cleanser is best for more dry skin.
How to use it? Massage into wet skin and rinse with water before drying.
EXFOLIATOR OR CLAY MASK
What is it? Exfoliation removes dead skin cells while decongesting pores. Clay masks work to unclog pores, but can also absorb excess oil. These masks are best applied at night to remove leftover dirt and help the skin soak up other products.
How to use it? Once or twice a week, apply the clay mask all over or to specific problem areas. Leave on for the recommended time, then rinse with warm water and pat dry. Exfoliants have different application methods, so follow product instructions.
HYDRATING MIST OR TONER
What is it? A hydrating mist or toner marks the end of your nighttime cleansing routine. Look out for humectant ingredients — lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, and glycerine — to really give skin a moisture boost.
How to use it? Spritz mists over your face. For toners, apply the product to a cotton pad and swipe over the skin.
ACID TREATMENT
What is it? Dousing your face in acid may sound scary, but this skin care treatment can encourage cell turnover. Beginners may want to try glycolic acid. Other options include acne-busting salicylic acid and moisturizing hyaluronic acid. Over time, you should notice a brighter and more even complexion.
How to use it? Start once a week with the goal of using every night. Do a patch test at least 24 hours before first use. Add a few drops of the solution to a cotton pad and sweep across the face. Make sure to avoid the eye area.
SERUMS AND ESSENCES
What is it? Serums deliver powerful ingredients directly to the skin. An essence is simply a watered-down version. Vitamin E is great for dry skin, while antioxidants like green tea extract can be used on dull complexions. If you’re prone to breakouts, try retinol or Vitamin C.
How to use it? Carry out a patch test 24 hours before using a new serum or essence. If skin looks good, dispense the product into your hand and press into your skin. You can layer multiple products. Just apply water-based ones before oil-based and wait around 30 seconds between each.
SPOT TREATMENT
What is it? Anti-inflammatory products are for blemishes with a head. Follow with a spot-drying treatment. Ones that dry visibly are great for nighttime use.
How to use it? Make sure skin is clean. Apply a small amount of product and leave to dry.
HYDRATING SERUM OR MASK
What is it? Some products can clog pores, but hydrating masks aren’t one of them. With the ability to pack a real moisture punch, they’re ideal for dry skin.
How to use it? These masks can come in various forms. Some are serums. Others are Korean-style sheet masks. And some are even designed to be left on overnight. If this is the case, apply it at the end of your routine. Just follow the instructions on the pack and you’re good to go.
EYE CREAM
What is it? A richer nighttime eye cream can help improve appearance-related issues, like tiredness and fine lines. Look for a high concentration of peptides and antioxidants.
How to use it? Apply a small amount of cream to the eye area and dab in.
FACE OIL
What is it? A nighttime oil is ideal for dry or dehydrated skin. The evening is the best time to apply thicker oils that may result in an unwanted shiny complexion.
How to use it? Pat a few drops into the skin. Make sure no other product is applied on top for the best results.
NIGHT CREAM OR SLEEP MASK
What is it? Night creams are a totally optional last step, but they can be worthwhile. While day creams are designed to protect the skin, these rich moisturizers help cell repair. Sleep masks, on the other hand, seal in all your other products and contain hydrating ingredients mild enough to be kept on overnight.
How to use it? Warm a small amount of product in your hands before distributing it evenly across your face.
source: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/order-of-skin-care#night-routine
