7 Steps to Build the Perfect Nighttime Skincare Routine

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After a long day of work, scrolling TikTok, and maybe accidentally eating one too many fries (no regrets 💁‍♀️), your skin deserves a little nighttime TLC. A proper evening skincare routine not only helps your skin repair itself but also ensures you wake up glowing like you’ve just had 10 hours of beauty sleep (even if you binge-watched Netflix instead).

So, let’s break down the 7-step nighttime skincare routine dermatologists swear by—without overcomplicating things.

✨ Step 1: Remove Makeup & Cleanse Away the Day

Rule #1: Never sleep with makeup on. Like, ever. Sleeping with makeup can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. Start with a gentle oil-based cleanser to melt off makeup and sunscreen, then follow up with a water-based cleanser for a deep clean.

👉 Try: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

✨ Step 2: Use a Gentle Exfoliant (2–3 Times a Week)

Exfoliation is like hitting the reset button for your skin. It removes dead cells, unclogs pores, and helps your other skincare products absorb better. Just don’t overdo it—2 to 3 times a week is enough.

👉 Try: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

✨ Step 3: Apply a Hydrating Toner

A good toner preps your skin to absorb serums and moisturizers more effectively. Look for hydrating and soothing toners with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or rose water.

👉 Try: Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner

✨ Step 4: Add a Treatment Serum

This is where the magic happens ✨. Serums target specific skin concerns like fine lines, dullness, or acne. For nighttime, dermatologists recommend serums with retinol or peptides to repair and boost collagen.

👉 Try: The Ordinary Retinol Serum

✨ Step 5: Use an Eye Cream

Your under-eye area is delicate, which means it needs extra love. A nourishing eye cream can help reduce puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines.

👉 Try: CeraVe Eye Repair Cream

✨ Step 6: Lock It In with Moisturizer

Moisturizer is like the blanket that tucks all your skincare in for the night. Go for a richer formula at night to deeply hydrate and repair your skin barrier.

👉 Try: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Night Pressed Cream

✨ Step 7: Finish with a Sleeping Mask (Optional but Luxe)

If you want to wake up with “I just had a facial” vibes, add a sleeping mask. It seals in all your products and gives your skin a boost overnight.

👉 Try: Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

🌟 Final Thoughts

Your nighttime skincare routine doesn’t have to be 20 complicated steps—it just needs to be consistent. Think of it as a self-care ritual before bed. Cleanse, treat, hydrate, and let your skin repair while you sleep. Stick to these 7 steps and you’ll wake up glowing like a star 🌙✨.