4 Steps of an Effective Nighttime Skincare Routine
Lots of women pay the deserved attention to their morning skincare routine that keeps their skin hydrated and protected throughout the day, but can’t commit to doing the bare minimum in the evening, claiming they don’t have time or are too tired. But your nighttime skincare routine doesn’t have to be a lengthy and elaborate process! In just 5 minutes and several basic steps, you’ll prepare your skin for the beauty sleep.Your morning and evening skincare routines are equally important and serve different purposes. In the morning, you focus on moisturizing your skin and making sure it’s protected from the UV rays, pollution and other environmental stressors, whereas nighttime skincare routine is all about cleansing and nourishing your skin. While you sleep, your skin repairs itself and absorbs nutrients better than during the day, so overnight creams and masks aren’t just a marketing trick; they actually work. If you follow these simple steps every night before going to bed, your skin will always be in top shape.
Step 1. Remove Makeup & Cleanse
You may skip the rest of the steps every now and then, but you must always remove your makeup before going to bed, regardless of how minimal it is. No exceptions. A cleanser isn’t enough to remove everything, especially if you use waterproof products, so using a gentle makeup remover and a cotton pad should be the first step of your nighttime skincare routine. If you’re too tired, you can use makeup remover wipes for a quick makeup removal, but don’t make a habit out of it.
Once you’re done, wash your face with a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type. It will remove any makeup residue left on your skin, as well as excess skin oil and other impurities, without stripping your skin of moisture. Thorough cleansing before going to bed is essential to prevent pore clogging, blackheads, and breakouts. And please, don’t dry your skin by rubbing it with a towel; instead, lightly pat or blot it dry.
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Step 2. Tone
Even gentle cleansers may disrupt your skin’s pH. Applying toner after cleansing will balance pH and moisture levels, as well as prepare your skin for the active ingredients of the products you use afterwards. It will also relieve any irritation your skin may have developed during the day; if you have irritation-prone skin, opt for alcohol-free toner with soothing ingredients, such as aloe, chamomile or lavender.
Check this out: Dr. Sante Pure Code Facial Toner for All Skin Types
Step 3. Moisturize, Nourish and Pamper
Now it’s time to give your skin all the nutrients it needs. If you have normal skin with no particular issues, night cream or overnight mask will do. Nighttime products tend to be richer and thicker than day moisturizers because they contain more nutrients and don’t need to absorb as quickly as possible. Don’t apply moisturizer to the skin around your eyes! That’s step 4.
If you use other nourishing products, such as serum or oil, you need to apply them before night cream. Serums are potent skincare products with a high concentration of active ingredients; they’re usually targeted at specific skin problems. Overnight face oil moisturizes and nourishes the skin, improves its restoration, and gives you a bright and glowing complexion. If you want to use both products, apply serum first and follow up with oil because lighter products should be applied before heavier ones.
Check this out: How to Choose the Right Facial Serum for Your Skin
Step 4. Apply Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is thinner and more sensitive than it is elsewhere, so it needs special care. Eye creams provide it with targeted treatment, such as intensive hydration and prevention of under eye bags, dark circles, premature fine lines and wrinkles.
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