An effective night-time beauty ritual should focus on creating a prime environment for skin to undergo its natural repair process, explains Estée Lauder education manager Hayley Gardiner. “During the day, protection and hydration is key as you go through many changing environments, but night is the perfect time to apply products that will help skin with its natural repair and restore processes.”
Cleansing thoroughly is the first essential step to ensure the performance of your evening skincare regimen and assist skin repair. “Residual impurities and pollutants accumulate on the skin throughout the day, accelerating the appearance of premature ageing in the skin. Cleansing in the evening helps avoid further damage to your skin,” says Gardiner. A good cleanser will gently and thoroughly cleanse skin without impairing its natural protection barrier, enhancing your skin’s ability to receive the benefits of products that follow.
Skin is most susceptible to moisture loss at night, so after washing away the day’s grime and make-up, apply moisturiser to keep skin hydrated as you sleep. Your night-time routine is also the ideal time to address specific skincare concerns. “Lack of sleep, frequent plane travel, increased sun or pollution, and extreme changes in weather can contribute to over-stressed skin,” says Gardiner. When skin appears dry, tight or dull, reduce irritation and include Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Intensive Recovery Ampoules ($198) in your routine for two weeks to restore your skin’s natural barrier and calm irritation.
Try these overnight sensations. Apply before bed, then let them work while you sleep. Bobbi Brown Hydrating Intensive Night Cream ($115); Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil ($185); Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant Nighttime Miracle Moisturizer ($61); Lancome Overnight Mask ($75); Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Intensive Recovery Ampoules ($198); Sachajuan Overnight Hair Repair ($75).
