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Essential Nighttime Skin Care Routine for Glowing, Healthy Skin
Beauty

Essential Nighttime Skin Care Routine for Glowing, Healthy Skin

30 April 2025


Night Skin Care: How To Take Care of Skin Before Sleeping




Your night skin care is very important to keep your skin blemish free and glowing. As a dermatologist, I often get asked “What’s the best way to take care of my skin at night?” And it’s a great question! The nighttime is when our skin goes into repair mode after a long day of exposure to sun, pollution, and other environmental stressors. Setting up the right evening routine can make a big difference in waking up to healthy, glowing skin. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the key steps for an effective nighttime skincare regimen and explain why it matters.



Why Evening Skincare Matters




Our skin follows a 24 hour cycle known as a circadian rhythm. During the day, it focuses on protection – generating melanin and antioxidants to shield from UV rays and producing oils and ceramides to maintain the skin barrier. But at night, our cells switch gears to concentrate on rebuilding, restoring, repairing, and rejuvenating the skin.



This makes the evening the perfect time to treat your skin with good evidence-based skincare products that really work.




Any topical products you apply at night won’t be washed away by sweat and grime buildup like during your active daytime hours. Plus, your night cream won’t clash with makeup primers or sunscreen. Without those barriers, the hydrating, anti-aging ingredients in your evening products can really sink in and do their work while you sleep.



Making the most of your skin’s nightly repair cycle also prevents signs of premature aging and damage. Turning on the skin’s renewal process keeps cells healthy and functioning properly to maintain your youthful glow over time. So in a nutshell, not taking care of your skin at night misses a huge opportunity to keep it looking vibrant and resilient!






To find the best night skin care products for you and to build a custom skin care routine by combining many medical grade skincare brands, take the Baumann Skin Type Quiz.




the best night skin care routines



Night Skin Care Routine




Step 1: Evening Facial Cleansing



Cleansing is arguably the most critical part of any skincare routine, but especially at night. During the day, your skin is exposed to a cocktail of dirt, oil, pollutants, and more that builds up on the surface. It combines with sweat, sebum oil, old skin cell debris, leftover traces of makeup/sunscreen, even environmental toxins that settle into pores. Not properly removing these impurities before bed essentially locks them in for 8 hours on your skin and clogs pores – leading to breakouts and congestion.




So the first step is to adequately cleanse away the gunk.



I also recommend double cleansing to thoroughly purify skin, especially if you wear makeup, waterproof sunscreen or have been sweating heavily during your day. Start by massaging an oil or balm cleanser onto dry skin to melt down waxy, sticky products and lift away dirt/impurities trapped within pores. After rinsing, follow up with your regular water-based gel/foaming cleanser to whisk away any remaining traces left behind.




If you have dry or sensitive skin, keep the water temperature lukewarm, avoid over-scrubbing, and pat gently with a towel to dry rather than rubbing. Harsh cleansing can compromise your moisture barrier, which actually worsens many common skin issues.



Best Night Cleanser




The cleanser to use at night depends upon your Baumann Skin Type. Learn more about choosing cleansers for your skin type here.



Types of nighttime cleanser s are acne-fighting salicylic acid cleansing, foaming cleansers to remove excess oil, micellar cleansers to remove makeup, gentle exfoliators like glycolic/lactic acid or creamy soothing cleansers for irritated skin.


Washing your face before bed is a good time to use an exfoliating cleaner or facial scrub. The exfoliating properties sweep away dead skin cells, excess oil, and surface debris that dull skin’s glow without over-drying. Using these before a mask or a treatment serum can help the ingredients absorb better. But- not all skin types should use an exfoliating cleanser.

Step 2: Night Eye Serums

Choose your eye serum based on what eye issues you have. For example, if you have dark circles, night is a great time to apply skin lightening ingredients.

Any eye serums with retinol should be used at night.

Step 3: Treatment Serum

Which serum to choose depends on your skin type and barriers to skin health. Our quiz can help you find which ones are right for you. If retinol is right for you- retinol serums should be used at night.

which serum to use at night

Which Serum to Use at Night

Once skin is squeaky clean, it’s primed to receive treatment serums that target specific concerns like acne breakouts, dark spots, fine lines, dryness and more.

Serums are lightweight, fast-absorbing formulations that contain high concentrations of active ingredients that address skin issues. Unlike heavier creams, these watery textures with smaller molecules penetrate deeper into skin’s surface where they can get to work right away.

Some of my favorite active ingredients to look for in night serums include:

Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives): Stimulate collagen production and accelerate cell turnover to reduce fine lines/wrinkles and smooth texture. Also clears acne by preventing dead skin cell/oil buildup within pores.

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs like glycolic, lactic, mandelic acid): Chemically exfoliate by dissolving the “glue” holding dead skin cells together to reveal fresher skin cells underneath. Boost radiance, smooth fine lines, and improve hyperpigmentation.

Exosomes- these antiaging serums restore collagen and give skin radiance. These are the latest technology found in nighttime antiaging serums.

Hyaluronic acid: A hydration powerhouse that pulls in 1000x its weight in water to plump skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines/wrinkles

Growth factors: Naturally occurring skin proteins that declines with age. Replenishing growth factors boost collagen production to maintain youthful elasticity and density.

How to Use Serum at Night

Layer your serums from thinnest/most watery to thicker consistency before sealing everything in with a final moisturizer. This ensures proper absorption. Don’t be shy with serum usage at night – use at least 1/8th of a teaspoon. Some serums should not be mixed together so make sure you follow our instructions on how to layer skincare serums.

