The Best Night Time Routine For Skin
The secret to having the best night time routine for skin is within your fingertips.
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Love the skin you’re in by cultivating the best night time routine steps with this easy guide!
Welcome to the world of skincare! If you’re new, then you’re in the right place. Skincare has become so popular that a vast majority have already developed their own night time routine for skin.
But where exactly do you start?
It’s normal to get overwhelmed at first with the plethora of information thrown at you and the many questions you may have
What’s a good night time skin routine?
What skincare products should I use at night?
At what time should I do skincare at night?
What should I apply to my face at night?
Which ingredients are safe to mix and which aren’t?
Your mind is full of questions that you don’t know the answer to. And the more you search, the more confused you get. Do I really need to put this product on my face?
You catch yourself devoting more time than usual trying to discover the formula for the best night time skin routine. It’s as if you’re trying to solve a Rubik’s cube but you can’t seem to get the same color in just one side.
Then, you come across online articles that are actually advertisements in disguise. They shove products down your throat, making you feel compelled to buy them because they make you think that this $300 moisturizer will turn back time and remove all the wrinkles from your face.
Um, okay, so if products don’t prevent aging, then why bother having a night skin care routine?
For the same reason that a typical night time routine, more often than not, includes skincare. Because our skin produces collagen in our sleep, which helps repair our skin.
And our skin isn’t just a thing of beauty. It’s a major organ that needs care and attention. Luckily, looking after it also decreases puffy eyes and often leads to a glowing complexion. So, win-win!
Following an effective night time routine for skin at home is a convenient way for you to take good care of your skin. In addition, it eliminates any excess dirt, lowers the possibility of developing blemishes and allows your skin to rejuvenate and hydrate.
Ready to get started? Take a look at the following section.
The five common skin types
Before you get out your credit card and go on a shopping spree to buy some skincare products, it’s important for you to assess your skin type. What kind of skin do you actually have?
The common skin types are:
- The normal type.
- The sensitive type.
- The dry type.
- The oily type.
- The combination skin type.
#1: The normal type.
If you have the normal type of skin, then congrats! Your skin doesn’t need any specific kind of product, and you can pretty much get away with using anything. Although, it’s always better to stay cautious when trying out new skincare products.
#2: The sensitive type.
You’ll be able to tell that you have sensitive skin if you immediately get reactions such as irritation, itchiness, swelling, etc. Luckily, there are products that cater to sensitive skin.
Just remember to “patch test” anything before putting it on your face! You can do so by simply swatching the product on your arm and see if you get any reaction from it.
#3: The dry type.
If your skin’s dry, it could be due to the weather or the environment you’re in. However, some people have dry skin permanently. A clear sign if your skin’s dry is when you have cracked skin.
Again, there are skincare products out there that target dry skin. Incorporating these products in your night skin care routine at home will definitely make a difference and might even prove more soothing and comfortable for you.
Dry skin can often feel rough and may even crack under certain conditions, which can lead to pain.
#4: The oily type.
If you have oily skin, you’re more prone to acne and often feel that your face is slippery.
This is due to the overproduction of oil by your sebaceous glands.
#5: The combination type.
Having combination skin means that you have dry and oily skin characteristics spread throughout specific areas of your face.
The best night time routine for your skin
The best night time routine for your skin is one that you can follow practically religiously and one that you can maintain. There’s no point in starting a routine that includes only luxury skincare items (La Mer anyone?) if you can only afford to buy it that one time (and really, who’s got that much money to burn?).
Also, since we’re talking about a night skin care routine at home, I need to remind you that having enough sleep is super important. Your skin rejuvenates faster while you’re sleeping. So make sure to get enough hours of adequate rest.
Why order is important for the best night time routine for skin
Imagine putting on a leave-on mask before washing your face with soap and water. Or, spraying some facial spray while you’ve got a mask on. It doesn’t make sense, right?
By the way, if that’s your actual night skincare routine, I’m sorry to say that you’re wasting money. Skincare products are not dirt cheap, and not following the proper order means you’re not getting the full benefits. Now that’s just money down the drain.
Please consider changing it.
Another thing, some products don’t go well with other products. This means that sometimes, mixing two chemicals together can harm your skin!
If you need to use chemicals, make sure that you make sure you check with your dermatologist which chemicals and exfoliants don’t jive with each other.
Step 1: (Double) Cleanser: Remove all the makeup, grime, and dirt
This is probably the most important step out of all. If you had to choose just one thing out of your entire night skin care routine, choose this one.
Whether you’re out the entire day or just at home, your face absorbs dirt and bacteria that you need to wash away. Rinsing your face with only water just doesn’t do it sometimes.
Your face has multiple layers, and it’s important to use cleansers that can penetrate through the deeper layers.
