By now, you're likely well aware of the benefits of a good night sleep when it comes to your overall health and wellbeing.

The effects of poor sleep in relation to your skin are numerous - ageing faster, lack of recovery from environmental stressors and less satisfaction with your overall skin quality. 

A good night beauty sleep allows your skin to repair itself – increasing blood flow, rebuilding of collagen and relaxation of your facial muscles. Not sleeping well increases your cortisol (stress hormone) levels. Poor sleep can give you a sullen, dull complexion and puffy, tired eyes. Stress can mess with your protective outer skin layer and cause inflammation and breakouts. 

The end of the day is your time to relax and reset, so we’ve created a quick and easy routine, that will get your skin glowing while you rest. Between 11pm and midnight is when cell mitosis (cell division) that repairs and renews the skin happens. This is the time when cells can benefit from nutrients and their age-defying benefits and your skin is more receptive to certain products. All the more reason to call it a night.

NIGHT TIME SKIN CARE RITUAL

STEP 1: DOUBLE CLEANSE

Cleansing your skin at the end of the day is arguably more important than in the morning. A double-cleansing routine will remover dirt, oil, makeup and impurities that adhere to your skin throughout the day. By removing impurities, you eradicate any chance of pore-clogging irritants that can damage your skin. 

• Use an oil-based cleanser first, such as Banila Co's Clean It Zero, to remove oil-based impurities such as makeup and sebum

• Afterwards, use a gentle water-based cleanser, like COSRX's Low pH Good Morning Gel, to remove excess oils and any remaining surface dirt

When applying your cleanser make sure you include your neck and décolletage.

Use this time to give yourself a facial massage and treat your skin with love and care. When removing your cleanser use warm water and a soft flannel. If you have acne, use a fresh flannel every time you cleanse. Remember – no harsh rubbing or tugging.

STEP 2: TONER 

Toners come in many forms, from facial mists to gels. But no matter how they look or feel, they all provide the same thing - they balance your skin after cleansing, as well as soften, pre-moisturise and assist with the penetration of additional ingredients. 

• If you suffer from blemishes or acne, try COSRX's AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
• If your focus is more on hydration and nourishment, we recommend the Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner, which is also suitable for sensitive skin types

Depending on the product itself, toners can be lightly misted over your face, pumped into clean hands and gently patted onto your face, or pumped onto a clean cotton pad and gently swept onto your skin. If applied to a cotton pad after cleansing, it helps to remove any further residual build up on the skin surface.

STEP 3: APPLY AMPOULE/SERUM 

This step is about delivering deeply penetrating and active ingredients that target specific concerns. Serums and ampoules can be layered, just allow a few seconds for each layer to penetrate.

Secret Key's Starting Treatment Essence (Rose Edition) is fully focused on providing intense hydration and nourishment. This one will help you achieve a dewy, glass skin look.

Skin & Lab's Red Serum is all about taking care of those pesky signs of ageing. Wrinkles, dark spots, pigmentation, you name it - the serum fights it all. You’ll awaken to a replenished complexion with all the hard work being carried out while you get your beauty sleep.

STEP 4: HYDRATE & PROTECT

Hydration is everything and the layering of products allows your moisturiser to reach its fullest potential. This step seals in the ingredients you’ve applied up to this point, plus adds nourishment and provides a protective layer.

A go-to staple for all skin types and concerns is our the COSRX Oil-Free Ultra Moisturising Lotion. It's oil-free, so it's suitable for all skin types, even acne-prone and oily types. Don't be fooled into thinking you don't need to moisturise if you have oily skin - it's a lie! All skin needs moisture and hydration, and without it, your body will start to produce even more oil to compensate. 

For those with drier skin, or for when your skin needs an extra little bit of love, try out a sleeping mask, such as Laneige's Water Sleeping Mask. Sleeping masks are super rich and loaded with hydrating ingredients. You'll need to wash it off with lukewarm water in the morning, as there might be some residue lurking on the surface, but it's totally worth it when you feel how baby-smooth your skin is afterwards!

IN ADDITION TO YOUR NIGHTTIME RITUAL

• Keep a glass of water on your night table. If you wake up, take a few sips to hydrate.
• Sleep position is important - keep your head elevated so that excess fluid can drain from your face.
• Train yourself to sleep on your back and use a silk, satin or copper oxide pillowcase. 
• Sleeping on rough surfaces and on your side or stomach can irritate your skin, and compress your face causing wrinkles and creases.