Your nightly routine should be designed to repair your skin from the wear and tear it receives
throughout the day. This routine will aid your skin in resetting while you sleep so you can wake up to
fresh, glowing skin.
What your skin does in your sleep
Sleep is an important part of this routine. Getting the recommended 7-9 hours a night makes a
visible difference in the quality of your skin. Sleeping gives your skin the necessary time to re-set.
While in deep sleep, our bodies work hard to repair and rejuvenate our skin. With increased blood
flow, nutrients and oxygen are brought to the surface, improving skin health. This is the optimal time
for cell growth to take place, allowing collagen and elastin to form and strengthen. This creates a
more youthful appearance and helps maintain your treatment results. Sleeping is also when your
skin can push out unwanted oil and shed dead skin cells, both very important parts of your skin’s
renewal process.
Set yourself up for sleep success
Good sleep makes good skin, so use this routine to start your relaxation for the night. Take your time
with it. Make this a relaxing ritual. Dim the lights or use a lamp while completing your nightly
routine. This will encourage relaxation and reduce the urge to pick at your skin. It’s harder to see
small imperfections when using low lights. Another great way to improve relaxation is to incorporate
some facial massage. I like to add some massage movements while I apply my serums and
moisturizer. Find products you enjoy using and that feel nice on your skin, so you look forward to
applying them. Make this a routine that works for you and your lifestyle rather than trying to force a
routine that isn’t a fit for you.
Tips:
- To reduce inflammation, try icing the skin for 3-5 minutes before your night routine. No
need for any fancy gadgets – just simply take an ice cube out of the freezer and glide it
along the skin. Great for both acne prone skin and managing redness! - Use a face mask once a week. Apply to clean skin and follow with your serums and
moisturizer. - If completing your routine before bed is hard, complete it as soon as you are home for
the night. - When the texture feels rough or there is a build up of dead skin cells, add a scrub. No
more than once a week. Do not use a scrub over inflamed acne or sensitized skin. - Brush your teeth before washing your face to prevent irritation around the mouth.
Example Routine:
First Cleanse: Start your night routine with a gentle cleanser. This is just to remove any
make-up or oil that has collected on the surface of the skin throughout the day. Use a basic
or calming product without any exfoliating ingredients. LCP skins Calming Cleanser is a
great option for your first cleanse.
Second Cleanse: After removing the first layer of build-up from the day, it’s important to
complete a second cleanse so your skin can be properly treated. At this point you can add
in a cleanser with active ingredients or stick with a basic cleanser, whatever your skin
prefers. I like to think of the first and second cleansing as the difference between sweeping
and mopping. The first cleanse sweeps aways anything sitting on top of the skin but the
second cleanse mops up anything the first cleanse couldn’t. Both are necessary to fully
treat your skin.
Toner: this step acts to finish your cleansing phase and start the treatment phase of your
night routine. Though not necessary for all skin types, this step can be a game changer for
many.
Serums: Always apply your serums from thinnest to thickest. In the evening is when
treatment serums can really take an active role. Use them to repair and treat the skin
according to your needs.
Eye Cream: eye creams are a nice enhancement to a night routine. adding some luxury and
much needed moisture or nourishment to the under eyes. Apply after serums but before
your moisturizer for maximum benefits.
Retinol: Retinol is a must-have for almost everyone’s nighttime routine. This family of
ingredients work to increase cellular turnover and thicken your dermis. This helps treat
concerns such as breakouts, hyperpigmentation, dull skin, and aging. However, be careful
of sun exposure and make sure you wear your sunscreen during the day while using a retinol
product
Moisturizer: night creams are key to locking in your serums and finishing your routine the
right way. Find one you enjoy using. It should nourish your skin without feeling heavy or
greasy.
Spot Treatments: finish with any spot treatments. This includes any overnight lip products.
Overview
Your night routine should be something you look forward to. A way to reset and wash off the day. If
you’re ready to upgrade your routine book a consultation with me at Lake Country Plastic and Hand
surgery or treat yourself to a Signature Facial and get a taste of what your skin routines could
become.