Do I Need a Nighttime Skin Routine?

Before this question is answered, you should know what happens to your skin when you sleep.

Our cells regenerate at night through a process known as Mitosis, which is the division of skin cells that renew and repair themselves. So, as a result, at night is the best time to add nutrients and focus on supporting the skin with products formulated to enhance this process for added anti-ageing benefits. So the answer to the question above is yes.

Nightmare habits you need to avoid.

Not cleaning your skin at night may result in premature ageing.
As our skin renews itself at night, having makeup and debris on our skin can result in the trapping of dead skin cells and the accumulation of bacteria. As a result, you may be obstructing this natural process and preventing your skin from recovering from daily oxidative stress, which can lead to additional free radical damage and collagen degradation.

Sleeping on a dirty pillow.
Sleeping on the same pillowcase night after night can lead to an accumulation of bacteria on your skin. Imagine dead skin cells and sweat accumulating over time. If you have acne, this is a major issue.

Not using the correct nighttime serum.
It is essential to use the correct serum to help with skin rejuvenation, which works while you sleep. For example, if you use a Vitamin C serum at night, this is not recommended because it is a protective serum. On the other hand, Vitamin A and B serums are ideal because they help repair and regenerate your skin.

Not using a moisturiser.
It's an interesting fact that our skin sebum production peaks at midday and decreases at night. Unfortunately, as our protective layer of natural oils reduces at night, we lose water. To avoid water loss within the skin, you need to use a good moisturiser to replenish water.

Dreamy habits to implement at night.

Double-Cleanse your skin.
The first cleanse removes makeup and pollutants, and the second cleanse effectively cleans the pores.

Tip 1 - Begin the cleansing process with a Blush Off Makeup Remover Pads to remove excess makeup before applying your cleanser.

Tip 2 - Alternatively, use chemical-free Micellar water, as micelles break down when in contact with the skin and act like tiny magnets to attract and lift dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin. Our top picks are:

• Synergie Minerals Micellution
• Aspect Cleansing Micellar Water
• Medik8 Micellar Mousse

Your second cleanse should balance your skin. Check out our blog, "It's All About the Cleanse", for more information.

Pillow Case Solutions
If possible, try to change your pillowcases twice a week. 100% mulberry silk pillowcases are the best for your skin, which is why we love Shhh Silk, as the natural silk fibres reduce dust and bacteria gathering on your pillowcase. In addition, a silk pillowcase naturally hydrates your skin by keeping moisture on your face, allowing your night cream to be absorbed into your skin rather than your cotton pillowcase. Nobody wants to have dry skin if it can be avoided!

Vitamin B Serums: Doing the hard work whilst you sleep
Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) serum is your multitasker for nightly use.
Benefits are:

• helps keep your skin's barrier strong
• prevents water loss within the skin
• gives your skin a natural glow
• balances oil production
• reduces uneven skin tone, sallowness, and sun damage boosting your skin's immunity
  
  

Our favs are:

• Synergie Vitamin B
• Medik8 Clarity Peptides
• SpaCeuticals Super Proof
• Aspect Extreme B 17

Vitamin A Serums: Perfectly compliments vitamin B for nighttime use
This is your ultimate skin regulator in the form of Retinol or a stabilised Retinal. Since Vitamin A contains a photosensitive ingredient, it must only be used night.

Benefits of Vitamin A serums:

• promotes healthy skin renewal
• balances oil production
• treats visible lines and uneven skin tone
• a must-have for clear, balanced, and youthful-looking skin.
  
  

Our Vitamin A picks:

• Synergie Ultimate A
• Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3
• Cosmedix Serum 16
• SpaCeuticals Super Smart 

Alternatively, if pregnant or reactive to Retinol or Retinal, use a plant-based skin regulator such as Bakuchiol Oil.
Our picks:

• Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides
• Synergie LumiBalance
• Cosmedix Bakuchiol Complete

Skin Boosting Night Moisturisers
As previously stated, our skin requires repair and regeneration at night. A slightly thicker moisturiser will help reduce moisture loss, and some will even work with your circadian (sleep) rhythm.

Consider your moisturiser to be an invisible seal on your skin that reduces the evaporation of your serums and moisture levels. It's best to get a night cream that will allow your skin to breathe easily.

Our recommendations depending on your skin type:

• Cosmedix Resync
• Synergie Reclaim
• Centella Regenerating Night Cream
• Aspect SMC
• Waterlily Vitamin Repair
• SpaCeuticals Plasma Repair

Feel free to contact us for a customised recommendation for your skin.

Additional night-time tips

If you make an effort to look after your skin at night, you are doing the best you can to optimise your skin health, delay the ageing process, and keep your skin happy and calm.

•  be mindful of the levels of alcohol you consume ( there are alternatives such as FloraBiome Calm)
• wind down before bed with a good book rather than overstimulating screens.

Marisa's Secret Skin Boosting Tip
Use an exfoliator once a week while you sleep to get rid of dead skin cells to enhance product penetration and brighten the skin. 
Recommendations:

• Medik8 Sleep Glycolic
• Aspect Exfol L

On another evening once a week, sleep with a repairing and hydrating mask instead of your night cream to recondition your skin so that it is plump and hydrated when you wake up.
Recommendations:

• Aspect Probiotic Sleep Mask
• Synergie Masquerase

We leave you with this quote from Doris Day:
"Your skin and your whole body goes into repair mode when you sleep."