This blog on using hyaluronic acid, retinol and Vitamin C can help you understand which serums work well together.

Learn more about how to use face serum in this blog.

Step 4: Lock in Serum Ingredients with Moisturizers

Moisturizers create an occlusive protective seal over serums to keep hydrating ingredients from evaporating overnight. Emollients like ceramides, plant oils, shea/cocoa butters replenish lipids lost during cleansing while humectants such as glycerin, honey, and hyaluronic acid draw in moisture. Occlusive agents like petrolatum, silicones, and waxes form a breathable barrier keeping water locked into the skin.

Some moisturizers specifically formulated for nighttime use as they tend to be richer to nourish skin overnight.(these can also be used in the morning in dry skin types.) Dry skin types should opt for moisture barrier repair creams rather than gels to keep your complexion supple and smooth.

retinoids

Step 5: Retinoid Serum

As you have already heard me say- your skin care routine design really depends upon your Baumann Skin Type. Some skin types such as wrinkle-prone skin types who have never been on a retinoid before- need a 5th retinoid step. Applying retinol on top of your moisturizer helps prevent side effects such as retinoid dermatitis.

Not all skin types should use a retinoid. So take the quiz to get personalized nighttime skincare routine advice.

Take the Quiz

Key Nighttime Skincare Products

These skincare products are good to use at night:

Exfoliants: Sand away dead skin cells, dullness, uneven texture. Try lactic acid, salicylic acid, PHAs, retinols, fruit enzymes. Go for leave-on formulas 1-3x a week in evening.

Hydrating masks: Intense moisture boost when skin’s repair function peaks at night. Look for hyaluronic acid, glycerin/butylene glycol, ceramides, aloe vera. 15-20 minutes then remove excess.

Retinoids: Stimulate collagen and healthy cell turnover to reduce acne, early aging concerns, sun damage, uneven pigmentation. Start slowly 1-2x a week building up to avoid irritation.

DNA repair enzymes: Identify and correct DNA damage from environmental assaults like pollution that accelerate skin aging. Supports skin cell renewal.

Growth factors: Naturally occurring proteins that signal skin to regenerate collagen, elastin to maintain youthful density and contours. Declines with age. Replenishing topically restores firmness.

Exosomes: Tiny extracellular vesicles that facilitate communication between cells to coordinate repair processes. Accelerates healing and healthy cell function.

best night creams by skin type

Night Creams by Skin Type

Taking the skin type quiz will give you better advice on which night creams to match to your Baumann Skin Type- but here are a few facts to know abut what night serums and creams to look for.

Combination Skin Night Products

There is really no true combination skin type. Read here to learn more.

So if you think you have combination skin- you really need to take the quiz. “Combination skin types” should use gently foaming cleansers and light moisturizers in their night routine.

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Sensitive Skin Night Routine

There are 4 types of sensitive skin, so you night routine depends on which combinations of sensitive skin subtypes you have.

Sensitive skin types need soothing ingredients at night such as:

aloe

argan oil

caffeine

chamomile

colloidal oatmeal

green tea

Learn about sensitive skin care here.

night routines for dry skin

Dry Skin Night Routine

If you have dry, dull, rough skin or skin that feels like sandpaper- the skin care you use before going to sleep can help you wake up with smooth radiant skin. Try these steps:

Exfoliate

Apply a hyaluronic acid serum

Cover with a hydrating mask. Leave on as directed.

Remove mask and cover hydrated skin with a barrier repair moisturizer like Zerafite Wrinkle Defense Barrier Cream

Make sure your skincare routine is right for dry skin so you never end up with dull skin again!

Here are some good hyaluronic acid serums to use under a night mask:

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Oily Skin Night Routine

There are toners and clay masks you can use at night for oily skin- but the best thing to do for oily skin at night is a retinoid. This blog tells you which is the best retinol to use at night for beginners.

The reasons for oily types to use retinoids are numerous:

Shrink pores

Unclog pores

Lower sebum production

Treat acne

Prevent acne

Treat wrinkles by restoring collagen

Prevent sagging by protesting elastin

Here are some low strength retinoids to begin with:

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benzoyl peroxide

Acne Night Routine

The bacteria that causes acne reproduces every 12 hours so you must use an ingredient that kills skin bacteria at night if you have acne. Examples are:

Benzoyl peroxide

Topical silver

Topical antibiotics (prescription)

The other must use if you have acne is a retinoid. The retinoid strength to choose depends on many factors like your Baumann Skin Type, what other products you are using, and if you have been on a retinoid before.

Your PM skincare routine matters just as much, if not more than your daily regimen! Night is when your skin repairs itself, making it extra receptive to restorative ingredients.

Follow these core steps to renew your complexion while you sleep:

Double cleanse to thoroughly dissolve the day’s grime, sweat, and makeup

Apply treatment serums packed with corrective active ingredients

Seal everything in with a rich night cream suited for your skin type

Wake up to hydrated, healthy, glowing glass skin!

Stick to a consistent schedule focused on cleansing and hydration along with targeted custom routine for concerns like acne, pigmentation, early aging, etc. Be patient and tweak things if needed until you discover your ideal combination. With time, you’ll reap the amazing benefits of nurturing your skin at night.

You will get good skin faster using a personalized night skin care routine for your Baumann Skin Type- so take the quiz now before you buy any skin care products!

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
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