Night Skin Care Routine: Importance, Steps and Order

Clay masks are ideal for oily, acne prone skin at night to remove excess oils and buildup. Masks work by unclogging pores and preventing breakouts by drawing out excess oils from the skin and removing dead skin cells. Since it is porous, it absorbs the impurities from your skin to leave smooth, soft skin. For those with extremely oily skin, clay masks help to absorb extra oil by acting like a sponge, especially during hot weather. The most common ingredients of clay masks are green clay, bentonite clay, kaolin and rhassoul clay. Apply an even layer across your face and neck. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes until dry, then rinse with warm water.

Exfoliators are either a face scrub with physical particles to scrub the skin or with chemical exfoliation with AHA and BHA’s. When using a face scrub, be gentle as you massage to avoid microtears in the skin. Chemical exfoliants are irritating for some sensitive skin so follow the directions of the product and discontinue use if irritation occurs. Exfoliate 1-2 times a week at night after using a gentle cleanser.

A toner is designed to cleanse the skin, remove dirt, bacteria and make up. It gives an extra deep clean after your cleanser. Toners are often a water-based product and prepares your skin for the next line of your night skin care routine. It helps balance your skin’s pH levels and soothes the skin. The main types of toners are astringents, which are often for acne prone skin and contains the highest amount of alcohol or witch hazel. Hydrating toners are moisturizing, and mists, which are used throughout the day to refresh your skin. Hydrating toners are for dry or sensitive skin as alcohol, which irritates these skin types.

To apply a toner, moisten a pad and gently work across your face or just pat it on your skin. Hydrating mist toners are sprayed evenly across the skin. Let it dry and then continue with your night time face routine.

Statistically, 80% of people aged 11 to 30 experience acne, which includes pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. 30 to 40% of adults may have persistent blemishes on their skin.

Spot treatments are a serum, cream, gel or a patch that is specifically designed to remove blemishes or dark spots in a concentrated area.

There are different ingredients for spot treatments aimed at reducing inflammation and redness in the skin while targeting acne-causing bacteria. Common spot treatment ingredients are retinoids, salicylic acid and niacinamide.

First, cleanse and pat dry the skin. Spot treatments are applied directly to the blemishes after they are formed or on dark spots and pigmentation in individual drops to allow it to work overnight while you sleep. It is best to check the directions properly to ensure that you’re using the product as intended.

The difference between serums and essences depends on factors such as texture, consistency, concentration of active ingredients and function. Serums are thicker, gel-like or even slightly oily. Essences are lighter and more watery. Nighttime serums contain active ingredients like antioxidants, peptides and acids. Essences focus more on hydrating the skin to prepare it to absorb the next products to be applied. Retinol, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid and niacinamide are common ingredients in serums while essences typically have glycerin and hyaluronic acid.

Both serums and essences are applied after the toner and before the moisturizer at night, essences are made to hydrate and nourish the skin. Serums are targeted towards fine lines and blemishes.

Which one should you use? Both products greatly benefit your skin. Essence should be applied before serum since you’re applying products from lightest to heaviest consistency. Use a serum if you have particular goals with your skin care routine like acne, wrinkles or brightening.

Apply 1-2 drops of both serum and essence and spread evenly across clean, dry skin.

Retinol is a common ingredient in skin care but is a standalone skin care product. Retinoids are a form of vitamin A that has anti-aging effects and encourages skin cell production. It helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes and fine lines. Retinol comes in the form of gel, cream, lotion and ointment. Retinol is used for acne and acne scars.

To use retinol, you need to do a skin test first. Sensitive skin and dry skin types should test a sample or consult a dermatologist as retinol is be drying and irritating. Try it on a small part of your skin to check if you will have any adverse reaction. If the skin does not get itchy or shows any redness, it is safe to add retinol to your nighttime face routine. Start retinol every 1-2 days with small drops then gradually increase to daily usage.

The ADD suggests, “"Nighttime is ideal for applying treatments like retinoids, which can help reduce fine lines and improve skin texture. Start with a lower concentration if you're new to retinoids."

Retinol is used at night as it causes sensitivity to sunlight for some. Discontinue use of retinol if you observe any sort of adverse effects such as redness, itchiness, burning sensation or dryness and irritation. Bakuchiol and phyto-retinol (plant based) are good alternatives for sensitive skin.

