It’s never too late to start a nighttime skin care routine. As my 30s crept up and I came to the realization I didn’t want to rely solely on Botox to deal with my newly minted fine lines, a routine made itself blatantly necessary. While I admire those who tackle a 10-plus step process, I’ve found a simple routine that suits my sleepy, and at times impatient, pre-bed needs. Here are my easy five steps for women of all ages.
1. Wipe the Day Away
My 20s were full of bad habits like sleeping with mascara and eyeliner on and waiting until the morning to assess the damage. Oh, to be young again. I’ve used a variety of high- and low-end eye makeup removers, and my go-to is Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover. Just a quick shake of the bottle and a dab on a cotton ball is all you need to remove the day’s eye makeup and avoid unnecessary stinging while washing your face.
Neutrogena’s Oil- Free Eye Makeup Remover, Amazon.com, $5 for 5.5 fl. oz.
2. Youthful Glow
A thorough facial cleanse is the next step. While you should tailor your face wash to your skin’s needs, I personally love the Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser. The creamy formula feels so good on my skin and removes the day’s makeup and dirt, leaving my skin glowing. Kate Somerville has a variety of face washes to suit a variety of skin care needs.
Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser, KateSomerville.com, $40
3. Mask It!
Now, your skin is feeling fresh and clean, but it’s not time to hit the hay yet. A good-quality mask can mean all the difference in your facial texture, especially if you have dry skin or your skin has a high cell turnover rate that leaves it feeling coarse or rough. Malin and Goetz Brightening Enzyme Mask is a chemical exfoliator (meaning you let it sit on your skin rather than rub it in) that leaves my skin looking visibly improved after a single wash. Thanks to ingredients like revitalizing ginger extract and bilberry, lemon and orange AHAs that brighten, smooth and moisturize, this mask definitely lives up to its name.
Malin and Goetz Brightening Enzyme Mask, malinandgoetz.com, $48
4. Super Serum
In case you haven’t caught on already, I really like products that make me look young. So it should come as no surprise that I’m completely obsessed with Gaffer and Child’s Lunar Youth Serum. Not only does it smell amazing, but it also uses wild harvested herbs, is 100% natural and vegan, is certified organic and uses no harsh chemicals. The serum works while you sleep to replenish and nourish your skin back to its full potential and fight premature aging. Ingredients like sea buckthorn, rose and geranium make skin visibly smoother by morning.
Gaffer and Child Lunar Youth Serum, GafferandChild.com, $110
5. Multi-Tasking Toner
To finish, I stick with another Gaffer and Child favorite: Neroli Magic Mist. It’s a facial tonic that tones and acts as an aromatherapy agent. It can be used whenever, but I can’t think of a better way to end the day than with a whiff of my favorite florals. It works for all skin types and can be used on both face and body. Plus, it even works as an aftershave!
Neroli Magic Mist, GafferandChild.com, $33
Bonus: And let’s not forget our friend, retinol. Talk to your dermatologist before getting on the retinol bandwagon, but this potent serum is proven to reduce fine lines and signs of aging and easily can be worked into your nighttime routine.