We all know that no matter how exhausted we are at the end of the day, we should never (under any circumstances) go to sleep with our makeup still on. Even if you don’t wear makeup, it’s essential to take care of your skin every night for a myriad of reasons. Whether your motivation is to heal acne, prevent fine lines and wrinkles, or just overall radiance, investing in your skin will always pay off in spades.
While everyone is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another when it comes to skincare, some universal truths belong in our skincare rituals. While ingredients may vary depending on allergies, sensitivities, and more, you still need the following as part of your routine each night to keep you looking and feeling your best.
You’ve Got To Exfoliate
While not everyone needs to use a retinol product to exfoliate their skin nightly, you need to use some exfoliant at least once a week. Exfoliation is a critical process of keeping your complexion glowing. You’re using multiple products on your skin in the morning and the evening, not to mention makeup and environmental toxins you come in contact with. Deep cleaning your skin and exfoliating off the dead skin and residue helps with cellular renewal and putting your freshest face forward.
Protect Your Under-Eye Area
While slugging (the act of using a thick cream or petroleum product under your eyes) is having a significant moment right now, not everyone benefits from it. Primarily if you deal with clogged pores or are acne-prone, slathering on a heavy product like Vaseline will not do your under-eye area any favors. However, we all need to invest in an eye cream that works with your skin type. The skin on our face is more delicate than the skin on our body, and the skin around our eyes is even more delicate. That’s why most people initially seek Botox for the “crow’s feet” around their eyes. Help prevent wrinkles, and reduce puffiness and dark circles by investing in an under-eye cream that works for you.
Tone Those Pores
You might be surprised that many people forego toners in their skincare routines. On the flip side, you may be one of those people! Toners are an essential part of keeping your skin healthy and looking its best because they do as their name implies – they tone. Toners help reduce the size and appearance of pores and balances pH levels. Additionally, toners help to even out moisture levels, so it’s an absolute must if you’re prone to oily skin. Though it can be a divisive skin topic, if you’re not currently using toner in your nighttime routine, add one tonight and see the difference tomorrow morning.
Targeting Treatments
While most of us don’t have time to do a mask every night, it’s a good idea to at least use some targeting treatments nightly. This is where products will vary from person to person, but apply your pimple patches if you have acne issues. If you have fine lines and wrinkles, apply your anti-aging serums – you get the idea. While you want to do a mask, gain a deeper clean after your initial nighttime cleanses and before your topicals at least once a week; every night might seem overkill. Unless you’ve got all the time in the world, in which case, mask it up nightly!
Get Your Beauty Sleep
While you can’t buy this last one at Sephora or Target, getting a good night’s sleep is one of the best things you can do for the health of your skin. Our skin is our body’s largest organ, and its health is an excellent reflection of our overall health. Sleep is when our bodies work on cellular renewal and general restoration. Ensuring you get a great night’s sleep after doing your nighttime skin rituals will make sure you’re waking up looking wide-eyed and refreshed. Bonus points if you use silk or satin pillowcases, as they help prevent wrinkles and keep your hair looking fabulous.
While taking care of your skin can seem like another chore you have to complete at the end of a long day, try to switch your mindset to it being a peaceful time you spend alone and relaxing. By using the above products each night, you’ll feel and look great.