Putting on moisturizer and serums without cleansing your face can actually lead to more bacteria build-up, and that’s the exact opposite of what a skincare routine is meant to achieve.
So, what exactly is a “double cleanse,” and how do you do it?
Basically, double cleansing means using two cleansers during your night time skin care routine.
The first type of cleanser you should use must be oil-based. Its high density and potency can get rid of dirt and excess oil as well as break down makeup from your face immediately (think waterproof eye makeup).
The second cleanser you need to use is a water-based one and should contain ingredients designed to address any skin concern you may have. For example, you may need more hydration or exfoliation. The second cleanser will take care of that..
Step 2: Toners, Essences, and Boosters
Wait, so there’s a difference between these three? Technically, these three are somewhat similar but they each serve a different purpose. So, while it’s not necessary to include all of these in your night skin care routine, most people often find it beneficial when they do so.
If you want to do the same, then you’ll want to use a toner that caters to your skin type immediately after cleansing your face. Toners usually have a watery consistency, and it brings the surface of your skin’s pH level back to normalcy.
Now for essences and boosters, these two are often interchangeable, depending on your preferred consistency. Boosters have a lightweight feeling and are more concentrated compared to essences.
SIde Note: You might be feeling some sort of FOMO if you don’t have all these products incorporated in your skincare routine steps. A 10-step night skin care routine might sound ideal, but it doesn’t always have to be complex like that.
If your skincare routine steps are less than 10 and it works for you, then there’s nothing to feel FOMO about. Plus, you spend less money. Now that’s what you call cost-efficiency!
Step 3: Masks
No, I’m not talking about the face masks we use during the pandemic.
These masks are usually applied at night, providing an extra boost to your skin. They’re commonly applied once or twice a week.
Step 4: Eye Cream
Not to burst anyone’s bubble but, don’t expect any eye cream to magically remove the fine lines under your eyes. That said, eye creams often contain ingredients that cater to the especially sensitive skin under your eyes.
This means that they can decrease any puffiness you may have in the area and can subtly lessen the appearance of dark undereye circles. This is a must if you’re struggling in that department!
Side Note: If your undereye circles aren’t a problem, you can skip this product and use regular moisturizer instead.
Step 5: Serums and Peels
Serums may be powerful and lightweight, but they provide a significant impact on your skin. And the best thing is that it’s absorbed pretty quickly. Your skin will just drink it all in!
Their secret weapon? They can transport active and potent ingredients through your skin barrier, which is why it’s more effective compared to a regular moisturizer or toner.
Now, peels, on the other hand, serve as exfoliants that get rid of any excess dirt that the other products weren’t able to eradicate. But, similar to masks, peels aren’t meant to be used daily because of their high content of harsh chemicals that can alter your skin type entirely.
You’ll want to use a peel before a serum.
Step 6: Spot Treatment (optional)
Sometimes, your skin sprouts this one stubborn pimple that just won’t quit. Like seriously, that is so disrespectful and rude, popping out of nowhere without our consent?!
This is where spot treatment comes in handy. More often than not, spot treatments contain potent and high-quality ingredients that can cause your pimples to dry up quickly and leave you alone.
Bye bye, zit. You’re not welcome here.
Step 7: Moisturizer
You’re almost done with your night skincare routine at home. So if you applied the toners, serums, and that spot treatment, what good would a moisturizer do?
Moisturizers have a simple but crucial function:they serve as an extra barrier for protection. Think of it as the concluding statement of your essay. It just wouldn’t be the same without it.
Not only does it moisturize your skin (of course), but with all the ingredients you just applied, the moisturizer ensures that it will all be absorbed.
It also acts as a defense so that there are no possible irritants or dirt that can bypass it and just mess up your night skincare routine – kinda like a seal.
This is why this needs to be your last step.
And if you’re feeling lazy, you can go straight to using a moisturizer after double cleansing your face. Just make sure you choose a good one!
Step 8: Face Oil (optional)
Some skincare products can suck out the natural oils that our skin produces. Facial oils are the ultimate savior in sealing moisture in our skin, protecting it from environmental damage, and decreasing the possibility of water loss.
This is optional and often down to preference than anything else since it more or less brings the same benefits as a moisturizer;it just has a different texture.
Step 9: Lip scrub and moisturizer.
This doesn’t often factor in many night time routines for skin, but it’s actually crucial that you have a lip scrub and balm in your skincare arsenal. Our lips are still considered as skin, and a very sensitive one, at that.
So, you need to look after it by ensuring that it’s moisturized and hydrated.
You won’t need to use a lip scrub every day, but the moisturizer is a must!
The importance of waiting in between your skincare routine steps
Skincare products don’t have the same consistency and texture. Some of them are absorbed faster, and some take a longer time to sink in.
Because of this, when you immediately apply the next layer of your night skincare routine, it can result in a gloopy mess, and you’re just wasting some product.
