Nighttime skincare routine steps

How to do your nighttime routine

1. 1Remove makeup. Use a makeup remover, such as micellar water or a balm, before cleansing. Most cleansers do not remove all makeup. If you use makeup wipes, choose fragrance free ones.
2. 2Wash gently. Wet your face with lukewarm water, then apply a gentle cleanser with your fingertips. Avoid scrubbing, washcloths and mesh sponges. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel.
3. 3Apply your treatment, if you use one. Medication or another skin treatment generally goes on after cleansing and before moisturizer. Do not add a treatment simply to fill this step.
4. 4Apply moisturizer. On an evening without a treatment, apply lotion or cream while your skin is still damp. Include your neck, and gently massage the moisturizer in until absorbed. Avoid pulling the skin around your eyes.

Wash once at night rather than repeatedly throughout the evening. The usual limit is twice daily, plus washing after heavy sweating. If your skin tends to be dry, washing just once daily, preferably before bed, can work. Choose a cleanser without alcohol or abrasive particles; rubbing harder adds irritation, not a useful extra step.14

Do you need toner or double cleansing?

It can pick up leftover dirt or makeup after washing, particularly if you skipped makeup remover. Oily skin is the main case for considering it. Alcohol based toners can strip natural oils and cause dryness or irritation. Oily skin can also benefit from evening double cleansing: an oil based cleanser followed by a water based cleanser. Neither addition belongs in every routine.2

Should you use retinol at night?

A retinoid, a compound derived from vitamin A, is an optional treatment for wrinkles, sun spots and uneven texture. Retinoids increase collagen, a protein that helps give skin strength, and help restore elasticity. Retinol is available in creams and lotions without a prescription; stronger retinoids require a prescription. A treatment belongs in your routine for a specific goal, not because the cleanser looks lonely.1

Start slowly: apply a pea sized amount over your entire face before bed every three days. Watch for redness, significant peeling or irritation rather than increasing frequency automatically. As tolerance builds, applications can increase toward nightly use. Retinoids can irritate skin if overused and make skin sensitive to light, so keep them in the evening routine. Regular use can improve wrinkles, spots and texture; do not treat a single night's application as the result.1

How do you avoid an irritated face?

Introduce new products one at a time. For sensitive skin, test a pea sized dot behind your ear along your jawline, then wait a day or two before applying it across your face. Using too many products can irritate skin, especially when several target signs of aging. More products can make those signs more noticeable. If a treatment leaves skin dry, a moisturizer containing ceramides or hyaluronic acid can go on top. Seek medical advice for unusual skin symptoms or concerns about your routine.23

Should petroleum jelly be your last step?

For very dry, dehydrated skin, slugging means adding petroleum jelly overnight to seal in moisture. The protective layer reduces water loss and helps the skin barrier repair itself. It is more useful in dry winter weather than warm, humid conditions.5

Skip slugging if your skin is oily or prone to acne, or if you have an infection or open wound. It can worsen acne and interfere with an infection clearing. Do not trap retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids beneath petroleum jelly, because this can increase irritation.5

1. 1Start with clean, moisturized skin, without the treatments listed above.
2. 2Apply a tiny amount of pure petroleum jelly or a petroleum jelly product with minimal added ingredients. You can cover only the driest areas rather than your whole face.
3. 3Allow about 30 minutes before bed for products to settle. A towel over your pillowcase can protect it.
4. 4Wash your face the next morning to remove the petroleum jelly and anything stuck to it.

Use slugging according to dryness rather than automatically every night. A couple of consecutive nights can help dry skin catch up, but it rarely needs to be a nightly habit. Stop and see a dermatologist if slugging leaves skin red or irritated.5

What are the steps in a basic skincare routine?

Across the day, the essentials are washing, moisturizing and sunscreen. Reserve sunscreen for the morning routine and use SPF 30 or higher. Nighttime focuses on cleansing and supporting skin rather than sun protection. A basic routine does not have to be elaborate or expensive.12

What is the correct order for a skincare routine?

The general order is cleanser, medication or treatment, then moisturizer or sunscreen. Makeup follows those steps when you wear it. Product order affects how well products work; adding more layers is not a substitute for applying the useful ones in sequence.3

What are the skincare routine steps for normal skin?

For normal skin without a particular concern to treat, use gentle cleansing and moisturizer at night, with makeup removal first when needed. Choose additional treatments around a specific goal rather than adding every available category. Apply creams around the eyes gently; using your ring finger helps avoid pulling too hard on that delicate area.23