The Best Order to Apply Your Nighttime Skincare Routine

No matter your skin type, following the right steps in your evening routine can make a huge difference. Here’s a simple guide to layering your skincare products effectively before bed.

Step 1: Cleansing

Start by removing make-up thoroughly with a gentle yet effective option like micellar water or cleansing milk. If you're wearing waterproof makeup, an oil-based cleanser is your best bet. Once your skin is make-up free, cleanse it with a foam or gel-based face wash to remove any remaining impurities.

Step 2: Toning

A toner is often overlooked, but it plays a key role in maintaining balanced skin. It helps restore pH levels and minimize the appearance of large pores, especially for oily skin types. If you have dry skin, opt for a hydrating toner to replenish moisture levels.

Step 3: Serum

Take your skincare to the next level by incorporating a serum. Look for formulas containing active ingredients like glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, or retinol, depending on your skin's needs. Choose serums that target specific concerns like dark spots or dehydration to give your skin a plump, refreshed appearance.

Step 4: Eye Cream

Many people skip this step, but eye cream is essential. The skin around your eyes is delicate and more prone to signs of aging. A regular eye cream application at night helps brighten, hydrate, and protect this sensitive area. Your future self will thank you!

Step 5: Moisturizing

Lock in all the previous skincare steps with a nourishing night cream or moisturizer. A good nighttime formula should combat dullness, hydrate deeply, and support overnight skin regeneration, ensuring you wake up with a fresh, glowing complexion.

Bonus: Masks, Exfoliators & Patches

For those extra self-care moments, treat your skin to a hydrating sheet mask or eye patches—but no more than twice a week. For best results, start with exfoliation, follow up with a serum, and then apply your mask. Finish with the rest of your nighttime routine to maximize the benefits.

By following these steps, you'll build a simple yet effective nighttime skincare routine that keeps your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing!

 

Are You Guilty of Sleeping with Makeup On? Here’s Why You Shouldn’t!

Let’s be honest if you wear makeup regularly, you’ve probably gone to bed with it on at least once. After a long, exhausting day, skipping your nighttime skincare routine might seem harmless. But trust me, it’s one of the biggest mistakes you can make when it comes to skin health.

At night, while you sleep, your skin enters recovery mode, repairing itself from the daily exposure to environmental stressors. If you’re not properly cleansing and treating your skin before bed, you’re missing out on this crucial rejuvenation process. To help you avoid common skincare mistakes and establish a solid nighttime routine, I’ve put together this guide. Let’s dive in!

Why Is Skincare Before Bed So Important?

Throughout the day, your skin is exposed to a barrage of pollutants dirt, oil, sun exposure, and environmental toxins. If you also wear makeup, that’s an extra layer of buildup that clogs your pores and prevents your skin from breathing.

When you sleep, your body works to repair and regenerate skin cells. But if your pores are congested, this process is disrupted, leading to dullness, breakouts, and premature aging. That’s why it’s essential to remove dirt, impurities, and makeup before bed. By committing to a nighttime skincare routine, you’re giving your skin the best chance to renew itself overnight—so you can wake up with a fresh, glowing complexion every morning.

Now that you know why skincare before bed is a must, let’s explore the best practices and products to include in your nighttime routine!

Morning vs. Night Skincare: What’s the Difference?

Your morning skincare routine is all about protection. Throughout the day, your skin faces environmental stressors like UV rays, pollution, and dirt. That’s why applying sunscreen (which you absolutely should!) helps prevent sun damage, premature aging, and even reduces the risk of skin cancer.

On the other hand, nighttime skincare is focused on recovery and repair. While you sleep, your skin works overtime to regenerate, making it the perfect time to apply nourishing, rich skincare products that might feel too heavy during the day.

When Should You Do Your Nighttime Skincare Routine?

There’s no strict rule on timing as long as you complete your routine before bed, you’re good to go. However, for optimal results, I recommend doing your nighttime skincare routine 2–3 hours before sleeping.

If you wear makeup, consider removing it as soon as you get home (when you no longer need it). This gives your skin extra time to breathe and recover, reducing the chances of breakouts and irritation.

By making skincare a consistent habit, you’ll wake up to a refreshed, radiant complexion every morning!