The bedtime skincare routine is not another commercial propaganda to sell cosmetics. It is in fact a beneficial practice that we could all make use of at the end of the day. It is not solely meant for celebrities who inarguably go through more rigorous makeup routines than the average person. We all deserve to have good skin, prolong our youth, and look good out of bed. The endeavor will hardly take ten to twenty minutes, but it is worth your while. It is essential to remove every inch of makeup before you hit your pillow. Sleeping with a painted face will cause your skin to break out and age more rapidly.

You might argue that why not take out time for skin treatments in the morning. The truth is that most of us have to go to work or run several errands outdoors during daytime hours. At night, we have dealt with all our worldly duties and we can finally relax. Our skin is protected in the controlled environment of our home, as external damaging factors like pollution and UV rays are absent. Our skin is able to absorb nutrients more effectively and its breathability maximizes while we are asleep with no makeup on.

Whether you keep your face raw, make do with the basics (foundation, eye liner, lip gloss), or go full glam, a bedtime skincare routine is a must (if you care about yourself). Whether you are a Lawyer in California, or a Dog Walker in Alaska, your skin needs a little pampering. Below is a mild regime that is applicable to all skin types and does not require too much effort.

• Wash Your Face

Can you recall the fresh feeling you get every morning when you lather up your face and splash it with cool water. Repeat the process with your regular soap or face wash at night. Washing the face dissolves skin oils and helps rid of primary dirt residues.

• Apply a Makeup Remover

Most daytime makeup/cosmetics are designed to last for 12 hours or more, so it does not get off that easily. Water and soap may only remove 50% or less, and that is why makeup removers were invented. You can use a water based or oil based remover, depending on your skin type. Water based products are generally more suitable for oily and sensitive skin, but oil based ones have better cleansing properties. Coconut oil will also get the job done, if you prefer an organic alternative. Skip the step if you do not wear any make up.

• Follow with a Cleanser

A hydrating foaming cleanser that is rich in antioxidants will do wonders for your skin. It shall act as the final blow to any traces of leftover impurities. It helps unclog your pores and exfoliate the dead skin cells. You can opt for a creamy cleanser if you have dry or patchy skin.

• Use a Toner

Get yourself a mild toner with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, to avoid overworking the skin. The purpose of a toner is to balance pH and moisture levels; it is an extra layer of protection against common skin problems like acne and excessive oil secretion. Alcohol based toners also have skin tightening properties.

• Finish with a Moisturizer

You shall wrap up your routine with a light moisturizing lotion to soothe your skin and keep it moist through the night. Do not go for something ultra-thick or strong scented, as it may cause skin irritation.

Additional Treatments

Once or twice a week you may use a serum or facemask for some extra skin nourishment. You can apply either before finishing off with the toner and moisturizer. You may also include a dermatologically approved eye cream in your daily routine to eradicate wrinkles. There are days when you are far too tired to even wash your face; invest in some commercially available ‘makeup wipes’ for these crucial times. They are nowhere as good as a proper bedtime skincare routine, yet much better than going to bed with a painted face.