That’s why it’s important to make sure that your skin has fully absorbed each product before you move on to the next step.
How do you know that your skin has already absorbed it? Lightly tap your skin with your fingertips. If it feels sticky rather than dry, then you should wait a little longer.
As a general rule, 30 to 60 seconds after application is long enough. Some people multitask and do other things while waiting for their products to sink in.
This is one ideal way to take advantage of the downtime by allotting it for other priorities.
For example, I like to apply body lotion while my serum is slowly being absorbed. You could try something like that too.
Some people write e-mails or do their work while in the middle of their night time routine for skin. (Although I personally don’t recommend working this late into your night routine unless absolutely necessary).
Just remember that, if you do decide to do something else, you must clean your hands before you touch your face (especially if you’re applying another product).
The best skin care routine for children and babies
What!? Children need to do something with their skin too?
Now I’m not saying you need to let your children have a full out extravagant skin care routine. Of course not!
That said:
It’s important for them to have some basic protection to prevent any skin damage and preserve what makes children’s skin silky smooth.
Yes, they also need to have their skin looked after but, unlike adults, simple skincare routine would often suffice for them – a gentle cleanser and a moisturizer.
On top of that:
A skincare routine for children would also often teach them about basic hygiene and how to take care of themselves. Yes, even at an early age.
Because children’s skins are so sensitive, you should use something natural, avoiding harsh chemicals in favor of natural ingredients.
We personally love Child’s Farm products. But you don’t have to buy anything special from the shop. Any mild soap made for gentle skin and a bit of olive oil or coconut oil applied immediately after a bath will do the trick.
Our favorite cleanser for young kids and babies
Our favorite moisturizer for young kids and babies
For loads of discounts, click here!
The best skin care routine for teens
Ah, the teen-age years – a the time for raging hormones, self-discovery and pimples. Lots of pimples.
Now, having acne as a teenager can be particularly detrimental because it can bring insecurities you never thought you’d have. Plus, with social media being all the rage now, it’s hard to not compare yourself to these people with their clear skin, beautiful bodies and 4.0 grade point average.
Teenagers can already go have their own skin care routine (follow the steps above). Just opt for gentle cleansers to help with acne and overall skin health. Avoid using harsh chemicals and skincare products that contain fragrances as much as possible.
In fact, this holds true regardless of age:
Where you can avoid harsh chemicals, then avoid them.
Here are our favorite skin care products for the best skin care routine for teens:
Our favorite cleanser for teen skin
Our favorite moisturizer for teen skin
For 15% off these two products, click here!
The best skin care routine during your 20s
As someone in their roaring 20s, I take pride in my skincare routine. I wouldn’t say I’m an expert in this field but, it’s pretty common for young adults to begin diving into the skincare world.
If you’re in your 20s, just like me, then perhaps you already know what works for you and are just looking for tips to elevate your night time routine.
This is the stage when people quite often experiment with skincare products. This experimentation is actually quite helpful. You want to know if something works before committing to it.
Believe it or not, this is also the best time to anti-aging products.
Yes, you’re young.
Yes, you have all the time in the world.
No, that’s not gonna last forever.
Prevention is much better than cure. And adding anti-aging products now will save you energy and effort in the future. It’s harder to get rid of them after you’ve developed wrinkles and saggy skin.
You’ll also want something that will boost collagen production. And for that, you’ll need some vitamin C – applied topically instead of ingested.
That said:
It’s best to include this in your night skincare routine (instead of morning) to avoid any photosensitivity issues during the day.
Also:
Overindulgence of vices can have a negative effect on your skin condition. For example, research says that smoking actually causes your skin to dry out and look older. So, avoid where you can. If you’re already smoking,quitting can be hard, so try to do baby steps and decrease your intake little by little.
Our favorite vitamin C serum for 20-year-old skin
Our favorite collagen serum for 20-year-old skin
For 15% off these two products, click here!
The best skin care routine for your 30s
Being in your 30s means more responsibilities. Stress is inevitable, and sometimes the signs of stress can appear in your skin. It’s not so easy balancing your busy schedule but do try to take it easy on yourself.
For more info on self-care:
This is also the time that you begin to see signs of aging as your production of collagen and elastin decreases. It’s a natural phenomenon, and everyone goes through it.
If you weren’t able to incorporate anti-aging skincare products in your skincare routine during your 20s, it’s best to do it now.
Focus on skincare products that have hydrating properties, allowing moisture back into your skin and sealing it in. Also, take note of products that include hyaluronic acid or glycerin as one of their main ingredients. These two are classified as humectants that attract and retain moisture.
Your night skincare routine at home should begin now.
Side Note: If you’re beginning your skincare journey just now, make sure to build your tolerance with certain chemicals first to avoid any painful skin reactions.
