How to Perfect Your Nighttime Skincare Routine 

Most of us can agree that a nighttime skincare routine is essential—but why? While there isn’t much research online to answer this question, a nighttime skincare routine is one of the most important habits you can implement. 

Our facial skin is the first thing exposed to the sun’s UV rays. We touch our faces constantly, transferring whatever bacteria was on our laptops and cellphones onto our faces. Without a nighttime skincare routine, that bacteria can live on our skin throughout the night and until the next morning. 

Why is a nighttime skincare routine important?

We have been taught to wash our hands thoroughly and often, but our facial skin can sometimes take the backseat. However, having an effective nighttime skin regimen is not just about beauty—it’s about hygiene. 

Take blackheads, for example. Blackheads form when oil, dirt, and bacteria get trapped in our pores. But properly cleansed skin is less likely to develop blackheads, meaning we can decrease the blemishes on our face if we wash them in the morning and at night.

Typically, a  gentle cleanser is all you need. The skin on our face requires a soft touch—no harsh products. You don’t want to use alcohol or toxic chemicals. Your facial skin will benefit more from using safe, natural, and nourishing ingredients that help your face stay clean, healthy, and hydrated. 

Does it matter which products you use first?

Surprisingly, the order in which you apply your skincare products does matter. Applying your skincare remedies in the proper sequence will guarantee your skin receives all the benefits from each of your products. 

The main reason for this is because many great skincare remedies have ingredients that you want your skin to absorb. However, only a minuscule amount of these vital ingredients penetrate the skin, even when companies formulate it perfectly and you apply it successfully. 

That said, if you don’t use your nighttime skincare products in the correct order, it will be incredibly hard to get the most of your remedies. For the best results, your sequence needs to be perfect. 

When should you do your nighttime routine?

The sequence you use in your nighttime skincare routine isn’t the only important thing to consider. You also need to think about when you do your skincare routine.

Usually, it’s easy to forget this piece, especially if you’re tired and just want to go to sleep. But if you keep things simple, you can easily perfect your nighttime beauty regimen.  

Experts simply suggest that you wait for a minute or so between each product. That way, you give all of your skincare remedies time to work. However, if you want a recommendation that’s even simpler, there’s one available: listen to your skin. 

Everyone is unique and what works for others’ facial skin may not work for you. No matter what anyone says, make sure you find a rhythm that fits you and your skin type.  

What ingredients should nighttime skincare products have?

Finding a skincare product that is going to help and not harm your facial skin can be tricky. Marketers know how to get consumers, especially women, to purchase products even though they might lack real benefits for the skin. 

So, knowing which ingredients can lead to healthier skin is a powerful tool to have when seeking eye creams, night creams, or anti-aging creams for your nighttime skincare routine. Here are several nutrients that you should look for and why they’re beneficial. 

1. Grapeseed oil

Grapeseed oil contains high levels of linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, and can help manage acne by controlling clogged pores. It also protects the skin barrier to support smooth, soft skin. In addition, grapeseed oil is anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial, making it a great choice for sensitive skin.

2. Rosehip seed oil

Rosehip seed oil protects the skin and increases cell turnover. Beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E are all antioxidants present in rosehip oil, and they help fight free radicals that cause inflammation and aging. This oil is also rich in essential fatty acids such as oleic, palmitic, linoleic, and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). 

3. Plantain stem cell

Plantain stem cell visibly reduces signs of aging skin. It is useful for enhancing skin elasticity and can brighten age-related pigmentation. Plantain stem cell can also restart protein synthesis to prevent cellular degeneration.

4. Edelweiss stem cell

Edelweiss stem cell protects against oxidative stress like air pollution and UV radiation. It recreates skin tension and provides a visible lifting action. 

5. Coffee seed extract: Not the same as Coffee Bean Extract

A coffee seed extract has a multitude of benefits. It is stimulating, has antioxidant activity, allows for better circulation in the skin, and protects the skin. Coffee seed extract also combats UV damage to improve the strength, resilience, and elasticity of facial skin. Moreover, coffee arabica seed oil significantly improves collagen and elastin production. Coffee bean extract, on the other hand, is virtually useless to the skin.

6. Acetylated glucuronic acid

This ingredient increases elastin synthesis. Acetylated glucuronic acid can help smooth out wrinkles, moisturize the skin, and increase skin suppleness and resistance. 

7. Combination of flax and celery seed extracts

These seed extracts bring firmness, tone, and density to the skin, thus reinforcing the structures that hold the pores tight. They refine skin texture and promote a satin finish. Moreover, flax and celery seed extracts can protect against inflammation.  

8. Green caviar

Green caviar is a type of green algae that you can eat. Since it has a high concentration of minerals, it is called “longevity seaweed.” It contains vitamin C, vitamin E, and polysaccharides, which mainly comprise xylose and glucose. Green caviar also decreases inflammation and protects against oxidation and lipid peroxidation. 

9. Frankincense essential oil

Frequently called the “king of oils,” frankincense promotes feelings of relaxation, peace, and overall wellness, making it a great addition to your nighttime skincare routine. It also helps reduce the appearance of skin imperfections and has antibacterial properties. 

10. Lavender essential oil

Another oil perfect for bedtime, lavender reduces anxiety, eases tension, and promotes peaceful sleep. It also soothes skin irritations.

11. Neroli essential oil

Neroli essential oil reduces inflammation, alleviates stress, stimulates circulation, and enhances mood. It benefits oily skin, reduces signs of aging, and diminishes the appearance of scars. 

12. Myrrh essential oil

Myrrh essential oil is used for many skin problems like sores, acne, and chapped or dry skin. It also has astringent properties that strengthen skin cells, facilitating faster regeneration.

Finding products with one or more of these ingredients could greatly benefit your nighttime skincare routine. But what if you’d rather skip the store altogether? 

How to make nighttime skincare products

If you would prefer to make your own nourishing products for the evening, it’s important to use high-quality, responsibly sourced ingredients. But once you have them, it’s very easy to make a cleanser, exfoliator, and toner that will keep your skin healthy, clean, and bright. 

1. How to make a natural cleanser

Mix castile soap with granulated sugar and pour it into a jar. If you want to find a good castile soap, Dr. Bronner makes a great line that you can buy online. 

Once you create the cleanser, splash some water onto your face, take the castile mixture, and scrub your face with it for about a minute. Afterward, rinse your face and repeat this step if you would like to cleanse your face one more time. 

2. How to make a natural exfoliator

Mix melted coconut oil with sugar. Afterward, scrub the face for another minute. Then, instead of rinsing your face, gently wipe it with a cloth.  This exfoliator is also a great makeup remover, so you can use it instead of buying makeup wipes at the store.  

3. How to make a natural toner

Buy hydro-extracted witch hazel but make sure it doesn’t contain alcohol. Afterward, add about ten drops of lemon, sandalwood, rose, myrrh, or frankincense. Note: These ten drops are for the entire bottle of witch hazel, not for single use.

Once you’ve mixed the hydro-extracted witch hazel with an essential oil, squirt a little of the mixture onto a cotton pad and wipe down your face. This toning mixture will help close your pores, reducing the amount of bacteria that can enter your skin at night (for example, from your pillowcase). 

Don’t skip your nighttime skincare routine

Having a regular bedtime skincare regimen is an integral part of maintaining skin that is healthy, refreshed, and glowing. By avoiding products with toxic chemicals and looking for more natural options, you can reduce inflammation, hydrate, and nourish the skin on your face and body all while you’re asleep. 

Now that you know how to perfect your nighttime skincare routine, share this knowledge with someone else! Then, check out our Fhenix Nighttime Repair Cream here.