Nighttime skincare routine: Find out if you have been making these 5 mistakes

Daytime skincare products are formulated to hydrate and protect the skin from environmental stressors, but those devised for a nighttime routine help repair skin cells to ensure quicker healing.

Evening is the time to remove all that make up and sunscreen you had on and let the skin repair and rejuvenate overnight. (Source: Freepik)

Skincare is not about applying every new product that is launched in the market. It is, instead, about understanding your skin and its concerns, giving it the love it deserves, and also taking care of it throughout the day, and the night. Yes, that is because daytime skincare products are formulated to hydrate and protect the skin from environmental stressors, but those devised for a nighttime routine help repair skin cells to ensure quicker healing.

Highlighting the importance of a nighttime skincare routine, Dr Aanchal Panth, a skin educator and dermatologist wrote on Instagram, “Evening is the time to remove all that makeup and sunscreen you had on and let the skin repair and rejuvenate overnight.”

Since many people may not realise this fact, they end up making certain mistakes that can harm the skin in the long run. Wish to know what these are? Read on to know.

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A post shared by Dr. Aanchal Panth I Dermatologist (@dr.aanchal.md)

Mistakes to avoid in your nighttime skin care routine, according to Dr Panth:

Using a new product at night

Always try on a new product in the daytime first, and preferably on a day you have little or no sun exposure. If you have a reaction, you will be able to attend to it immediately. This is especially to be followed by people with sensitive skin. Even if it is a retinol-based product, it must be applied 5-6 hours before bedtime to check if you can tolerate it. Agreed Dr Mandeep Singh, Head of Department, Plastic Surgery, Paras Health, Gurugram, and strictly recommended doing a patch test when using a new product.

Doing skin care just before bed

Indulge in your skincare routine at least two hours before bed so that the products you have applied have ample time to get absorbed and show necessary results. Sleeping after applying your skincare products will lead to them getting rubbed off on the pillowcase, leading to wastage.

Using two irritating products together

Even if your skin can take it, avoid using two irritating products together as they can cause redness, flaking, and worsening of dark spots. Skin barrier repair is important and should not be overlooked. All skin care actives essentially act by disrupting skin barrier, but using too many irritating products can be counter productive.

Skipping moisturiser

Using a moisturiser at night can also help to seal in any other products you’ve applied, such as serums or treatments, and prevent them from evaporating or rubbing off on your pillow. (Source: Freepik)

Moisturiser is the most important part of a nighttime skin care routine — whether you have oily or sensitive skin, moisturiser is must.

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Adding, Dr Singh told indianexpress.com, “While you sleep, your skin goes through a process of repair and regeneration. As such, providing it with hydration can help support this process. Using a moisturiser at night can also help to seal in any other products you’ve applied, such as serums or treatments, and prevent them from evaporating or rubbing off on your pillow. Moreover, if you have dry or dehydrated skin, using a moisturiser at night can help improve your skin’s texture and overall appearance.”

Not putting your hair away

Hair strands falling on the face can rub the products away. Hair strands also may rub off oil from the scalp to the sides of the face. If you have oily skin or acne on forehead and sides of the face, make sure all the hair is pulled back so the products can work more effectively.

ALSO READ | Why you should follow bedtime skincare routine, and what you can do about it

Concluding, Dr Singh noted, “Everyone’s skin is different, so it’s important to listen to your skin’s needs and adjust your routine accordingly. Consulting with a skincare professional or dermatologist can also be helpful in developing a personalised nighttime routine.”

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