The Ultimate Nighttime Skincare Routine

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of slipping into your favourite pyjamas after a long day. But before you settle in for the night, there’s one more essential step you should add to your evening ritual: a nighttime skincare routine. Following one is the key to radiant and refreshed skin every morning. We got the low-down from Clarins Retail Trainer Julie Unwin, on how to nail your evening skincare routine in 7 steps without overcomplicating the process. 

Step 1: Cleanse your face

Picture this: your skin is exposed to pollution, make-up, and various impurities throughout the day – but a proper cleanse is your ticket to revitalised skin. 

“First, I recommend using an effective makeup remover to remove stubborn eye makeup and get everything off of the face as quickly as possible,” shares Unwin. Removing makeup might seem straightforward, but there’s an art to it. You don’t want to tug at your delicate skin or leave any residue behind, so opt for a gentle yet thorough makeup remover. When it comes to how to remove your makeup, hold your doused cotton pads against the eyes to soften and loosen up your mascara and eye makeup—then lightly swipe along the eyelid in a clockwise motion and then swipe below the eyelid in an anticlockwise motion.

Once the majority of your eye makeup has been removed, take two more makeup remover-filled pads and place them at the inner top-hand corner of your brows and swipe upwards and outward along the forehead and then down the outer face, coming together at the chin and moving upwards back to the top of the brows. Finally, glide two pads outwards from the nose to remove any makeup from the inner face. Repeat if necessary.  

To remove eye makeup effectively, we recommend using Gentle Eye Make Up Remover enriched with organic Alpine yellow gentian extract and organic cornflower extract. The product gently removes your makeup while soothing and softening the skin around the eyes, 

“Nighttime is when your skin truly gets a chance to breathe and repair, so a double cleanse is the best first line of defence,” she adds. “A good technique to use when cleansing is the ‘suction’ technique. Once the cleanser is on damp skin, lightly cup your hands around the contours of your face and quickly pull them away, creating a suction motion. This will effectively lift any dirt and impurities out of the pores,” Unwin continues. 

Try Clarins Velvet Cleansing Milk for your first cleanse – followed by the Clarins Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser to ensure your skin is squeaky clean.

Another choice is to use the Total Cleansing Oil to remove all the waterproof and stubborn makeup, and then use a Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser to leave skin soft, smooth, and hydrated, plus, preserve a healthy balance of the skin's microbiota.

Step 2: Exfoliate your skin

Now that your skin is clean, it’s time to exfoliate. Exfoliating your skin twice a week helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reveal a smoother complexion. “But remember, moderation is key here, as over-exfoliation can lead to irritation – and it’s important to choose an exfoliant that suits your skin type and concerns,” explains Unwin. 

Clarins Comfort Scrub is an oil-based sugar scrub that buffs away dead skin cells and protects skin from drying out, thanks to its mango ingredient that is highly nourishing and comfortable. 

Step 3: Toner and essence

“Once you have cleansed, using a toner and an essence can make a world of difference to your skin,” says Unwin. Toners balance skin pH after cleansing and remove residue. They’re light and prepare the skin – whereas essences hydrate, nourish, and target specific concerns with a thicker, more concentrated formula to enhance moisture retention and product absorption.  

“I swipe a hydrating toner over skin with a cotton pad before using a treatment essence to really help my skincare work harder,” she adds. “Remember, though – it’s important to blot skin dry after toning because otherwise, your skin can become dehydrated.” This is down to the fact that leaving the skin excessively damp can strip it of natural oils and disrupt the moisture barrier – so blotting gently with a clean, soft cloth removes excess moisture while preserving the skin’s hydration balance, preventing potential dryness and dehydration.  

Try: Clarins Hydrating Toning Lotion is a super gentle formula that helps to balance the microorganisms found on the skin while simultaneously providing an intense hit of hydration. For visible age correction, try Clarins Precious La Lotion Age-Defying Treatment Essence, which is infused with moonlight flowers to soften smooth and plump skin.

Step 4: Use a serum or mask 

Serums and masks are like supercharged potions for your skin. They are lightweight and penetrate deep within the skin, delivering a concentrated dose of active ingredients. Masks, on the other hand, provide an intensive treatment at higher doses than the average serum. 

“Following an essence, apply your serum. You can use the same serum you use during the day as part of your evening skincare routine. Or you can switch it up and use an alternative serum at night. Some serums are designed to be used at bedtime, while some actives can leave the skin a little more sensitive to the sun – so applying them at night is your best bet,” explains Unwin.

P.S. You don’t need to use a mask every day – once or twice a week is sufficient, “ideally on the days that you have exfoliated so that the mask can work its magic on fresh skin,” adds Unwin.

Try: Clarins Double Serum, which contains orthosiphon and leaf of life extract, eliminates dead skin cells, purifies, refines skin texture and boosts hydration. While the SOS Comfort Face Mask is ideal for skin that’s in need of some TLC.

If simple hydration is your priority, Hydra-Essentiel [HA²] Bi-Phase Serum is what you need. With [HYALURONIC POWER COMPLEX +], a duo of hyaluronic acids with organic leaf of life extract, the serum provides continuous, multi-level and long-lasting hydration to your skin.

Step 5: Use a moisturiser 

Moisturising isn’t just about hydration; it’s about sealing in all the goodness from the previous steps of your routine. Nighttime moisturisers are often richer and more nourishing, providing your skin with the essential nutrients it needs to repair and regenerate overnight. 

Explore Clarins’ nighttime moisturisers – each formulated with carefully selected ingredients to cater to your skin’s unique needs. From restoring elasticity to boosting radiance, these moisturisers are your skin’s best nighttime companions. 

Extra-Firming Night Cream - All Skin Types visibly reduce your wrinkles, plus, plumps and firm the skin.  

Multi-Active Night Cream All Skin Types is for those who wish to have more radiant, toned and smooth skin. The night cream has a blend of niacinamide combined with organic Sea Holly extract that works together to reduce the first visible signs of ageing, stress and fatigue on the skin.

Step 6: Apply eye cream

The skin around your eyes is delicate and requires special attention. “Applying an eye cream not only moisturises this sensitive area but can also help reduce puffiness and diminish the appearance of dark circles on waking,” says Unwin. Gently tap the cream around your eyes with your ring finger – it’s the gentlest finger and minimises pressure on the skin. 

Try: Clarins Total Eye Lift, which enhances and lifts the eye area thanks to organic harungana – a skincare active that’s considered one of nature’s alternatives to retinol. 

Step 7: Massage your skin

Consider this step the cherry on top of your nighttime skincare routine. A gentle facial massage can improve blood circulation, relax tense muscles, and promote lymphatic drainage. Not only that, but massage can also enhance the effectiveness of your skincare products, and it provides a soothing ritual before bedtime. You can use a face oil for this optional step, and whether you use your hands or a facial roller, let this be a moment of relaxation and self-care. 

Try: Clarins Blue Orchid Treatment Oil tones, revitalises and restores radiance for your skin. Made from 100% pure plant extracts, this best-selling face oil contains extracts of Rosewood, Patchouli and Blue Orchid. With Hazelnut Oil, the product helps prevent moisture loss and the formation of fine lines. 

Book an online consultation to receive product advice and recommendations on putting together a personalised routine.

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