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More than vanity, having a skincare routine is important because following one can help improve the health of the skin. The skin is our protective barrier against environmental stressors (like pollution and extreme heat!), so it's important to take good care of it. Skincare routines should be done day and night, but for this story, we're focusing on nighttime skincare routines. The body's repair process happens at night, so letting your skincare products do the magic while you sleep will provide the best results.
Below, we teach you ~*everything*~ you need to know about building an evening skincare regimen from scratch.
How To Build A Nighttime Skincare Routine
Find out what your skin needs and your skin type
To get started, you need to discover your specific skin concerns and determine your skin type. Different skin types have different needs. There are four basic skin types: oily, dry, combination, and sensitive. You can take a quiz, consult with a dermatologist to determine your skin type, or check out this guide:
- Normal - not too oily or dry, with few blemishes or imperfections
- Dry Skin - lacks moisture and may feel tight or itchy
- Oily Skin - produces excess oil and may appear shiny or greasy
- Combination Skin - oily in the T-zone and dry or patchy cheeks
- Sensitive Skin - easily irritated by certain products or environmental factors
Fact: Skin types can change over time due to factors such as hormonal changes, aging, or changes in lifestyle or environment. Take note to regularly assess your skin and adjust your skincare routine as needed to ensure that you are giving your skin the best possible care.
Start simple.
Don't overwhelm yourself with too many products at once. We know that it's easy to get carried away by all the skincare products that you see on TikTok, Instagram, Lazada, and Shopee. Start with a basic routine of cleansing and moisturizing. You can add other products such as serums and toners gradually as you become more comfortable with your routine.
The Correct Night Skincare Routine Order
It can be confusing to know which skincare product to go with first, especially if you're just new to building a skincare routine. Don't worry if you're unsure about where to start because while there's no universal routine, there are key steps you need to follow for a solid foundation.
Step 1: Cleanse your face
Start by removing all traces of makeup, dirt, and oil from your face with a gentle cleanser. This will ensure that your skin is clean and ready for the rest of your skincare routine.
READ: Here's The Ultimate Guide To Finding The Best Facial Wash For Your Skin Type
Dove Amino Acid Facial Cleansing Mousse Oil Control Care 160mL, P115, Lazada
OXECURE pH 5.5 Gentle Cleanser 200ml, P300, Lazada
Step 2: Toner
After cleansing, use a toner to balance your skin's pH levels and prepare it for the other products you'll be using. Apply the toner with a cotton pad and gently sweep it all over your face. If you're using a hydrating toner pat it directly onto your skin using your palms.
Human Nature Balancing Natural Face Toner with Elemi, P199.75, Lazada
SkinRX Lab MadeCera SkinRx Lab Cream Double Essence Toner, P1,695, Shopee
Nacific Fresh Herb Origin Toner, P750, Shopee
Step 3: Serum
Next, apply any serums or treatments you may have. These potent formulas can address specific skin concerns like dark spots, fine lines, and uneven texture. Just make sure to wait a few minutes between each layer to allow the products to fully absorb into your skin. Our fave ingredients to look for in a bottle:
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Retinol - skin repair, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improvement of skin texture.
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Serum Fragrance-Free 30 ml, P1,999, Watsons
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Hyaluronic acid - hydrates the skin; keeps the complexion soft and glowing
InnisfreeADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum 30ml, P690, Shopee
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Glycerin - hydrates and preserves your skin's youthful glow
ShiseidoShiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate, P4,350, Lazada
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Niacinamide - brightening, fades dark spots, and evens out pigmentation
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓Ponds Bright Triple Glow Facial Serum, P490, Watsons
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Glycolic acid - renews the skin surface, fades dark spots, and evens out pigmentation
Drunk ElephantDRUNK ELEPHANT T.L.C. Framboos Night Serum, P5,650, Look
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Lactic acid - a milder version of glycolic acid, but the same benefits
The OrdinaryADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA, P550, Sephora
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Salicylic acid - acts beneath the pores to dissolve gunk and stuck sebum (perfect for oily and acne-prone skin)
SephoraSephora Pores Serum, P1,300, Sephora
Step 4: Moisturizer
Once your serums have fully absorbed, it's time to hydrate your skin with a moisturizer. This will help lock in all the goodness from the previous steps and keep your skin soft and supple throughout the night. If you've got oily or acne-prone skin, stick to a gel-based formula. Dry and normal skin will benefit from cream-based moisturizers or a ceramide-infused product.
Sunnies Face Dream Cream, P795, Lazada
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream 100ml, P819, Shopee
Bobbi Brown Vitamin E Enriched Face Base, P1,350, Lazada
Step 5: Face oil (Optional)
If your skin is on the drier side, consider adding an oil as your last step. This will create a protective barrier and prevent moisture loss while you sleep.
Pili Ani Ageless Concentrate Age-Defying Elixir (anti-aging), P2,700, Lazada
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate, P3,200, Lazada
Night Skincare Routine: The Extras
Some areas of the skin need more TLC. Here are some steps you could try:
Eye cream
The skin around our eyes is delicate and thin, making it prone to fine lines, wrinkles, and puffiness. Eye creams are specifically formulated to address these concerns and provide intense hydration to the under-eye area. Lightly dab the eye cream on the corners of your eye and under-eye area to improve the appearance of dark circles, fine lines, and puffiness, leaving you with brighter and more youthful-looking eyes.
Drunk Elephant Ceramighty AF Eye Balm, P3,750, Look
Spot treatment
We all get the occasional breakout, and we hate when it happens during a) a big day at the office, 2) a date with your crush, and 3) an Instagrammable day. Thankfully, spot treatments exist. These products are formulated with powerful ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or tea tree oil that can help to reduce inflammation, unclog pores, and clear up acne. Using a spot treatment can speed up the healing process and prevent future breakouts.
Acnes Anti-Acne Spot Gel, P275, Watsons
Lip care
Our lips are often neglected in our skincare routine, but they also need some love and attention. Lip balms and lip masks are designed to hydrate and nourish our lips, which can become dry, chapped, and cracked due to environmental factors such as wind, sun, and cold weather. A good lip care product can replenish moisture, soften rough patches, and soothe any irritation, leaving your lips looking plump and smooth.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, P1,099, Shopee
Remember, it's important to use products that are suited to your skin type and concerns. And don't forget to always wear sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from UV damage. Sweet dreams and wake up to glowing skin!
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