Why a Nighttime Skincare Routine is Important
Today I am sharing my nighttime skincare routine and why a nighttime skincare routine is important.
As a busy mom, my nighttime routine is something I prioritize. It's not always easy to make the time, but for me it's an important part of winding down and getting ready for a good night's sleep.
It's also the time when my skin will recover from the day. When I sleep, I want my skincare to work for me. I look for products that moisturize and nourish, and feel good on my skin.
Here is my nighttime skincare routine, and why it's important for healthy and glowing skin.
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Why is nighttime skincare important?
During the day, our skin is exposed to dirt, pollution, and sun, along with products like makeup. At night, it's important to cleanse your skin, and give it a chance to recover and renew while you sleep.
Is it better to do skincare in the morning or at night?
Both! While during the day it's important that your skincare is protective (think sunscreen), at night you want your products to cleanse, moisturize and promote restoration. It is also time for skincare products with active ingredients to do their thing! Also worth noting, is many skincare actives can cause sun sensitivity during the day. So these are better saved for nighttime.
What is the correct order for skincare?
Your nighttime skincare routine should start with a cleanser, followed by toner (if you choose to use one), serums or actives like retinol, moisturizer, and face oil.
My Nighttime Skincare Routine
I always take a shower at night and I never skip it, no matter how late it might be or if we are away from home. I started showering at night when my husband would travel for work and my oldest two kids were 3 and under 1. It was impossible to shower in the morning, it was hard enough to get myself dressed. It turned out that I loved the routine of it. It was a chance to take my time, wash off the day, and do my skincare without rushing. It feels so good to me to get in bed warm and clean.
Cleanse: I start my skincare with a double cleanse in the shower. I have been loving this makeup melting cleansing balm from e.l.f. (I wrote about it in this post with my most recent drugstore skincare favorites). After the balm I will use a gel cleanser, usually this one from Acure.
Exfoliate: Every two nights or so, I follow the cleanser with this scrub, also from Acure. I LOVE this scrub. My face instantly feels softer and smoother and it always looks brighter the next day.
Active: Every other night I use a clean retinol alternative from Biossance. It is the Squalane and Retinol Night Serum. I've been using this for several years now. I alternate that with another Biossance serum, the Squalane and Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum.
Moisturize: After I let them sink in for a few minutes I'll apply a moisturizer. Depending on the time of year, I will choose from a few that I like. One of my favorites is Dime Beauty's Restorative Night Cream. I also love the cult-favorite Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask and the e.l.f. Holy Hydration Sleep Mask (only $10!).
Face Oil: After moisturizer, this is the time to apply a face oil to lock in moisture. For a budget-friendly option I like Trader Joes's Marula Facial Oil. For about $7 it's touted as a dupe for the Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil ($68).
Body Lotion: For my body I use this simple and clean body lotion.
Other Nighttime Favorite Products
Lips: For lips, I love the classic Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. I also love this drugstore beauty find from Revlon, it's a lip scrub balm that melts into a moisturizer. It makes your lips feel so smooth and soft. And of course I must include the OG, Aquaphor, for my lips or any super dry areas.
Eyelashes: I've been struggling a bit with short, sparse eyelashes. I've found that this serum from Dime Beauty works well, helping my eyelashes to grow longer and fuller.
How important is clean skincare?
Choosing clean skincare is a personal decision. I try to choose products that are considered clean (almost all of the products above fit in this category) in order to limit as many harmful toxins as possible. However, I tend to follow the 80/20 rule - most of my products are clean, but not all.
A nighttime skincare routine is important for healthy, glowing skin. These are some of my favorite products that I include in my routine.
What is your nighttime routine like? Do you have any favorite products? Let me know in the comments below.
For more beauty content check out drugstore skincare products I love and my favorite clean beauty products.
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