Why Your Nighttime Skin Care Routine Is So Important

Mornings are busy—not only do you have to cover the basics when you are caring for your skin, but you also have to put on sunscreen with broad spectrum protection and apply your makeup, too. Now, that’s just covering your beauty priorities and not even touching on the fact that you have to get dressed, make breakfast, and get to the work on time. That’s one big reason why nighttime is the perfect time to pay a little extra attention to your skin and its concerns. You can care for your skin without having to worry about running late to your 9 a.m. meeting or school car pool. It’s nice to be able to care for your beautiful skin while not having to race against the clock. You can feel better knowing that your skin will get the attention it needs so you look your best come sun up. Here, be sure to use your evenings wisely and hit these essential nighttime skin care routine steps, including removing all your makeup with micellar water and slathering on an ultra-hydrating overnight face mask.

Nighttime Skin Care Routine Step 1: Get Truly Clean

It’s important to go to bed with skin that has not only been cleansed but with skin that is entirely clean. That means that not only surface dirt and oil has been rinsed away but that any makeup has been completely removed, too. Get clean skin and start your nighttime skin care routine off right with a facial cleanser. First concentrate on removing makeup with either a facial wipe, toner, or micellar water, like the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Waterproof Cleanser for All Skin Types, and then follow up by washing your face with a clay facial cleanser. Try using the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Purify & Mattify Cleanser, L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Cleanser, or L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refine Cleanser.

Nighttime Skin Care Routine Step 2: Treat Yourself to a Clay Mask

Unwind after a long day by pampering yourself and your skin with a clay mask. There are a variety of clay masks formulated to address all different skin types. If your skin is rough, look for a refining clay mask that can gently exfoliate your skin’s surface, like the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refining Face Mask. If your skin is experiencing extra oil, try a mattifying clay mask formulated with eucalyptus, like the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Purify & Mattify Face Mask. If your skin looks dull, try a clay mask formula with charcoal to help detoxify and illuminate your complexion, like the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Face Mask. If your skin looks stressed with red splotches popping up left and right, try a calming clay mask formula, like the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Clear & Comfort Face Mask. Or, if you have rough skin looking to become smoother than ever, try using a clarifying clay mask formulated with yuzu lemon, like the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Clarify & Smooth Face Mask. The best part? If you have a few areas of your face with different concerns, you can mix and match these masks for a perfectly tailored skin care routine. Just apply a thin, even layer to clean, dry skin, leave on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry. Use 2-3 times a week for best results.

Nighttime Skin Care Routine Step 3: Address Your Anti-Aging Concerns

Take the time at night to focus on your skin aging concerns like fine lines and wrinkles or sagging skin. Your anti-aging skin care products will have a good seven to eight hours to work without accidental smearing or evaporation. Let your eye cream and anti-aging products fully absorb while you rest instead of when you are running around completing your daily tasks. Looking for a new anti-aging cream to add to your daily regimen? Try the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Cicacream Face Moisturizer Pro Retinol & Centella Asiatica, which can help repair skin’s moisture barrier as well as address the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with continued use over time.

Nighttime Skin Care Routine Step 4: Surge Skin with Moisture

Your skin’s defenses against environmental stressors will be down while you rest, so take advantage of the fact that your skin’s natural recuperating abilities are at their prime. Apply an overnight face mask, like the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power™ Intensive Overnight Face Mask, which is formulated to surge skin with moisture. Some nighttime creams are also formulated with anti-aging ingredients to help improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, too.

Don’t rush through your nighttime skin care routine—focus on your skin’s needs and give it the time it deserves so that you can wake with skin that looks rested and nourished—ready for the busy day ahead.

And, now that your skin is on lock before you head to bed, why not give your hair the same courtesy? Check out our article, Sleeping Beauty: How to Style Your Hair Before You Go to Bed, to learn how.