Hydrating masks are made of thin sheets of cotton or fiber. It is soaked in serum and packed individually so you open it and apply directly to your face. These masks hydrate, soothe, detoxify, open clogged pores, brighten and make your skin glow. Masks offer various active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides and collagen.

The Cleveland Clinic advises, "Nighttime is the best time to use anti-aging products. Retinoids and other active ingredients work best at night because they can be broken down by sunlight. These products help with collagen production and skin renewal."

After cleansing and drying your skin, sheet masks are often placed on your face for a minimum of 15 minutes but some that are used for 30 minutes to get optimal results. Sheet masks are used at night to provide extra hydration while you sleep.

Moisturizers and night creams are thicker and heavier to provide extra hydration overnight, with active ingredients to address different skin concerns. Night creams are formulated to slow aging, help your skin recover from the day, plump the skin and provide nourishment.

Common ingredients of night moisturizers include aloe vera, chamomile, oatmeal, honey, niacinamide, peptides, retinol, green tea and shea butter. Around 80% of women and 50% of men use a moisturizer regularly, showing the importance of this product in daily skincare routines.

The American Academy of Dermatology says, "After cleansing, apply a moisturizer to help your skin repair itself overnight. Look for products containing hyaluronic acid or glycerin to lock in moisture."

To apply a night cream, take a quarter-sized amount of the cream, dab it on your face and gently massage it on your skin, then let it dry.

Face oils are mostly used to lock in moisture on the skin. It contains nutrients and fatty acids to repair the outer layer of your skin. It helps to minimize wrinkles and even out your skin discoloration.

Common ingredients used in face oils are vitamin E, linoleic acid, sunflower oil, jojoba oil and squalene. Since this is the densest product among all of your skin care, this should be applied last, after the moisturizer.

Face oils are applied by putting a few drops on your palm, rubbing your palms together then gently pressing the oil into your face at night.

It is important to have a skin care routine at night because your body, and more specifically, your skin, does all its healing at night. The night skin care routine is the time to remove all of the grime and dirt that you’ve accumulated throughout the day and replenish your skin so it recovers while you sleep. Cell regeneration and detoxification happens when your body and skin as you sleep.

Each year, approximately 15 million cosmetic procedures were performed in the U.S., with skin-related treatments like Botox, chemical peels, and laser treatments. A proper routine helps reduce the need for expensive procedures.

A complete and customized skin care routine provides your skin with the proper nutrients that it needs during the night so you can wake up with beautiful and glowing skin. An incomplete night skin care routine could leave excess oils, buildup and makeup which clogs your pores- leading to blemishes and breakouts. Without the additional moisture and nutrients, your skin begins to age prematurely, leading to wrinkles and fine lines.

The Mayo Clinic suggests, “"Always remove makeup before bed to prevent clogged pores and skin irritation. Use a makeup remover or micellar water to ensure your skin is thoroughly clean."

There are 4 benefits of a skin care routine at night include effectively removing dirt, maximizing the absorption of the ingredients of each product, slowing the aging process, and preventing long term damage to your skin.

• Cleansing : Get rid of dirt, grime and make up – you never want to sleep with buildup on your skin as it does damage while you are sleeping and prevents detoxification while leading to blemishes and breakouts.

• Enhancing : Maximize the effects of the products by applying them in the proper order so each skin care product is fully absorbed to properly moisturize, nourish, reduce wrinkles and tackle various skin conditions.

• Anti-aging : Slow down aging by boosting collagen and elastin and protecting your skin from antioxidants. You can’t stop aging, but you can prevent fine lines, wrinkles and skin dullness, which are all indications of aging.

• Protecting : prevent long term damage by providing proper hydration and active ingredients to allow the skin to properly heal and protect itself. Other skin care products help prevent moisture loss, collagen and elastin degradation and encourage cellular turnover.

The Skin Cancer Foundation advises, "Nighttime skincare is an opportunity to repair skin damage caused by UV exposure during the day. Using products with antioxidants like vitamin C and E can help neutralize free radicals."

Yes, you need to remove your make up before you start a nighttime face routine. Makeup products contain ingredients that potentially damage your skin if you do not remove it at the end of the day. It clogs your pores, which results in acne, dark spots, breakouts, and blemishes.

