Sleeping Beauty: Your Night-Time Skincare Routine

New skin cells grow fast as you sleep. Take advantage of this acceleration with a quality night-time routine that has you waking up looking refreshed and youthful every day. You can be your own Sleeping Beauty -- handsome prince optional.

Always remove makeup

You may be tired, but removing your day’s makeup is one of the most important steps you can take. Wash your skin clean of any foundation, blush, and contour to clear out the pores. Don’t forget eye makeup, including mascara. Use a cotton pad and makeup remover to minimize the tugging and pulling you do on the delicate skin around the eye.

Cleanse

Cleansing removes any makeup your remover missed and also clears your skin of the build-up of dirt and oils accumulated throughout the day. Use a cleanser, gentle cleansing brush or a soft washcloth, and lukewarm water. If your skin is sensitive, choose a brand that’s hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. Brickell Cosmetic staff can make some recommendations.

Apply a mask

You don’t always have to use a mask, but the optimal time to apply one is before you put on your nighttime moisturizer. Choose one that matches your skincare needs, such as those made with charcoal to deep clean pores or one that’s specially formulated for combatting pimples. Talk to the staff at Brickell Cosmetic to determine the right one for you.

Use a toner

Toners seem optional, but they are crucial as they prep your skin for the serum and moisturizer to follow. Once you’ve rinsed off a mask of choice, pat your skin dry with a towel. Apply toner to a cotton ball and gently press it all along your cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin. Avoid rubbing or pulling, as this may overstress delicate facial skin.

Apply serums and moisturizing creams

Choose products specially formulated for the night. Nighttime products don’t contain sunscreen -- extra protection that just isn’t necessary as you slumber. In addition, products designed for overnight wear are usually thicker and more hydrating, so they can soak in while you sleep.

Serums go first. They may contain ingredients such as retinoids, which plump, and glycolic acid, which polishes. You use these particular ingredients at night because they can make your skin extra sensitive to the sun. Don’t skimp on moisturizer, either. Put on a generous layer to really let the skin-nourishing ingredients sink in.

Tap on eye cream AFTER the moisturizer

Eye cream is formulated to specially hydrate and nourish the sensitive and thin skin around the eye area. This area is a prime site for wrinkles and poor sleep -- ever have dark circles? While eye cream won’t make up for too little shut-eye, it can help you look rested improve by moisturizing, reducing puffiness, and diminishing fine lines.

Sleep

This should go without saying, but you need between seven and nine hours of shuteye to feel and look your best. Proper sleep is when your body repairs itself, including your skin. All-nighters, whether they’re to study or party, undermine even the best beauty habits.