As you sleep, your body and skin transition from defense mode to recovery mode. In terms of your skin, quality sleep promotes increased production of collagen, melatonin, and human growth hormone (HGH). Collagen helps to minimize sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles. Melatonin helps counteract UV and pollution damage. HGH accelerates skin repair and regeneration. For ultimate overnight repair, follow the evening skincare routine below.
#1 Remove Your Makeup
If you don’t wear makeup or only wear a light layer of products, you can skip this step. However, the current trend in long-wear formulas requires the removal of makeup before you cleanse. This makes the evenings an excellent time to double cleanse. Double cleansing is the process of using a cream or oil-based cleanser such as the Ultra Gentle Cleansing Milk followed by a Foaming Cleanser.
The cream or oil will dissolve your makeup and the foaming cleanser will cleanse your skin. If you wear long-wear lipstick or mascara, you may need to apply coconut or olive oil to a cotton round and apply the round directly to your lips and lashes to dissolve the long-wear formula.
#2 Exfoliate Your Skin
You should exfoliate your skin 2 to 3 times a week with a Gentle Exfoliator. This will slough away the dead skin that can clog your pores, increase acne and breakouts, and slow the natural regenerative process that occurs while you sleep. For daily exfoliation and to ensure all makeup is removed from your face, hairline, and jawline—use a microfiber washcloth or Silicone Cleansing Brush.
#3 Apply Toner
Toner is essential for restoring your skin’s pH balance. While you must cleanse your skin each morning and evening, facial cleansers are alkaline. If you don’t restore your skin’s natural pH with toner it may feel tight and dry, which will slow your body’s natural regenerative process. Always use an alcohol-free toner such as our Gentle Lotion Toner.
Other factors other than facial cleansers can throw your skin’s pH off, including:
- Your skin type—oily skin is more acidic
- Your skincare products
- Sun and UV exposure
- Environmental factors
- Daily nutrition
- Smoking
- Drinking
#4 Facial and Eye Serum
Wait 30 to 60 seconds after applying your toner, then apply both Facial Serum and Eye Serum. Serums are thinner and nutrient-rich formulas that are designed to penetrate your pores. The skin-healthy vitamins they provide are essential for both a proactive and reactive approach to anti-aging.
The difference between face and eye serums is that eye serums are formulated to be ultra-gentle—in case they get in your eye.
#5 Evening Moisturizers
Wait about 60 seconds after applying your serums to apply your Evening Moisturizer. Depending on your age and skincare line, you may apply a different moisturizer in the evening than you do during the day. For example, many morning moisturizers have SPF built-in, which isn’t necessary in the evenings.
Evening formulas are typically creamier than daytime formulas. This is because your skin can dehydrate while you sleep. A thicker cream will minimize this dehydration. Evening formulas typically have more restorative ingredients to accelerate the reparative sleep cycle. This is essential if your skin is beginning to show early or advanced signs of aging. Evenings are also an excellent time to apply skin-specific formulas, such as a Calming Cream if your skin is inflamed.
#6 Weekly Skincare Tips
In addition to the 5-step routine above, there are a few other ways to optimize your evening skincare routine.
- Apply a deep cleansing or Restorative Mask 2 to 3 times per week.
- Apply an Eye Mask 2 or 3 times per week, in the morning or evening.
- Apply a deep moisturizing overnight, rinse off, or Sheet Mask 1 or 2 times per week.
- Invest in a Spa-Quality Skincare Device and use as directed.
Need Help Creating Your Evening Skincare Routine?
Methode Brigitte Kettner has everything you need to create the above evening skincare routine. For help personalizing your skincare products and anti-aging devices, reach out to the MBK team today!