The Dermatologist-Approved Nighttime Skincare Routine You Need to Try
When nighttime rolls around, we all have our go-to rituals. Whether it be cozying up with a great book, watching TV, or in our case, reaching for our favorite nighttime skincare products, a nightly routine is an important way to practice self-care. As you enjoy your beauty sleep each night, your skin works to repair and renew itself, and by applying skincare products to target your key concerns before catching those Zzz’s, you’re setting your skin up for success.
So what does an ideal nighttime skincare routine look like? We asked board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com consultant Dr. Dendy Engelman to share the five essential steps that make up her nightly skincare regimen. We’re also sharing product recommendations for each step, so you know exactly what you’ll need to get gorgeous, glowing skin in your sleep.
What Is a Nighttime Skincare Routine?
A nighttime skincare routine refers to the products you apply to your skin every night before bed to address certain concerns. Typically, you will have a morning skincare routine and a nighttime skincare routine, with varying steps to target different skin issues. For instance, in the morning, it’s crucial to finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, but at night, you can skip the sunscreen. Similarly, you may incorporate a rich moisturizer or overnight mask into your nighttime routine because your skin works to repair its natural barrier while you sleep.
The Benefits of Using a Nighttime Skincare Routine
The benefits of using a nighttime skincare routine will depend on the products and ingredients you use. In general, though, some goals of a nighttime skincare routine include washing away any dirt, makeup and impurities that have built up on the surface of your skin throughout the day, delivering hydration and addressing specific concerns like breakouts or dryness. Ahead, Dr. Engelman breaks down her basic, five-step nighttime skincare routine. Her suggestions are customizable based on your individual skincare needs — so think of this as a jumping off point.
5-Step Nighttime Skincare Routine
Steps 1 and 2: Cleanse — Twice
By now you’ve probably heard about the popular K-beauty ritual of double-cleansing, thanks to social media. This face-washing method is a great practice to incorporate into your nighttime skincare routine to help ensure that all dirt, makeup and impurities have been removed from the skin’s surface.
“In the evening, it’s all about removing the day’s makeup and dirt from your face,” Dr. Engelman explains. To do so, she follows a double-cleansing ritual every night. “Step one involves removing the day’s cream, makeup and dirt with a nutrient-rich towelette,” she says. Makeup-removing wipes are an easy, no-fuss way to remove impurities on the surface of the skin in a pinch. We love the Garnier SkinActive Makeup Remover Micellar Cleansing Wipes, which make your skin feel instantly refreshed.
Step two involves cleansing with a liquid formula. “Next, help draw out excess sebum and additional impurities by using a gentle oil cleanser and lukewarm water,” Dr. Engelman advises. Why oil, you ask? Most oil cleansers can gently melt away impurities like makeup without drying out your skin. However, if an oil cleanser isn’t quite the right fit for your skincare needs, there are plenty of other gentle face wash options available.
Our Favorite Cleansers
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof Makeup Remover
When it comes to getting rid of makeup at the end of a long day, we turn to the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof Makeup Remover. Even the most stubborn makeup is no match for this refreshing, surprisingly powerful facial cleanser. Micelles in the formula act as a magnet to draw away impurities from your skin.
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof Makeup Remover
CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser
As the second step in your double-cleanser, Dr. Engelman recommends using an oil cleanser. Right now, we’re obsessed with this hydraing, foaming oil-based formula from CeraVe. Formulated for dry to very dry skin, this is a great cleanser to use in the winter when your skin is more susceptible to dryness. It cleanses without disrupting the skin barrier and it’s packed with hydrating ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane oil and triglyceride.
Step 3: Exfoliate Regularly
After double cleansing, Dr. Engelman reaches for a gentle exfoliator when her skin is feeling dull. “The complexion looks radiant when it’s smooth enough to reflect light,” she explains, “But when dead surface cells pile up, those layers can diffuse that light and make the skin appear dull.” Exfoliating regularly (two to three times per week is sufficient — you don’t want to over-exfoliate and irritate your skin) can help buff away dead skin cells to promote a glowing, refined complexion.
Editor’s note: If you have sensitive skin, be sure to choose an exfoliating formula that is suitable for your skin type. When in doubt, talk to your dermatologist or a skincare specialist.
Our Favorite Exfoliators
SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub
The SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub is one of our go-to picks because of its mild formula that polishes skin without dehydrating it. After using it, your skin will look and feel more refined, as well as soft and hydrated. This scrub is ideal for those hoping to target such skin issues as dehydration, aging and discoloration.
