I hope you’ve got your pajamas on and your favorite fluffy slippers because we’ll talk all things PM skincare routine! An anti-aging evening skincare routine is essential for maintaining a youthful appearance and preventing the signs of aging. Let’s dive into the magical world of nighttime skincare.
Double cleanse
First, cleanse
The first step in your nighttime routine should always be cleansing. Double cleansing is highly recommended to ensure your skin is free of makeup, dirt, and oil. Use an oil-based cleanser, like a cleansing balm or oil, to gently remove makeup, sunscreen, and pollution from the skin. This ensures that your skin is free of any impurities that could lead to premature aging. Oil-based Cleanser: Start with an oil-based cleanser like the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil or Banila Co Clean It Zero. This will effectively dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and sebum, preparing your skin for the next step.
Second, cleanse:
Follow up with a gentle water-based cleanser to further cleanse the skin and remove any residue from the first cleanse. Look for a cleanser with hydrating and soothing ingredients, such as chamomile or aloe vera.
Water-based Cleanser: Follow up with a gentle water-based cleanser like the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser or COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser. This will remove any remaining residue and leave your skin fresh and clean.
Step Two: Exfoliate (2-3 times per week)
Use a chemical exfoliant with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) to gently remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. This helps to improve skin texture and tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Some popular choices include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid. Remember to start with a lower concentration and gradually increase as your skin tolerates it.
Regular exfoliation is essential to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Aim to exfoliate 1-2 times per week, depending on your skin type and sensitivity.
Chemical Exfoliants: Try a chemical exfoliant like Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant or The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution for gentle exfoliation. These products help to break down the bonds between dead skin cells, making them easier to remove.
Physical Exfoliants: Alternatively, you can opt for a physical exfoliant like the SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub or the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant. These products contain tiny particles that manually slough off dead skin cells when massaged onto the skin.
Step Three: Tone
Apply a hydrating and soothing toner to balance your skin’s pH levels and prepare for the next steps. Look for a toner that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants, which provide additional anti-aging benefits. Toning is essential to balance your skin’s pH levels and prep it for the following treatments. Look for a gentle, alcohol-free toner like the Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner or Thayers Witch Hazel Alcohol-Free Toner.
Step Four: Treatment serum
Next, apply essence or serum to deliver concentrated active ingredients to your skin. Choose a product that targets your specific concerns, such as:
Hydration: Neogen Real Ferment Micro Essence or Tatcha The Dewy Serum
Anti-aging: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex or The Ordinary Buffet
Brightening: COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence or Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum
Choose a serum with potent anti-aging ingredients, such as retinol, peptides, or vitamin C. Retinol is a gold standard ingredient that boosts collagen production, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and improves skin texture. Peptides help to stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity, while vitamin C is an antioxidant that brightens the skin and protects against environmental damage.
Step Five: Eye cream
Apply a nourishing eye cream to the delicate skin around your eyes to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles. Look for a product containing ingredients like caffeine, peptides, or hyaluronic acid to address your concerns. To keep the delicate skin around your eyes nourished and hydrated, gently pat on an eye cream like the Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème or Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist.
Step Six: Moisturizer
Lock in all the goodness with a rich moisturizer that caters to your skin type.
Dry Skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Night Cream or Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream
Oily Skin: CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion or Belief The True Cream Aqua Bomb
Combination Skin: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream or Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
Look for a formula that contains ceramides, which help to maintain your skin’s natural barrier and retain moisture. Additionally, opt for a moisturizer with antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients like niacinamide, green tea, or resveratrol.
Step Seven: Facial oil (optional)
If your skin is extra dry or needs more nourishment, apply a few drops of facial oil on top of your moisturizer to seal in hydration and provide additional nutrients. Look for oils with anti-aging properties, such as rosehip, argan, or squalane oil.
Sleep on a silk pillowcase:
A silk pillowcase can help reduce friction on your skin, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles caused by rubbing against a rougher fabric while you sleep.
Remember to be consistent with your routine and allow at least 4-6 weeks to see visible improvements. Always consult a dermatologist before starting new skincare products, especially if you have sensitive skin or specific concerns.
Good Night Beautiful Skin!
