Your skin takes a pretty big beating on a day-to-day basis. Think about it: it’s really the only part of you that’s in constant contact with the outside world, and that’s why it’s really important to fill your before-bed routine with the best skincare products to use at night. During the day, you’re wearing makeup, you’re out in the sun, you’re touching your face (hopefully minimally), and you’re coming into contact with tons of dirt and germs. The time that you spend sleeping is probably the only time your face actually gets left alone.
So which before-bed skincare products are the best way to wake up with clearer, better skin? I asked Dr. Kally Papantoniou, a dermatologist in the New York area, for her own personal opinion. “This is arguably the most important time of the day to care for your skin, lift off make-up and dirt from the day, and treat your skin for an uninterrupted 6-8 hours,” Dr. Papantoniou told me. She also gave me a whole bunch of insight into which products make for a face-changing nighttime skincare routine. Here are her best tips and recommendations, so you can get the most out of your skin-healing eight hours.
Gently Exfoliate While You Cleanse Your Face At Night
GoodOnYa Facial Scrub Cleanser, $18, Amazon
“This depends on your skin type, but if you can tolerate a cleanser that is exfoliating, it will help remove build-up and allow any other creams you apply work even better,” Dr. Papontoniou said. GoodOnYa's facial scrub cleanser is made with natural and organic ingredients that soothe and heal skin, but it also has gentle exfoliation properties that help to buff away the barrier of rough skin, so rejuvenating products can do their job while you sleep.
Utilize Retinoids To Repair Skin While You Sleep
Foxbrim Premium Retinol Cream & Face Moisturizer, $21, Amazon
According to Dr. Papantoniou, “Retinoids are classically used at night. They can help heal and repair skin and induce collagen formation while your skin is restoring itself overnight.” Foxbrim's retinol cream and face moisturizer is a great lightweight before-bed moisturizer with retinoids because it penetrates deep into skin to revitalize tired cells and provide all the essential vitamins that you need to wake up looking fresh and glow-y.
Get A Great Quality Vitamin Serum
Tree Of Life Vitamin C Serum, $16, Amazon
“I also like vitamin serums, such as those that contain active vitamin C,” says Dr. Papantoniou. “These also help to boost cell renewal and brighten your complexion.” When it comes to vitamin C serums, Tree Of Life's vitamin C serum is a good one because it’s mostly organic, provides loads of antioxidants, evens skin tone, and leaves your face looking clear and soft. One reviewer says, “Don't look any further; this is what you've been looking for!”
Tone With Something Gentle, Like Rose Water
Sky Organics Organic Rose Water Toner, $15, Amazon
When it comes to a before-bed toner, ingredients should be gentle and moisturizing, as your skin loses hydration as you sleep. “Rose water will have anti-inflammatory, and calming effects on the skin,” says Dr. Papantoniou. The organic rose water toner from Sky Organics has one ingredient — pure and organic water from steam-distilled rose petals. It smells incredible, shrinks pores, cleanses skin, and sprays right on for convenience.
For An Organic Moisturizer, Try Rosehip Oil
Teddie Organics Rosehip Seed Oil, $13, Amazon
Another great natural moisturizer, according to the dermatologist? “Rosehip oil will help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and is very good for rosacea prone skin.” The rosehip seed oil from Teddie Organics is just about the highest quality you’ll find because it’s pure, cold-pressed, and stored correctly in a glass amber bottle. It minimizes fine lines and helps with a whole bunch of dry skin ingredients, and it’s full of nutrients, too.
Exfoliate With Chemical Exfoliation Pads
The Magic Pads, $20, Amazon
According to Dr. Papantoniou, harsh brushes and loofahs aren’t always your best bet. “I prefer to use chemical exfoliating cleansers, pads, or toners. The sponges or brushes can carry bacteria and are abrasive on the skin,” Dr. Papantoniou says. “Depending on your skin type, you can gently exfoliate every night with a chemical exfoliator, such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid.” The Magic Pads are chemical exfoliation pads that contain 2 percent glycolic acid, as well as other natural ingredients like willow bark. They help to cleanse pores and exfoliate, and they’ve been called “a great solution for acne sufferers.”
Sleep On Something Natural, Like Silk
Beaute Naturel Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, $25, Amazon
When it comes to your pillowcase, Dr. Papantoniou says, “Natural fibers, such as cotton or silk will be less likely to harbor bacteria, and can help if you tend to get acne on your face.” This Beaute Naturel pure mulberry silk pillowcase is a cool and comfortable way to evenly distribute oil on your face and stop your pores from getting clogged with bacteria. It’s made from only high quality silk, and it’s great for your hair, too.
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Images: Fotolia (1); Amazon (7)