Makeup left on the skin prevents your night skin care products from properly absorbing. Gentle cleansers typically are not strong enough to remove makeup. Dermatologists suggest proper makeup removers or cleansing oils as a pre-cleanse stage to remove makeup and then follow with a gentle cleanser or micellar water to fully cleanse the skin and prepare it for other products.

The British Association of Dermatologists recommends Double Cleansing (if needed): "For those who wear heavy makeup or sunscreen, double cleansing can be beneficial. Start with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup, followed by a gentle foaming cleanser to remove any residue."

Night skin care routines vary based on your skin type because each skin type has unique needs. Skin type should always be taken into consideration when using nighttime skin care routine order as each skin type has different need in terms of active ingredients and possible additional steps. A product that is intended for oily skin should not be used on dry skin and vice versa.

There are 5 main skin types including normal skin, oily skin, dry skin, combination skin and sensitive skin with only 20-30% of people having normal skin.

Normal skin is the least problematic type of skin as it is well balanced, not too oily and not too dry. You can get away with just the basic night skin care routine if you have normal skin.

Oily skin is considered to be a bit greasy and prone to breakouts and acne due to excess production of sebum. It appears to be shiny and sweaty, especially during the day when exposed to sunlight. Staying hydrated plus a good moisturizer helps with this skin type.

Dry skin is lacking proper moisture whether from internal, external or genetic factors. Dry skin is prone to irritation and is sometimes rough and flaky. You have to be careful when choosing your night time face routine as some ingredients aggravate dryness. Choose the gentler, moisturizing products.

Combination skin is a mix of oily and dry skin where the T zone is oily and the rest are dry. It is ideal to use two separate skin care routines for this type of skin and opt for oil free products. Exfoliating once a week is recommended.

Sensitive skin is hardest to take care of as you need to test each product carefully to avoid adverse reactions and are limited in active ingredients you use. The fragility of sensitive skin makes it prone to redness, itching, allergies and infections.

To determine your skin type, first wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. After 30 minutes, get a sheet of blotting paper and pat it on your skin gently. Hold it against a bright light to see if it shows oil or not. If there’s no oil, you have dry skin, if you see oil on the T zone, you have combination skin, if you see oil on the whole sheet, you have oily skin.

The other way to check your skin type is the Bare Face Method – wash your face with a mild cleanser and gently pat it dry. Do not apply any product then check your face after 30 minutes for any shine. If your skin looks dry or tight when you move or smile, you have dry skin, if it’s shiny, you have oily skin.

To personalize your skin care routine, first determine your skin type, then you tailor your night time face routine to your needs. If you have normal skin, start with just the minimum products and don’t have to go through a lot of testing. For oily skin, you just need to ensure that the products you are going to use minimizes the production of sebum and not add excess moisture or oils. For dry skin, choose the products with the most hydration and opt for a good moisturizer with additional steps like a face oil. Avoid alcohol, retinol and other drying ingredients for dry skin. Sensitive skin should limit the steps and test each one to avoid allergies and irritation. Sensitive skin is limited by the active ingredients they use. Whenever choosing a skincare routine, avoid harsh chemicals, toxins, hormone disruptors and cheap fillers. Choose natural and organic formulations that nourish your skin.

There are important tips to get the most out of your skin care routine no matter your skin type or how many steps are in your night routine. There are 6 main tips to maximize your skin care routine including protecting your skin from UV damage, don’t smoke, be gentle on your skin, eat well, avoid stress and avoid harsh chemicals.

• Protecting : Protect your skin from UV damage. Use a sunscreen that is at least SPF 15 and reapply every few hours. This ensures that your skin does not get damaged by the sun. Go in the shade as much as possible, especially if you are at the beach or you’re out during the hottest part of the day. Wear as much protective clothing as possible and pair it with wide brimmed hats if you can’t avoid walking or being out in the sun.

• Smoking: Smoking is one of the worst ways to damage your skin. Smoking doesn’t only damage your lungs, smoking wreaks havoc on your skin. It contributes to wrinkles, aging, skin discoloration and lack of skin elasticity. You may be at risk of skin cancer.

• Preserving: Be gentle on your skin. With all the products you are using day and night, don’t overdo it. Avoid skin care products that are too strong or have chemicals that are harsh on your skin. Stacking too many active ingredients can do more harm than good on your skin’s delicate microbiome. Use a towel that is made of soft material when you bathe, and do not rub your skin roughly when drying. If you need to shave, do it gently and shave in the direction that the hair grows and not against it.

