10 Game-Changing Night Skincare Tips

Just like your body, your skin thrives on rest. In this post, I’m sharing my top 10 nighttime skincare tips to help you wake up looking fresh, radiant, and well-rested.

# Always Wash Your Face Before Bed

Let’s begin with the basics: never skip cleansing at night. Throughout the day, your face collects dirt, oil, bacteria, and pollutants—making it one of the dirtiest areas of your body. Yet surprisingly, many people still don’t wash their faces regularly at night.

Cleansing not only prevents blemishes by removing pore-clogging debris, but it also allows your skincare products to absorb better and work more effectively overnight. Yes, it takes effort—especially after a long, tiring day—but this is foundational skincare. Think of it as a non-negotiable.

# Cleanse Earlier in the Evening

Did you know your skin has its own internal clock? It functions differently during the day than at night. During daylight hours, your skin produces more oil and retains moisture better to protect itself from the environment. But at night, your skin switches to repair mode—regenerating, repairing DNA damage, and becoming more permeable.

This means your skin starts its healing work soon after sunset—not just when you sleep. Cleansing earlier allows you to align your routine with this natural rhythm. Plus, doing it before you're too tired makes it easier to stick to your full routine.

# Don’t Skip the Moisturizer

Some believe skipping moisturizer at night lets the skin “breathe.” That’s a myth—your skin doesn’t breathe like your lungs do. In fact, skipping moisturizer can cause water loss, leaving your skin dry, flaky, and more prone to breakouts.

Choose a nighttime moisturizer tailored to your skin type. Thanks to your skin’s increased permeability at night, active ingredients penetrate deeper and work more effectively, supporting cell regeneration and hydration.

# Incorporate Active Ingredients at Night

Daytime skincare focuses on protection—think SPF and antioxidants. Nighttime, however, is the perfect time to use active ingredients that support repair and renewal. I personally use a Firm + Repair Overnight Serum rich in peptides, algae, and fruit extracts.

For smoother skin and reduced appearance of pores or fine lines, rotate between three key products: a hydrating serum, a retinol serum, and an exfoliating acid serum. This well-rounded approach ensures your skin benefits from multiple treatments without overdoing it. And if you're new to retinol, check out my beginner's guide to avoid dryness and irritation.

# Change Pillowcases Regularly

Sleeping on a dirty pillowcase can reintroduce oil and acne-causing bacteria to your skin. For acne-prone individuals, switching to a clean pillowcase every night—or flipping it over for a second use—can make a noticeable difference.

# Sleep with Your Head Slightly Elevated

Elevating your head with an extra pillow can reduce under-eye puffiness by preventing fluid buildup overnight. If puffiness is a common issue for you, also aim to stay well-hydrated during the day and reduce sodium intake in the evening.

# Use Baby Washcloths for Gentle Cleansing

To effectively remove all traces of makeup, always follow up your cleanser with a gentle wipe. While cleansing lotions dissolve makeup, a soft cloth helps lift residue off the skin. Regular washcloths can be too abrasive—opt for a baby washcloth for a gentler experience.

# Be Careful with Eye Cream Application

Avoid applying eye cream too close to your lash line. With every blink, your lashes can transfer small amounts of product into your eyes, leading to irritation and puffiness. Heavy, oil-based creams are especially prone to migrating.

Instead, use lightweight formulas that nourish the delicate under-eye area without being too greasy. I recommend the Renée Rouleau Total Eye Repair Creme—it hydrates without weighing down your skin.

# Be Mindful of Hand Cream Use Before Bed

Applying hand cream at bedtime is common, but if you sleep with your hands near your face, it could be clogging your pores and causing breakouts. If this sounds familiar, consider wearing cotton gloves at night or sticking to hand cream during the day instead.

# Prioritize 7–8 Hours of Sleep

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s rest. Sleep helps restore blood flow to the face, balances fluid distribution, and allows your skin to repair and renew. Lack of sleep can lead to dullness, puffiness, and flare-ups of skin conditions like eczema, acne, and psoriasis.