The Exact Nighttime Skincare Routine I Use For Healthy, Glowing Skin
/Having a nighttime skincare routine is really important. Your skin absorbs more nutrients at night when you’re not wearing makeup and there are no environmental stressors to get in the way. Although there isn’t a cookie cutter approach to skincare routines, there is a basic bedrock that benefits everyone, no matter your age or skin type.
Perhaps it was the skin cancer diagnosis I got last year or maybe it’s because I’m in my 40s, but recently I’ve started taking my skincare routine way more seriously than ever before.
In my 20s and 30s I pretty much just washed my face and sometimes put on moisturizer. But that just doesn’t cut it anymore. I’m lucky enough to never have bad breakouts. But now my skin gets dry and I am seeing the effects of being a sun worshiper in my teens.
Since I’ve been in Thailand the past 9+ months, I’ve had access to loads of innovative trending skincare products. Today I want to share some of my favorites with you.
Don’t worry about this skincare routine taking you forever. I’m so not a night person. When the day comes to an end, I just want to brush and floss my teeth then crawl straight into bed with a good book. Having a long and drawn out nighttime skin care routine was never going to work for me.
This nighttime skincare routine takes 5 minutes and has just 6 steps, so you can definitely find time to whizz through it before going to bed.
Step 1
First, I take off my makeup with the Original Makeup Eraser Remover Cloth. I dampen the cloth and use one side to take off my makeup. Then I add Tachta Rice Wash Skin-Softening Cleanser to the other side and apply it.
On nights when I’m too tired to use the remover cloth, I use the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes & Face Wipes. They’re my go-to when I’m traveling because they’re small, light and easy to pack in my suitcase.
Step 2
Toner is something I go back and forth on. It pretty much looks like water and acts like water...but it’s not water. After reading about this skincare underdog, I now understand it’s the superhero in my nighttime skin care routine.
Toner is essential for balancing skin pH level, sweeping away impurities, and prepping your skin to effectively absorb products. I’m loving the Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner because it helps with my skin imperfections.
Step 3
My absolute must every night is a serum. Think of a serum is a lightweight moisturizer that targets specific skin concerns and has a high concentration. Not all serums are created equal. So you have to find one that works for your skin type.
My skin is on the dryer side and I’ve been using Laneige Perfect Renew Regenerator Serum for a couple weeks and I’m already noticing great results. My skin instantly feels hydrated and plumped up after using it.
I love getting a sun-kissed glow on my face without sun damage, so most nights I add 1 pump of Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops. I always wash my hands after applying so I don’t wake up with bronze-colored hands.
If you don’t want to splurge on Drunk Elephant products, I love Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops which come in 3 shades: light, medium, and dark. If you’re stuck between the two products, keep in mind that Drunk Elephant D Bronzi Drops are more sheer.
Step 4
Next is my nighttime moisturizer. I recently found Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Overnight Cream. Caudalie is a skincare brand that I completely trust and love.
I’m extremely picky when it comes to moisturizers because my skin tends to run dry. But this moisturizer makes my skin feel hydrated without looking wet or greasy.
If you usually skip the moisturizing stage, you really need to rethink your skincare routine. Moisturizing is super important because it provides your skin with essential nutrients and helps repair damage caused by everyday life.
Step 5
I’m obsessed with doing a face mask at least twice a week. It feels like a mini facelift and my skin is always hydrated and radiant after. My favorite go-to mask is the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask. I originally bought this to use on long flights between the USA and Asia. But since I love it so much, it’s now a staple in my nightly skin care routine.
Once my face is cleansed and toned, I apply a layer of the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask and leave it on overnight. In the morning my face feels soft and has a beautiful glow. Some of my girlfriends love this so much they apply it under their makeup.
Once a week I always do a Sephora Collection Clean Face Mask. They’re so fun and easy to do. I always curl up with a book or Netflix episode while wearing it and 15 minutes later I’m done. There’s literally no clean up and no need to wash or moisturize your face after.
When I have a bit more time, I use the Drunk Elephant TLC Babyfacial. I let this mask sit for 20 minutes and then rinse off with lukewarm water. The Babyfacial has a 25% AHA and 2% BHA blend which gently exfoliates the pore lining and removes dead skin cells. Drunk Elephant TLC Babyfacial is a bigger splurge than the other facials, but worth every penny.
Step 6
Last, I apply the Laneige Sleeping Mask for Lips. I’m so used to this being the last step in my nighttime skincare routine that it acts a cue, telling my body that it's time to crawl into bed.
There’s a lot of hype about this product and I can see why. I love it so much that it’s almost like a reward for completing my nighttime skincare routine. Yesss!!!
Better Skin in Just 5 Minutes
A nighttime skincare routine doesn’t have to take forever. My method is proof that you can squeeze in a great skincare program in just five minutes. There’s no point in trying to stick to a 30-minute nighttime skincare routine if you know that’s far too much for you. Choose a routine that you know you can commit to for the best results.
What’s Your Favorite Skincare Product?
Everyone’s skincare routine is different and it’s important to do what works for you. With this in mind, I’d love to hear what your favorite skincare product is. It doesn’t matter whether it’s something you’ve used for years that has always given you amazing results or something you only discovered the other day that’s better than you could ever imagine. Share it with me in the comments!