When it comes to caring for our skin for bedtime, there’s more to it than wiping off the muck of the day with a make-up wipe. As we sleep, our body switches into repair mode, an blood flow to our skin increases, as it works to repair damage and rebuild collagen.

To help support the skin through the nightly rejuvenation process, it’s important to use the right skincare products. But when it comes to curating the ideal nighttime skincare routine, it can be difficult to know where to start. To help you figure it out, we’ve put together this guide:

    •    Cleanser: Kick things off by using a cleanser designed for your skincare type to remove make-up and any residual external pollutants that have collected on your skin throughout the day.

    •    Toner: The next addition to your skincare routine should be a toner, which will wipe away any residue left by the cleanser, and reset your skin’s pH balance.

    •    Eye-cream: To combat the signs of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles in the under-eye area, you’ll want to use an eye-cream. An effective eye-cream will help to hydrate this area, and help to curb signs of aging.

    •    Spot-treatment: If you’re prone to acne, you’ll want to ensure that you’re including a spot treatment in your nightly skincare routine. Depending on what type of spots you suffer from, look out for products that combat your particular issues. For example, if you suffer from cystic acne, you may require a stronger treatment prescribed from a medical professional.

    •    Serum: To really give your skin the best possible conditions for repairing itself during the night, add a serum to your PM routine. Serums penetrate the skin at a deep level, delivering key ingredients far below the skin’s surface. Look out for a serum that’s relevant to your skin type. For instance, if you suffer from dry skin, you’ll want a serum that contains hyaluronic acid.

    •    Night-cream: A night-time moisturizer tends to be thicker and richer than its day-time counterpart, which makes them more effective at sealing in moisture during the night, providing deep hydration as your sleep. Typically, you’ll find that night-creams contain powerful ingredients such as retinol or glycolic acid, and they won’t contain an SPF.

While the above skincare products will go a long way in helping to improve the appearance of your skin, it’s also vital that you get an adequate amount of sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours a night, and provide your skin with the best possible conditions for rejuvenation.