6 expert-recommended night time routines that will keep your skin fresh, rejuvenated every morning

Health benefits of deep sleep: Never underestimate the power of a good night's sleep. Ensure you get 7-8 hours of restful sleep to allow your skin to repair and regenerate (Image: Canva)

You love to look fresh and lively throughout the day but aren't sure how to achieve it. The secret lies in starting a nighttime skincare routine. As you sleep, your skin focuses on repairing and rejuvenating itself. By following a simple nighttime regimen that includes cleansing, moisturising, and applying targeted treatments, you can support this natural process and ensure your skin remains hydrated and revitalised. This way, you wake up with a fresh, radiant complexion that lasts all day.

Dr Chytra Anand, Celebrity Cosmetic Dermatologist, Founder Kosmoderma Clinics & SkinQ, shares some nighttime routine ideas to help you keep your skin fresh and glowing all day.

Cleanse thoroughly: Start your night-time routine by thoroughly cleansing your face to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities accumulated throughout the day. Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser suitable for your skin type to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils. Use a ph balanced cleanser.

Exfoliate and mask weekly: Exfoliating once or twice a week can help remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, leading to a brighter complexion. Opt for chemical exfoliants containing AHAs or BHAs for a gentle yet effective exfoliation that helps unclog pores and smooth skin texture. Follow up with a hydrating or calming mask to soothe the skin and provide deep hydration, ensuring the skin isn't left open and vulnerable after exfoliation. Or use an exfoliating clay mask that gently exfoliates and masks at the same time.

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Follow targeted treatments: Night is the best time to use targeted treatments such as active serums and retinoids. Brightening agents like kojic acid and Azelaic acid are best used at night. Retinoids are potent for cell regeneration and collagen production, reducing fine lines and improving skin texture, but they increase skin sensitivity to sunlight, making nighttime use ideal. Peptides help to stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity, while amino acids support skin repair and hydration. Using these ingredients at night allows them to work in synergy with the skin's natural repair processes without interference from UV exposure.

Moisturise: Lock in all the goodness with a nourishing moisturizer. Choose a moisturiser that complements your skin type, whether it’s a lightweight gel for oily skin or a thicker cream for dry skin. Look for ingredients like sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid for hydration, ceramides to restore the skin’s barrier, vitamin E for its antioxidant properties, and niacinamide for brightening and anti-inflammatory benefits. These ingredients work together to keep the skin hydrated and protected overnight.

Apply eye cream: The skin around the eyes is delicate and requires special care. Use an eye cream with ingredients like caffeine, hyaluronic acid, or peptides, caffeine to reduce puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines. Gently pat the cream around your eyes with your ring finger to avoid tugging at the skin.

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Get your beauty sleep: Never underestimate the power of a good night's sleep. Ensure you get 7-8 hours of restful sleep to allow your skin to repair and regenerate. Consider using a silk pillowcase to minimise friction and prevent wrinkles, and keep your sleeping environment cool and dark to promote better sleep quality.