You’ve Never Seen a Nighttime Skin-Care Routine So Relaxing

Like most beauty editors and skin-care fanatics, I take my nighttime skin-care routine very, very seriously. I have my variety of creams, gels and serums that I use religiously every night before bed and rarely skip a step — that is, other than exfoliating which should only be performed once or twice a week (more on that later).

Now I’ll admit, my skin-care regimen is a bit more involved than the average person. Rather than a quick three-step process, I like to stick to a seven- (sometimes even eight-) step routine to give myself a full at-home spa treatment. I consider it my time to unwind and relax at night. Ahead, I share my daily ritual for the ultimate nighttime skin-care routine. Consider the video your dose of ASMR for the day, too. I know I do.

STEP 1: Cleanse

The first step to any good skin-care routine, morning or night, is to cleanse. At night, it’s important to remove your makeup and any dirt from the surface of your skin. I wear a decent amount of makeup on a daily basis, so I never go to sleep without washing my face first. A gentle cleanser that removes makeup and leaves skin feeling soft and supple is the IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cleanser.

To remove any lingering residue of mascara, eyeliner or other stubborn waterproof makeup products, I use a quick swipe of Garnier SkinActive Water Rose Micellar Cleansing Water. 

STEP 2: Exfoliate

Exfoliating is a crucial step, but it’s important not to overdo it. Scrubbing away dead surface skin cells helps reveal a brighter, smoother and overall more radiant complexion. I exfoliate twice a week with a gentle physical scrub, like AcneFree Blackhead Removing Scrub. Salicylic acid in the formula helps unclog pores and keeps breakouts away. 

STEP 3: Mask 

Masking every night? Not very practical. Once or twice a week? A lot more doable. Depending on how my skin is feeling — dry, congested, sensitive, dull — I pick a face mask to unwind and treat myself to a little extra TLC. The Lancôme Rose Sorbet Cyro-Mask helps revitalize dull skin and tightens the appearance of pores to give your skin an overall smoother appearance.

STEP 4: Serum

Serums are a great way to address any specific skin-care needs or concerns you may have. This includes dryness (my usual ailment), dark spots, aging and more. One of my favorites is the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum. The drugstore option feels luxe on your skin and delivers deep hydration. 

STEP 5: Eye Cream

I apply eye cream morning and night to brighten my under-eye and hydrate the delicate skin in that area. One that feels satin-smooth on the skin and leaves behind a nice healthy glow is the Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment With Avocado. This little jar goes a long way and is a must-have in my routine.  

STEP 6: Face Mist

As an added treat for my skin, I love a good facial spray. I keep one on my desk, on my nightstand, in my travel bag and so on. The La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water coats your skin in intense hydration with a single spray and feels instantly refreshing. 

STEP 7: Night Cream

Last but not least, night cream. It’s like the cherry on top of the whole routine. Night creams deliver deep hydration and can help address other skin concerns. The Vichy Aqualia Thermal Night Spa softens and soothes skin with a blend of mineralizing water and hyaluronic acid.

Read More:

The Affordable Vitamin C Serum That Brightened Our Complexion

How to Determine Your Skin’s Tone and Undertone

One Editor Reviews the La Roche-Posay Retinol, Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid Serums

Photo: Chaunte Vaughn