There’s no feeling quite like the moment you get home, take off your makeup, slip into your favourite pyjamas and jump into bed after a big day.
But your skin doesn’t clock off at bedtime – in fact, it’s busier than ever while you sleep. Overnight, it works to repair damage, replenish moisture and boost cell turnover, making your evening routine just as important as your morning routine.
Whether your goal is plumper, brighter, calmer or just plain healthier-looking skin, here’s how to layer products in the right order to make the most of those eight hours.
1. Start with a gentle cleanse
The golden rule of skincare? Never sleep in your makeup. Beyond dullness, makeup and daily grime can clog pores, trigger breakouts and leave your complexion looking lacklustre. Opt for a gentle cleanser that removes makeup and impurities without stripping your skin’s natural oils. If you’ve worn sunscreen and makeup during the day, consider a double cleanse – starting with an oil or balm to dissolve makeup, followed by a cream or gel to lift away residue.
2. Bring out the actives
Evening is prime time for active ingredients, which can work undisturbed while you snooze. Serums containing retinol, peptides or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) can target fine lines, uneven tone and texture. Start slowly – a couple of nights a week – to allow your skin to adjust.
If you’re looking to tackle multiple signs of ageing, a multi-peptide serum can help support collagen production and keep skin feeling firm. Just remember to avoid layering strong actives over each other unless they’re designed to work together, as too much too soon can cause irritation.
3. Lock in hydration
While serums deliver targeted results, moisturiser seals in all the goodness and ensures your skin stays hydrated through the night. This is especially important as we age, when the skin’s ability to hold onto moisture naturally declines.
Rich, nourishing night creams are your skin’s best friend here – think formulas that not only replenish hydration but also support skin density and elasticity. Our pick? Avène DermAbsolu Intensive Reshaping Night Cream, which is designed to visibly plump and restore comfort to mature skin while you sleep. Infused with powerhouse ingredients such as bakuchiol, pro-ceramides, and niacinamide, it’s the ideal final step.
4. Don’t skip the eyes
The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face, meaning it’s often the first area to show fine lines and fatigue. Applying an eye cream at night can help reduce puffiness, hydrate and soften the appearance of crow’s feet. Use your ring finger (it applies the least pressure) and gently tap – never rub – around the orbital bone.
5. Think beyond your face
Your neck, décolletage and even the backs of your hands can benefit from a little nighttime TLC. Extend your moisturiser down your neck and chest, or apply a dedicated cream to these areas. You can also smooth any leftover serum or cream onto the tops of your hands to keep them soft and youthful.
6. Make it a ritual
A nighttime skincare routine shouldn’t feel like a chore – it’s a chance to wind down. Dim the lights, light a candle, or play your favourite podcast while you go through your steps. The sensory experience is just as important as the products themselves, helping signal to your body (and your skin) that it’s time to rest and repair.
