Just as a good night’s sleep is super important for our bodies and brains — a full eight hours keeps us more fit, happy, and focused — the same goes for our skin! In fact, if you follow a proper beauty night routine, you can actually wake up with a healthier glow.

There’s a kernel of truth to this whole “beauty rest” thing: During the night, your skin actually absorbs the nutrients in your products better than during the daytime. Additionally, there aren’t environmental stressors at night (like environmental pollution and sun damage) while you sleep; products are able to better penetrate when you’re not wearing makeup while you sleep and the skin can breathe.

Your beauty night routine is mega important. And while there isn’t a one-size-fits-all routine, there is a foundational regimen that everyone should have in place. We went to the experts to see what they recommend for a basic night skincare routine. Keep reading to see their tips.

Here is our reccomandation for a beauty night routine to keep your skin looking healthy, young, and gorgeous.

Beauty Night Routine

Start With A Good Cleanse

After a long day, your skin is worn out, dry, and tired! You’ll want to help your skin revitalize itself overnight with a healthy dose of added hydration. All you have to do is thoroughly cleanse (with an oil-free cleanser) and dry your skin before applying your mosturizer.

Apply A Soothing Face Mask

Treat your skin to some extra nighttime “therapy” by applying a face mask. There is an assortment of masks that address various needs — from cleaning clogged pores to smoothing fine lines. While a face mask isn’t necessary every single night (experts suggest utilizing one two to three times per week at most), they are very beneficial for opening your pores and letting active ingredients absorb into your skin.

Go Below The Surface With A Serum

Your skin’s surface isn’t the only thing that may leave it appearing dull. Oftentimes, dull skin isn’t getting hydrated properly. After cleansing (and potentially opening your pores with a soothing face mask), apply serums that will hydrate and brighten your skin, such as ones containing peptides and enzymes. Peptides help aid in the overall smoothness of your delicate skin. Enzymes can help break down dull skin, rejuvenate your skin, and give your complexion some extra glow.

Clear Skin With A Retinoid

Before bed, apply a small amount of retinoid cream all over your face, being sure to avoid the areas around your eyes, corners of your mouth, and creases of your nose. A retinoid cream works to brighten and heal your skin overnight.

Top dermatologists explain that over-the-counter retinol products can be identified as containing retinol or retinaldehyde. But be careful — retinoids, especially those that are prescription strength, tend to actually dry out your skin. That said, the application of a retinoid product should always be followed by a layer of the next step in our beauty night routine: a facial moisturizer.

Apply A Nighttime Moisturizer

The biggest difference between daytime and nighttime moisturizers is that products specifically formulated for the daytime are lighter in consistency and often contain sunscreen. Nighttime moisturizers may not feel as light as your daytime cream, but they will help keep your skin soft and supple.

When searching for a nighttime facial moisturizer, we suggest checking the ingredients label for antioxidants, peptides, and vitamins C and A to help repair your skin.

Use A Quality Eye Cream

Incorporating eye cream into your beauty night routine (after you’ve applied the all-over moisturizer) is one simple way to maintain a youthful-looking appearance. Eye cream protects and hydrates the delicate skin around your eyes, which is prone to wrinkling and crinkling. Look for an eye cream that’s formulated with caffeine, which reduces puffiness, and niacinamide, which increases moisture levels. It will keep your skin from drying out and help ward off wrinkles.

Get Some Sleep

Keep in mind that if your body doesn’t get the rest it so crucially needs, the nighttime skin care products that you use can only go so far to help you. Treat your body kindly, and your skin will benefit! And, yes — we are totally giving you a valid excuse to catch some extra sleep.

The Importance Of Nighttime Skin Care

Don’t rush through your beauty night routine. Remember to focus on your skin’s needs and give it the time it deserves so that you can wake with skin that looks rested and nourished — ready for another busy day ahead.

Follow the tips outlined above to maintain the best beauty night routine for beautiful, healthy-looking skin. Sweet dreams!