Nighttime skincare routine

What order should you follow at night?

The order of application affects how well skincare products work. Treatment goes after cleansing and before moisturizer, so the routine has an order without needing a project manager.1

1. 1Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, then gently pat dry. Avoid harsh cleansing and scrubbing, which can irritate skin.
2. 2Apply your skin medication or treatment, if you use one. The general order places treatment directly after cleansing.
3. 3Apply moisturizer. Moisturizing regularly helps relieve dryness and itchiness.

If you apply a cream around your eyes, use your ring finger. It is your weakest finger, so it will not pull as hard on the delicate skin.1

How often should you do the routine?

Make cleansing and moisturizing regular evening habits. For dry or sensitive skin, washing once daily in the evening can be sufficient rather than washing twice. Choose a fragrance free moisturizer if your skin is sensitive, because added fragrance can trigger irritation or allergic reactions. Introduce one new product at a time, and test a small amount before applying it across your face.2

Do you need extra treatments?

Adding too many products can cause irritation, especially when you combine several products aimed at signs of aging. That irritation can make those signs more noticeable rather than less.12

For tweens and teens, focus on gentle cleansing and moisturizing rather than adult products for wrinkles or sun damage. Retinol, vitamin C and exfoliating acids can cause redness, burning or peeling in young skin. A dermatologist can decide whether a retinoid or salicylic acid is appropriate for acne.2

Should you put petroleum jelly on last?

Slugging means applying petroleum jelly overnight to form a protective layer that reduces water loss. It can help dry, dehydrated skin retain moisture and repair its protective barrier. It is more useful in dry winter weather and less necessary in warm, humid conditions. Slugging is an optional addition, not a nightly requirement.3

Skip slugging if your skin is oily, prone to acne, infected or has an open wound. Do not trap alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids or retinoids beneath petroleum jelly, because that can increase irritation.3

1. 1Start with clean skin and apply moisturizer.
2. 2Apply a tiny amount of plain petroleum jelly, or one with minimal added ingredients. You can limit it to the driest areas rather than covering your entire face.
3. 3Allow about 30 minutes before bed for the products to settle.
4. 4Wash your face the next morning to remove the petroleum jelly and anything stuck to it.

A towel over your pillowcase can protect it during slugging, which gives the bedding a modest supporting role in skincare.3

What is a nighttime skincare routine for glowing skin?

Focus on hydration rather than adding more treatments. Moisturizer relieves dryness, and suitable dry skin can benefit from the extra moisture retention of occasional slugging. Applying more products is not a shortcut: too many products can irritate skin.13

What is a nighttime skincare routine for men?

Use the same general sequence: gentle cleanser, any skin treatment, then moisturizer. Choose additions for a specific skin need, such as dryness, rather than changing the basic order.1

When should you get help?

If slugging causes redness or irritation, stop and see a dermatologist. For teens using acne products, seek care if breakouts leave dark marks or scars, or have not improved after a few months of treatment.23