• Eating : Maintain a balanced diet. No matter how great your skin care routine may be, if you are putting junk inside your body, it shows as breakouts, acne, dark spots and other blemishes. Check your diet and make sure that the majority of what you eat are whole foods and not processed.

• Stressing : Avoid stress. Stress is one of the ignored elements in skin care. When you’re stressed, it shows up on your skin in the form of breakouts. Take time to relax, get enough sleep, do not overdo anything. Find time to enjoy what gives you pleasure.

• Avoiding : Avoid chemical filled products. Cheap skin care products are filled with cheap chemical ingredients which often cause more harm than good. These chemicals are linked to irritation, cancer, hormone disruption and even cause the skin conditions they claim to cure. Choose natural and organic formulations that provide nourishment and hydration from real plants.

It is common to make mistakes in your night skin care routine. Understanding these errors means you optimize your regimen and ensure that your skin gets the nutrients it needs during the night.

5 mistakes to avoid include contaminating, rubbing too hard, over exfoliating, being dehydrated and mixing the order of your routine

• Contaminating : Using your fingers to dip into the jars. You know that your hands are clean but there may be bacteria lingering in your fingers or nails that you do not see so avoid using your fingers to dip directly into the jar. Instead, use a spatula or a cotton swab and then transfer to your fingers or palm.

• Rubbing : Rubbing the products roughly on your skin. No matter what skin type you have, it is best to be gentle when putting the products on your face. Pat or rub gently on your skin when applying the products.

• Exfoliating : Exfoliating is great to get rid of dead skin cells and let the new cells emerge but if you do it too often, you may end up damaging your skin irreparably. Exfoliate only a few times each week as that is enough to ensure that your skin is thoroughly clean.

• Dehydrating : Water is essential for a healthy skin. If you don’t drink enough water, your skin becomes dull and dry. Do not rely on juices or other colored drinks for hydration. Make sure that you’re drinking enough water to hydrate your skin.

• Mixing Order : Using skin care in the wrong order. Nighttime skin care routine order is done in a specific way to ensure that your is able to absorb the products properly and maximize its effects. You should start with the lightest and go on to the heaviest consistency.

There are 4 main signs that indicate your night skin care routine does not suit your skin. These are breakouts, irritation, redness, and no improvements.

• Breakouts – Check the ingredients and products added to your routine if you are seeing more breakouts on your skin after you started your skin care routine. They can be clogging your pores, adding too much oil or causing an allergic reaction.

• Irritation – this mostly happens when you have dry or sensitive skin as you need to be extra careful when applying products to your face. Make sure that you do a patch test on your inner elbow prior to using anything on your face. Then slowly introduce it to your face a few days per week before doing it everyday with stronger active ingredients.

• Redness – irritation occurs when blood vessels flare up if the products you are using are not suited to your skin. Stop using the products immediately, give your skin time to heal and then slowly test other products one at a time to see what caused the irritation.

• No improvements – you may not be seeing any red flags on your skin but if there is no improvement after you’ve been using your skin care routine for a few weeks, consider changing the products to find something that works.

Yes, skipping your night skin care routine steps leads to skin issues like acne, clogged pores, dehydration and even premature aging. This leads to missing out on the hydration and repair that happens only during the night. Acne affects approximately 50 million people a year.

Although there are nights when you do not feel like going through all the steps in your skin care routine as you’re too tired or too lazy to do it, it’s not a good idea to skip your night time face routine as it hinders the progress that you’ve been making. An example is if you’re trying to minimize breakouts or acne. you may find that in the morning when you wake up, acne is already starting to form because of clogged pores and bacteria If you skip your skin care routine.

By following your nighttime skin care routine order, it greatly benefits the skin, prevents skin conditions, and encourages a healthy complexion. Remove impurities and excess oil, reduce the risks of skin breakouts, and prevent clogged pores.

There are similarities and differences between the products you use for morning skin care and your night time routine. Your morning skin care routine is geared primarily to protect your skin from everything that you are exposed to during the day such as the sun, pollutants, dirt, grime and other elements. This routine would use a gentle cleanser, light moisturizers and include SPF protection. In the evening, your skin care routine is focused on repairing and rejuvenating your skin. The night routine would use thicker moisturizers and added steps of exfoliation, face oils and active ingredients as desired.