Today we are talking about night time skin care! I have found through trail and error over the years that my skin is always at its best when I am faithful to my night routine. This means applying the right type of products to my skin in the right order, and never skipping a night even if I am beyond tired. Healthy skin will not only make you feel great, but it will significantly help your makeup look and feel better over your skin.
I start by removing my makeup with either a makeup removing wipe or my favorite Pond's Cold Cream. Below are the current products I am using and the order in which I apply them.
Step #1: Exfoliator
Once your skin is clean of all makeup, always start first with an exfoliation. Exfoliating your face on a regular basis can completely change your skin. Ridding your face of dead skin cells will help clear out acne and breakouts and reduce the appearance of large pores. It also improves your skin's texture, allowing for newer and fresher skin cells to take the place of the dead skin cells.
The reason you should exfoliate as the first step in your nightly skincare routine is because serums and moisturizers are better absorbed when there isn't any dirt or dead skin cells in the way. Exfoliating on a regular basis will allow your moisturizer to work more effectively and your makeup to go on smoother.
My current favorite is
Origins Modern Friction. It is a plant-based and cruelty-free formula that is soft on my sensitive skin. I make sure that my skin is wet before massaging the product into my skin. If you do not have an issue with sensitive skin you can apply this product to dry skin.
Step #2: Cleanser
Cleansing your skin will remove any additional dirt, makeup, impurities, or excess oil that is still on your face. You can cleanse your skin anywhere from 1-3 times. The more times you use your cleanser the more dirt and oil you will be eliminating, and the better your skin will feel.
Your skin is a vital exit route in your body's expulsion of toxins and chemicals and 1-3 rounds of nightly cleansing will result in better skin hydration and keep your skin vibrant and healthy.
Step #3: Sprays or Mists
Facial sprays or mists are often a forgotten essential within the skincare routine. Face sprays can soothe and refresh skin, especially important in a hot weather environment, and prepare the skin for premium moisturizer and serum absorption, which is particularly significant in colder climates.
My current favorite is
Mario Badescu's Facial Spray. It contains aloe, herbs and rose water, which have long been a skincare favorites of mine because they are natural products with many great benefits for the skin. In addition, Mario Badescu makes other amazing and affordable skin care products and I urge you to give them a try!
Step #4: Toner
Using a toner, even if you do not have an acne problem, is a skin care essential. Toner shrinks pores, moisturizes and refreshes skin, as well as prevents in-grown hairs. One of the most important functions of using a toner is that it gives your skin pH balance. After cleansing your skin's natural pH balance is disturbed due to the alkaline nature of soap, and using a toner will help to restore that balance.
My current favorite is
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence. The price for this product is quite steep, but it is well worth the money if you can budget it. My skin has never felt so soft, smooth and refreshed as it has while I've been using this product. I've noticed pigmented areas on my face diminishing, and the places where I normally get break outs are clear.
Step #5: Serums
The final step before continuing on to a moisturizer is to apply any type of additional serum of your choosing. For most people this is usually an acne or anti-aging serum. It is important to do this step after the toner because it is at this point that your skin is most primed to benefit from these additional serums.
The only serum I currently use is
Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Power Serum. I started noticing my fine lines diminishing within a few weeks of using this product and definitely plan on re-purchasing once it is finished. This is the first anti-aging product I have ever used, and chose this specific one because of it's plant-based formula.
Step #6: Moisturizer
The next step in the process is the moisturizer! You should be moisturizing your face after you shower, before you apply makeup, and before you go to bed at night. You should always choose a moisturizer based upon your skin type. Moisturizing helps in the natural healing of your skin, helps protect it against damaging chemicals, and can promote skin cell regeneration and stop premature wrinkles.
I have one moisturizer that I use for during the day and before makeup application, and another one that I use primarily at night. My current favorite night time moisturizer is
Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins. This product is very rich and creamy, and packed with extra vitamins and minerals to bring ultimate hydration into the skin.
Step #7: Eye Cream
The final step in my night time skin care routine is eye cream. The skin around your eyes are thinner and more sensitive, and needs to be treated delicately. A regular moisturizer should not be used in this area because your dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines or wrinkles need extra care. Eye creams should be applied in a gentle dabbing motion working inwards towards your nose.
My eye cream favorite for quite some time has been
Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream. It makes my under-eye area feel hydrated and refreshed with a cooling sensation as I apply it to my skin. Over time I have noticed it has made my eyes brighter, my dark circles less noticeable, and puffiness has completely diminished.
I am always tweaking and changing up my skin care routine to include new and better products. Using this routine I have found that my skin is always clean, clear and refreshed.
What are some of your most coveted night time skin care products?