Our favorite hyaluronic acid toner for 30-year-old skin
Our favorite hyaluronic acid moisturizer for 30-year-old skin
For 15% off these two products, click here!
The best skin care routine for your 40s
If I’ve not mentioned it yet, let me say it now:
The first step you of the best skincare routine for any age is having a healthy diet.
Consuming healthier food makes a huge difference in your overall skin condition. And the ability to do that starts with being conscious of what you put inside your body. Of course, eating your favorite greasy food every once in a while wouldn’t hurt. Everything in moderation, right?
This becomes even more important the older you get – for obvious reasons. It’s not just your collagen production that slows down as you age. Your metabolism does, too.In terms of skincare products, again, look for products that include hydrating properties like ceramides.
But what are ceramides?
Ceramides are lipids that moisturize and strengthen the protective barrier of your skin.
Also, keep an eye out for your undereye area. You may find that you’re prone to dark circles at this age, so incorporating an anti-aging eye cream is also necessary.
You may also want to use retinol-based products to combat aging. Retinol is a retinoid that unclogs your pores and gets rid of dead skin cells, which results in giving you a youthful glow.
If you still have no clue on what specific products to use, then consulting a dermatologist is your best option.
Our favorite eye cream for 40-year-olds
Our favorite retinol for 40-year-olds
For 15% off these two products, click here and here!
The best skin care routine for your 50s
When I was younger, I thought people in their 50s were “old.” Now that I’m in my 20s, my perspective has changed. In fact, now, some people believe 50 is the new 20..
That said:
This is the age when most people experience moisture loss, which is why wrinkles and saggy skin appear.
So, retaining moisture is, again, an essential part of your night skincare routine. This is your skin’s new best friend.
You might think that it’s too late to develop a night skincare routine at home, but actually, it’s quite the opposite. In fact, it’s never really too late to start one.
And even if you do have an established night time routine for skin, you might want to consider switching it up.
Why?
Because it’s also common for people’s skin types to change once you reach your fifties.
This is when your skin is more likely to suddenly be sensitive. If you were fond of using harsh chemicals back in the day, try skincare products with a gentler formula this time around.
Our favorite night moisturizer for 50-year-olds
Our favorite anti-aging eye cream for 50-year-olds
For 15% off these two products, click here!
The best skin care routine for your 60s
Who says people in their 60s can’t take care of their skin anymore? Even at this age, it’s very important to curate your own skincare regimen.
Don’t let anyone stop you!
Exfoliation is key if you want to achieve glowy skin that looks fresh and young. Go for products that mildly exfoliate but are just as effective as a regular exfoliant.
Daily cleansing is necessary and should be included in your skin ritual by now.
No one would be judging you for having mature skin (And even if they did, that’s on them). Just remember that some skincare products may not be as effective as when you were younger.
Doing some face yoga combined with tailor-made products may be your best bet if you want younger-looking skin.
Our favorite face exfoliator for 60-year-olds
Our favorite overnight mask for 60-year-olds
For 15% off these two products, click here!
The best skin care routine for your 70s
Better healthcare and healthier lifestyles mean that the life expectancy rate is higher now than it’s ever been.
Mature skin is part and parcel of hitting this age. It’s unavoidable but it doesn’t mean that you can’t do anything about it.
Sure, some people may think that focusing on your looks at this age is shallow or vain, but what they think of you doesn’t matter. What you think of you matters most. And if looking after your skin makes you feel good, then why stop?
Having a nighttime routine for your skin during your 70s is just as important as when you were younger.
Dryness is a common occurrence for mature skin, so you should use a thicker moisturizer in your skincare routine steps. You’ll want to go for products that are marketed for winter use.
Also, avoid (if you can) skincare products that contain fragrances because this will likely cause irritation.
Using products with clean ingredients would be your best bet since the most important thing you should always do is to protect the barrier of your skin.
Drinking a lot of water also helps keep your skin plump and youthful-looking because it promotes skin elasticity and can increase blood flow, giving the skin an even tone.
Our favorite moisturizer for 70-year-olds
Our favorite deep hydration mask for 70-year-olds
For 15% off these two products, click here!
Final tips on the best night time routine for skin
Congratulations, you’ve reached the end of this article!
I hope you feel much more ready now to create your night skincare routine.
Remember:
There’s no age limit to skincare! It caters to everyone of every age and every skin type.
More importantly, no matter how old you are, it’s always good to take care of your skin. It’s not just for aesthetic purposes. Taking good care of your skin means you’re less likely to develop any skin problems later on that could involve medical intervention.
There’s also no one single product that works universally. You’ll need to experiment to see which one would be a good match for your skin (take a look at our favorite products to start you off).
Good luck and have fun!
Disclaimer: This is a comprehensive guide but is by no means professional advice. If you have a skin condition, please consult your dermatologist.
