You know how some people seem to just wake up with glowing skin? And even with your multiple skin care products, you just aren’t able to achieve the same glow? The problem isn’t your skin or your products, it might just be the lack of a night skin care routine. In India, where our skin has so many opponents from the harsh sun and pollution to humidity and stress, crafting a thoughtful day and night skin care routine can make all the difference.
Daytime Skincare Routine: Protection & Prevention
Your morning routine should focus on protecting your skin from the day’s challenges – UV rays, pollution, and dehydration.
1. Cleanser: Environmental dirt doesn’t really get washed out with just water (1). That’s why cleansers are important – they remove oil, sweat, and any residue from the night. Start your day with a gentle cleanser to not only feel fresh but also make a clean base for your other products.
2. Toner: A toner can help balance your skin’s pH while prepping it for the next steps. Go for non-alcohol formulas with soothing ingredients if your skin is sensitive.
3. Serum: Serums have a light texture and are packed with powerful ingredients that benefit your skin. Opt for a vitamin C serum in the morning – this vitamin protects our skin against UV damage, photo-aging, and oxidative stress, and reduces hyperpigmentation (2). Use just a couple of drops and softly pat them onto your face.
4. Moisturiser: If you want your skin to glow, you need to hydrate it. Use a moisturiser that suits your skin type – gel-based for oily skin, creamy moisturisers for dry skin. Skin hydration is important to maintain a healthy barrier, and well-hydrated skin looks more radiant and has a natural glow.
5. Sunscreen: Never skip sunscreen! Even if you plan to stay indoors all day, sunscreen should be a regular part of your morning skincare routine. Choose products with SPF 30 and above for better protection against UVA and UVB rays, which cause early skin aging and hyperpigmentation. Daily sunscreen use also helps keep your skin tone even.
Nighttime Skincare Routine: Repair & Renewal
Creating a night skin care routine for glowing skin is a little different from your regular daytime routine. So here are some steps to start with:
1. Cleanser: Don’t go to bed without removing all traces of makeup, sunscreen, and pollution. In fact, it’s better to double cleanse, especially if you wear makeup or live in a polluted city. So first clean your skin with an oil-based cleanser (to properly get the makeup and sunscreen off) and then wash your face with a gentle foaming cleanser. Now your skin is clear and free from impurities.
2. Exfoliation (2-3 times a week): Gentle exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and boosts cell renewal, giving you fresher, brighter skin. This also improves skin texture and radiance. Use a mild chemical exfoliant (like glycolic or lactic acid) rather than harsh scrubs, and avoid over-exfoliating because that can damage the skin barrier.
3. Toner: A toner can help soothe and hydrate your skin post-cleansing, especially if you use actives like acids or retinoids.
4. Serum: For your night routine, use serums with ingredients like hyaluronic acid (for hydration), niacinamide (for brightening and oil control), or retinol (anti-aging). These ingredients are a good support for your skin’s natural repair functions.
5. Eye Cream: The sensitive skin around your eyes often needs extra moisture and specific ingredients. Eye creams containing peptides, caffeine, or hyaluronic acid can help reduce puffiness and fine lines, or you can use one for under-eye dark circles too.
6. Moisturiser or Night Cream: Don’t skip a nourishing night cream before bed. They’re usually richer and contain ingredients that support repair, like peptides, ceramides, and antioxidants. Using moisturisers or creams at night enhances skin barrier recovery and hydration.
Why Night Skin Care Matters
People might think skin care at the beginning of the day is enough work. But did you know that your skin’s ability to absorb skin care is highest at night? At night, our skin is in repair mode, from boosting collagen production (vital for the skin barrier) to fixing and renewing damaged cells. So it’s best to maximise on your skin’s nightly maintenance abilities with the right skincare products for achieving glowing, resilient skin.
Skin Care Tips for Indian Skin
We Indians face a lot of skin challenges everyday. So apart from a dedicated night skin care routine, we’ve got you some extra care tips:
• Double cleanse to get rid of dirt, sweat, and environmental impurities.
• Hydrate well. Night time moisturising is important for oily skin too, as it helps regulate oil levels.
• Use brightening ingredients like niacinamide or vitamin C to reduce pigmentation and dullness, which are common concerns for Indian skin.
• Don’t skip sunscreen, even if you think you won’t be under the sun for too long, because UV rays can even penetrate windows.
• Never skip moisturiser, especially at night, as it supports skin repair and strengthens the skin barrier while you sleep.
• Be consistent. The best results come from following your night skin care routine steps every night.
Final Thoughts
A perfect skincare routine isn’t about expensive products or complicated steps. It’s about understanding your skin’s needs and using the right day and night skincare products consistently. In our challenging Indian climate, our skin care routine should include efforts made both when you wake up and before you go to bed. Although daytime skincare is important, don’t underestimate the benefits of a good night routine. Most of the magic happens while you sleep – so invest in your night routine and let your skin do the rest!
FAQs
Q1. What should be night skin care routine?
A good night skincare routine focuses on cleansing, hydrating, and nourishing your skin. Cleanse your skin thoroughly, apply a toner and serum for targeted skin problems, apply a moisturiser. Also exfoliate regularly (2-3 times a week).
Q2. What to apply on face at night for glowing skin?
For a natural skin glow, maybe try an overnight mask for skin brightening. Choose skincare products rich in vitamin C, as it’s known for its antioxidant and protective properties, giving your skin a glow.
Q3. Is it better to do skincare at day or night?
A morning skincare routine is meant to clean up all dirt and build-up on the skin overnight and protect your skin from oncoming stressors throughout the day. A night skincare routine is equally important as it cleanses all the dirt on the skin that gathers during the day, and leaves your skin clean and fresh.
Q4. How many hours before bed should you do skincare?
You should do your night skincare routine about 30 minutes to 2 hours before sleeping. This gives enough time for the products to absorb into your skin.