Cleansing helps remove dirt, sweat, pollution and excess oil even on days when there is no makeup applied on the skin.

Night Skincare Tips for Glowing, Hydrated Skin – Experts Explain

Taking care of your skin before you sleep can work wonders for your skin. According to experts, a well-structured nighttime skincare routine gives skin an opportunity to repair and heal itself from daily damage from sun exposure, pollution, makeup or stress and wake up with healthy and rejuvenated skin.

Step 1: Remove makeup and sunscreen.

Dermatologists emphasise that it’s essential to remove makeup or apply sunscreen during the day before going to sleep. They suggest using an oil-based cleanser or micellar water; these are better options for dissolving heavy makeup, sunscreen and the dirt your skin accumulates throughout the day. Leaving makeup or sunscreen overnight can irritate the skin or clog pores.

Step 2: Cleanse gently.
After makeup removal, a gentle facial wash is important. Cleansing helps remove dirt, sweat, pollution and excess oil even on days when there is no makeup applied on the skin. Experts warn against harsh scrubbing or strong soaps, as these are harmful and can strip away the skin’s natural oils, possibly leading to dryness or irritation.

Step 3: Exfoliate – but only occasionally
Exfoliation helps clear dead skin cells and supports skin turnover. Chemical exfoliants like AHAs or BHAs are more effective and gentler than harsh physical scrubs, especially for mature skin. Use exfoliation two to three times a week, but avoid combining exfoliation with retinol treatments on the same night, as this can dry out or irritate skin.

Step 4: Tone and apply targeted treatments
After cleansing or exfoliation, a toner can restore your skin’s pH balance and prime it for more treatment. Experts recommend targeted treatments such as retinol (for ageing concerns), niacinamide (for redness or brightening) or BHA (for acne-prone skin). Retinol should ideally be introduced gradually, starting 1–2 times per week.

Step 5: Hydrate and moisturise
The final step is hydration. Apply serums that give hydration deep into the skin, creams or oils to seal in moisture, and optionally eye creams to address puffiness, dark circles or fine lines. Finish with a nourishing moisturiser to lock everything in overnight.

Extras: Masks or beauty tools (optional)
For additional care, face masks or beauty tools like LED masks or facial massagers can boost results, but they should be applied occasionally. Experts say they are not essential but can complement the nightly routine.

According to dermatologists, a regular nighttime skincare routine – cleansing, treating, hydrating – is “like pressing a reset button” for your skin every night.

Source: Hindustan Times