The Dermatologist-Approved Nighttime Skincare Routine You Need to Try

What Is a Nighttime Skincare Routine?

A nighttime skincare routine refers to the products you apply to your skin every night before bed to address certain concerns. Typically, you will have a morning skincare routine and a nighttime skincare routine, with varying steps to target different skin issues. For instance, in the morning, it’s crucial to finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, but at night, you can skip the sunscreen. Similarly, you may incorporate a rich moisturizer or overnight mask into your nighttime routine because your skin works to repair its natural barrier while you sleep. 

The Benefits of Using a Nighttime Skincare Routine

The benefits of using a nighttime skincare routine will depend on the products and ingredients you use. In general, though, some goals of a nighttime skincare routine include washing away any dirt, makeup and impurities that have built up on the surface of your skin throughout the day, delivering hydration and addressing specific concerns like breakouts or dryness. Ahead, Dr. Engelman breaks down her basic, five-step nighttime skincare routine. Her suggestions are customizable based on your individual skincare needs — so think of this as a jumping off point.

5-Step Nighttime Skincare Routine

Steps 1 and 2: Cleanse — Twice

By now you’ve probably heard about the popular K-beauty ritual of double-cleansing, thanks to social media. This face-washing method is a great practice to incorporate into your nighttime skincare routine to help ensure that all dirt, makeup and impurities have been removed from the skin’s surface.

“In the evening, it’s all about removing the day’s makeup and dirt from your face,” Dr. Engelman explains. To do so, she follows a double-cleansing ritual every night. “Step one involves removing the day's cream, makeup and dirt with a nutrient-rich towelette,” she says. Makeup-removing wipes are an easy, no-fuss way to remove impurities on the surface of the skin in a pinch. We love the Garnier SkinActive Makeup Remover Micellar Cleansing Wipes, which make your skin feel instantly refreshed.

Step two involves cleansing with a liquid formula. “Next, help draw out excess sebum and additional impurities by using a gentle oil cleanser and lukewarm water,” Dr. Engelman advises. Why oil, you ask? Most oil cleansers can gently melt away impurities like makeup without drying out your skin. However, if an oil cleanser isn’t quite the right fit for your skincare needs, there are plenty of other gentle face wash options available.

Our Favorite Cleansers

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof Makeup Remover

When it comes to getting rid of makeup at the end of a long day, we turn to the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof Makeup Remover. Even the most stubborn makeup is no match for this refreshing, surprisingly powerful facial cleanser. Micelles in the formula act as a magnet to draw away impurities from your skin. 

CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser

As the second step in your double-cleanser, Dr. Engelman recommends using an oil cleanser. Right now, we’re obsessed with this hydraing, foaming oil-based formula from CeraVe. Formulated for dry to very dry skin, this is a great cleanser to use in the winter when your skin is more susceptible to dryness. It cleanses without disrupting the skin barrier and it’s packed with hydrating ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane oil and triglyceride. 

Step 3: Exfoliate Regularly

After double cleansing, Dr. Engelman reaches for a gentle exfoliator when her skin is feeling dull. “The complexion looks radiant when it’s smooth enough to reflect light,” she explains, “But when dead surface cells pile up, those layers can diffuse that light and make the skin appear dull.” Exfoliating regularly (two to three times per week is sufficient — you don’t want to over-exfoliate and irritate your skin) can help buff away dead skin cells to promote a glowing, refined complexion.   

Editor’s note: If you have sensitive skin, be sure to choose an exfoliating formula that is suitable for your skin type. When in doubt, talk to your dermatologist or a skincare specialist.

Our Favorite Exfoliators

SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub 

The SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub is one of our go-to picks because of its mild formula that polishes skin without dehydrating it. After using it, your skin will look and feel more refined, as well as soft and hydrated. This scrub is ideal for those hoping to target such skin issues as dehydration, aging and discoloration. 

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensifies 5% Glycolic Acid Peeling Liquid Toner 

Adding a toner, such as the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensifies 5% Glycolic Acid Peeling Liquid Toner, to your skincare routine is an easy way to stay on top of regular exfoliation. This glycolic-acid-infused formula buffs away dead skin to reveal a bright, glowy and even complexion. 

Step 4: Apply a Serum

Next, Dr. Engelman reaches for an anti-aging serum that’s formulated to help prevent and correct the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while improving the texture and tone of the complexion. There’s lots of room for variety in this step, since different serums help to address different skincare issues. An anti-aging serum is a great option for most people, but you can also reach for a hyaluronic acid serum if you need an extra boost of hydration or a salicylic acid serum if you struggle with breakouts. 

Dr. Engelman follows up her serum with a prescription retinoid. “These vitamin A derivatives are the ultimate multi-taskers,” she explains of retinoids. If you’re curious about retinols and want to incorporate one into your nightly routine, be sure to talk to your dermatologist first to ensure you’re a good candidate. When using retinol, start at a lower concentration and slowly increase it to build your skin’s tolerance. Start by using retinol once or twice a week and gradually increase the frequency, as needed, to every other day or every night. Just be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning, as retinol can cause enhanced skin sensitivity to sunlight. 

Our Favorite Serums

Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

If you struggle with dry skin and need an extra dose of hydration, check out the Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum. Like a refreshing burst of water for your skin, it helps to strengthen and repair your skin barrier. Skin looks plumper and more youthful with continued use.

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

The CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is a great serum option for those who struggle with breakouts, acne marks and visible pores. This gentle yet effective exfoliating serum works to minimize the look of pores and improve the smoothness of your skin’s surface without disrupting its barrier.

Vichy LiftActiv Pure Retinol Serum

New to retinol? Try the Vichy LiftActiv Pure Retinol Serum, which is formulated with a mild 0.2% concentration of retinol. This anti-aging serum works to reduce wrinkles, firm and smooth the skin, reduce dark spots and improve skin radiance.

Step 5: Hydrate Your Skin

After cleansing, exfoliating and applying your favorite serums, it’s time to hydrate your skin. “The skin can lose a lot of water while you sleep,” Dr. Engelman says, “So, I like to use hydrating products that are specifically formulated for overnight use, like an overnight mask.” With so many product formulations out there designed to target specific skin types and concerns at every price point, there’s bound to be a moisturizer match for you. 

Our Favorite Moisturizers and Overnight Masks

Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask

We can’t get enough of Youth To The People’s nourishing, antioxidant-enriched skincare products (with the coolest packaging), and the Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask is no exception. Formulated with squalane and hyaluronic acid, this overnight mask moisturizes while targeting dullness and uneven skin tone, so you’ll wake up with a radiant complexion.

Thayers Barrier Bestie Ultra Whip Face Cream

For an ultra-rich moisturizer to get you and your skin through the dryness of winter, look no further than the Thayers Barrier Bestie Ultra Whip Face Cream. With squalane and ceramides, this velvety rich face cream hydrates the skin for an impressive 72 hours.