As the summer sun kisses your skin throughout the day, your nighttime skincare routine becomes your secret weapon for a refreshed, glowing complexion. While you sleep, your skin works overtime to repair and rejuvenate itself. A dedicated evening regimen can significantly enhance this natural process, leaving you with healthy, radiant skin every morning. Here’s a simple, 5-step nighttime routine to keep your skin happy and healthy all summer long.

Step 1: The Power of the Double Cleanse

Summer means more sweat, sunscreen, and environmental pollutants on your skin. A single cleanse might not be enough to get rid of it all. This is where the double cleanse comes in.

• What it is: Start with an oil-based cleanser to melt away makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. Follow up with a gentle, water-based cleanser to wash away any remaining impurities.
• Why it’s important: This two-step process ensures your skin is thoroughly clean without being stripped of its natural oils. It prevents clogged pores, breakouts and allows for better absorption of the products that follow.
• Pro tip: Look for oil cleansers that emulsify (turn milky) with water for easy rinsing. For your second cleanse, choose a formula with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.

2. Use a Toner

After a deep cleanse, it’s essential to rebalance your skin’s pH and provide an initial layer of hydration. A refreshing toner is your go-to for this step.

• What it is: Apply a hydrating, alcohol-free toner to your face and neck using a cotton pad or by gently patting it in with your fingertips.
• Why it’s important: Toning helps to remove any last traces of impurities, soothes the skin, and preps it to receive the maximum benefits from the rest of your routine. In the summer, a toner can also help to minimize the appearance of pores.
• Summer-friendly pick: Opt for toners with ingredients like rosewater, cucumber extract, or green tea for a calming and cooling effect.

3. Serum

Serums are concentrated treatments that address specific skin concerns. Summer is the perfect time to incorporate a lightweight, potent serum into your nighttime ritual.

• What it is: Apply a few drops of your chosen serum to your face and gently press it into the skin.
• Why it’s important: Nighttime is when your skin is most receptive to active ingredients. A serum can deliver a powerful dose of nutrients to target issues like dehydration, dark spots, or fine lines.
• Ingredient spotlight:
  • Hyaluronic Acid: A hydration powerhouse that plumps the skin without feeling heavy.
  • Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Helps to regulate oil production, reduce redness, and improve skin texture.
  • Vitamin C: A potent antioxidant that brightens the skin, fades hyperpigmentation, and boosts collagen production.

4. Moisturize

Even in the humid summer months, your skin needs hydration. The key is to choose the right kind of moisturizer that won’t feel greasy or clog your pores.

• What it is: Apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer to your face and neck.
• Why it’s important: A good moisturizer locks in all the goodness from your previous steps and helps to maintain your skin’s protective barrier. This prevents moisture loss while you sleep, ensuring you wake up with a soft, supple complexion.
• What to look for: Gel-based or water-based moisturizers are excellent choices for summer. Look for formulas with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to provide long-lasting hydration without the weight.

5. Take Care of your Under-Eyes 

The skin around your eyes is the most delicate on your face and often the first to show signs of aging and fatigue. Give this area some extra love with a dedicated eye cream.

• What it is: Gently tap a small amount of eye cream around your orbital bone using your ring finger.
• Why it’s important: An eye cream can help to hydrate the under-eye area, reduce puffiness, and diminish the appearance of dark circles and fine lines.
• Cooling tip: For an extra soothing treat, store your eye cream in the refrigerator. The cool temperature can help to de-puff tired eyes after a long summer day.

Everybody needs a regular nighttime care regimen because environmental stressors do not get to us while we are asleep. Thus, it is worth the effort because our skin absorbs nutrients better at night than it does during the day. By consistently following this 5-step nighttime skincare routine, you can ensure your skin remains balanced, hydrated, and radiant throughout the summer. Sweet dreams and even sweeter skin!