In This Story:
Did you know that between the ages of 25 and 30, we begin losing 1% of collagen annually? We hate being the bearer of bad news, but this process accelerates as you hit 40. UV light and urban dust, among other environmental aggressors, can take a toll on the skin, increasing the probability of premature fine lines and wrinkles, loss of firmness, and hyperpigmentation.
Here’s where an active-laden night routine comes into play… Your skin's repair and renewal mechanisms reach their full potential at night; while you snooze, epidermal blood flow increases, facilitating better absorption of nutrients and oxygen. Since the threat of UV radiation is low in the absence of direct sunlight, the evening is an ideal time to use retinoids and exfoliants, which may otherwise increase photosensitivity.
Need help with which active ingredients to use, how and in what step of your Cleanse-Repair-Hydrate routine? Fret not, for we break it down in our comprehensive guide.
Retinol: Repair & Hydrate
Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, is best topically applied at night as a lightweight serum or moisturiser. Take a pea-sized amount and use it on the entire face, avoiding sensitive areas. Retinol beginners should gradually phase the active ingredient into their nighttime routine, using it 2-3 times a week and working it up to daily use as tolerated. Pro Tip: Follow the 1-2-3 rule if you’re introducing your skin to retinol for the very first time. Apply retinol once a week for one week, twice a week for two weeks, and thrice a week for three weeks, then move to every other night.
Our Top Retinol Picks
AHAs-BHAs: Cleanse, Repair & Hydrate
When turning to alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), consider applying the latter to oilier areas of the skin, such as your T-zone, whereas AHAs can be applied elsewhere. Avoid using retinol with alpha hydroxy acids as they may cancel each other out, making them less effective and potentially irritating for the skin. We’ve rounded up the best AHA-BHA cleansers, peeling solutions, and toner for your nighttime routine.
Our Top AHA-BHA Picks
Peptides: Repair
Repair your epidermis with the goodness of peptides via a weightless serum. Post double cleansing and toning, apply a potent, peptide-infused elixir directly to the skin until completely absorbed. Incorporating peptides in your nighttime routine alongside retinol and ceramides will help you derive its maximum benefit.
Our Top Peptide Picks
Ceramides: Hydrate
Your skin loses moisture during the night, and using a ceramides-enriched moisturiser can help prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL). As the third step in your Cleanse-Repair-Hydrate routine, opt for a ceramides-rich formula to lock in heaps of hydration. Quench your skin with this barrier-strengthening holy grail ingredient that has received the celebrity seal of approval, time and again.
Our Top Ceramide Picks
Parting Thoughts
For the uninitiated, your skin is in a relatively stable condition while you sleep, making it less vulnerable to external stressors – such as sweat, pollution, and sun exposure – which can disrupt the efficacy of skincare formulations. Hence, adopting a structured night routine boasting efficacious formulae can do wonders for your skin. Cleanse, repair, and hydrate is your 3-step solution to a healthy glow!
