Skin sin #1: Not washing off your makeup before bed. Your skin (like the rest of your body) goes into repair mode while you sleep. If you don’t allow it to breathe, your pores will clog, moisture won’t be able to get in and the morning will look far from pretty. Follow my diligent and ultra-nourishing nighttime skincare routine to become a true “sleeping beauty.”
I know how convenient cleansing towelettes are, and they’re an acceptable alternative when you’re pressed for time. BUT…they really don’t get deep down into pores the way a quality cleanser can. To remove all the work I did in the morning (a little sad, but it must be done), I like using an eye makeup remover on my entire face. It’s an oil-based solution, which helps to break up the makeup that has settled into my skin. For an even deeper cleanse, I’ll use a blend of olive and castor oils (check back for that beauty recipe). In a circling motion, I apply the oil-based makeup remover, rinse and then rub off any excess with a dark-colored towel.
Once the makeup is off, it’s time to exfoliate, tone and hydrate:
1. Exfoliate: Acure Brightening Scrub is gentle enough for all skin types, plus it’s pumped with antioxidants. You know this exfoliator is all-natural by the scrubbing particles, because they’re made from organic sea kelp and walnut shell. Cool, right? You can’t go wrong with a treatment full of from-the-earth-and-sea ingredients, like French Green Clay, chlorella, lemon peel, organic berries and so much more. Even though I’ve already used the oil blend to remove makeup, a nourishing, all-natural exfoliator is important for opening the pores and preparing skin for the next step…
2. Tone: Using a toner every day would be too harsh, so I stick to an every-other-day routine. Serum, on the other hand, I use daily to help regenerate and even out my complexion. To keep it easy, I use the same serums at night as I do in the morning. If you missed my morning skincare routine, check it out here. Because I love these products so dearly, they’re worth mentioning again. The Andalou Naturals Tumeric + C Enlighten Serum and Avalon Organics Vitamin C Serum are my favorites, because they’re pure, full of nutrients that the skin soaks up and both leave me with a brighter tone. If your skin is on the drier side, I recommend the Andalou serum since it’s a bit thicker and more moisturizing. Finish it off with an eye serum to deter morning puffiness.
3. Hydrate: Depending on how my skin is acting, I’ll choose between a couple of hydrating solutions. If I’m breaking out, Sibu Sea Buckthorn Oil is my skin savior. It absorbs instantly into my skin, so I wake up looking and feeling better. When my face is dry — especially in the colder months — I use Reviva Labs Alpha Lipoic Acid Cream, Vitamin C Ester and DMAE Cream. You know how I’m adamant about repairing any sun damage, so this cream is a winner. The vitamin C’s antioxidant powers help fight free radicals, while the DMAE works to firm. Feeling creative? Try mixing the sea buckthorn oil with the Reviva cream for even more hydration and repair.
Night, night, sleep (skin) tight!