You may have been afraid of the dark when you were younger, but nightfall is actually the best time to care for aging skin.
In fact, thanks to the effects of the body’s natural circadian rhythm, or internal body clock, on your complexion, skin is more permeable after the sun goes down, according to a 2019 research review. Do you know what that means? “Moisturizers and topical steroids might offer increased benefits when used in the evening hours,” according to the study authors.
The same research found that skin loses more moisture at night, a phenomenon called transepidermal water loss, or TEWL, which means prioritizing skincare during the evening hours is all the more important. “I always tell my patients: What you put on your skin at night is like giving it a personal care package,” says Mona Foad, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MONA Dermatology. “Your skin is at its busiest while you snooze. It’s when repair and renewal truly happen.”
Meet the experts: Mona Foad, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MONA Dermatology. Morayo Adisa, MD, is a dermatologist and the medical director of Dermatology Physicians Chicago. Michele Green, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
A simple, consistent nighttime skincare routine can help prevent signs of aging such as dullness, dryness, fine lines, and dark spots. But crafting an effective routine that’ll actually address those issues is another story. To get to the bottom of what the “right” routine actually looks like—and in what order products should be applied—Women’s Health spoke with three dermatologists.
Here’s what they want you to know so that you can build the ideal nighttime regimen, and why this nightly investment pays off for long-term skin health.
What Happens to Your Skin at Night
Sleep is a time for rest for much of the body, but as you’re snoozing, your skin is actually most active. During the day, your skin is working overtime to defend itself against the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, pollution, and environmental stress—all of which contribute to DNA damage that result in signs of aging.
Overnight, your circadian rhythm shifts your skin from protection mode to repair mode, allowing your skin to focus on cell renewal, DNA repair and skin recovery, experts say. This results in increased skin cell turnover—the natural process of new skin cells replacing old ones—which, in turn, contributes to a complexion with smaller-looking pores, smoother texture, and more even tone, Dr. Foad says.
Beyond that, the production of collagen, a protein crucial to keeping skin bouncy and elastic, also increases at night, which works to fend off fine lines, wrinkles, and sagginess. Blood flow to the skin gets a boost overnight, too, “all of which help repair daytime damage and restore a healthy glow,” Dr. Foad adds.
And again, the skin barrier also becomes more permeable while you sleep. This is crucial for active ingredients to actually work their magic on skin cells that live within deeper skin layers. Otherwise, products that can’t effective penetrate the skin essentially serve as nothing more than a fancy moisturizer. Practically speaking, this means nighttime the ideal window to apply active skincare ingredients actually proven to work, such as retinoids, niacinamide, and exfoliating acids. It’s also the perfect time to apply other treatments like peptides, or hydrating serums that support repair, experts say.
The Ideal Nighttime Routine in Four Steps
Now that you know what your skin is doing while you sleep, it’s time to take advantage and make your body’s natural processes help you achieve your best-looking skin yet.
In many cases, less is more when it comes to skincare. Rather than prioritizing a laborious 10-step Korean skincare routine, dermatologists recommend a straightforward regimen that cleanses, treats, and hydrates the skin while also addressing any specific concerns you may have. The result of this method? Waking up with healthier, smoother skin. Here’s exactly how to get it right.
1. Cleanse
It’s important to start with a clean slate, says Morayo Adisa, MD, medical director of Dermatology Physicians Chicago. “First remove your makeup and thoroughly cleanse skin with a cleanser formulated for your skin type and the season,” she adds. Consider staying away from makeup wipes if you can help it: While handy in a pinch, makeup wipes often struggle to properly remove dirt and debris that can get lodged in your pores and the tiny indentations of your face, Women’s Health previously reported. And failing to properly cleanse your skin can lead to issues such as acne breakouts and rough skin texture.
Instead, double cleansing is ideal, says Dr. Foad. Start with an oil-based cleanser, followed by a gentle, pH-balanced face wash, she says. This method “washes away pollution that can penetrate the skin and cause long-lasting free radical damage,” she says. A squeaky-clean face also allows active ingredients in your next steps to penetrate more effectively.
If your skin tends to be acne-prone or oily, a gentle toner after cleansing can help remove any lingering impurities and prep the skin for serums and treatments. Toners can also help restore the skin’s natural pH, balance oil production, and deliver soothing or hydrating ingredients—like niacinamide, aloe, or glycerin—without leaving a heavy or greasy feeling.
Best Face Washes
CeraVe Acne Control Face Cleanser
Now 21% Off
This cleanser pairs salicylic acid with niacinamide and ceramides to clear breakouts, control shine, and keep skin balanced.
Ranavat Luminous Ceremony Cream Cleanser
Credit: Sephora
Infused with sesame and rose oils, this luxurious cream cleanser melts away even full-glam makeup while leaving skin soft and nourished.
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
Now 21% Off
Credit: Amazon
A gentle, dermatologist-approved pick that soothes sensitive skin while cleansing.
2. Exfoliate
Exfoliating your face helps accelerate the skin’s natural renewal process, removing dead surface cells to reveal fresher, smoother skin underneath. For those struggling with dullness, uneven texture, or clogged pores, gentle chemical exfoliant acids—like alpha hydroxy acids (such as glycolic or lactic acid) or beta hydroxy acids (salicylic acid)—can make a noticeable difference.
And because your skin is already in repair mode at night, it’s the ideal time to give your skin a little slough love. “Exfoliation also helps other products absorb more effectively,” says Dr. Foad. “By clearing away dead skin, your serums and moisturizers can penetrate deeper and work harder.”
For most skin types, 5 to 10 percent glycolic or lactic acids or 1 to 2 percent salicylic acid is a safe starting point. Folks with sensitive skin may want to begin exfoliating just once per week, and gradually increase frequency to two or three times depending on the skin’s tolerance. And take note: Dermatologists warn against using exfoliants on the same night as a retinol serum or other strong actives to prevent irritation.
Best Exfoliators
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Credit: Amazon
Rice powder and salicylic acid team up to gently exfoliate, unclog pores, and refine skin texture.
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Credit: Amazon
Rice powder and salicylic acid team up to gently exfoliate, unclog pores, and refine skin texture.
TATCHA The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder
Credit: Amazon
Japanese rice powder gently buffs away dead skin, while silk proteins condition and hydrate, making this a cult favorite.
TATCHA The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder
Credit: Amazon
Japanese rice powder gently buffs away dead skin, while silk proteins condition and hydrate, making this a cult favorite.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Glycolic acid, the formula’s standout ingredient, smooths texture and helps clear congested skin.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Glycolic acid, the formula’s standout ingredient, smooths texture and helps clear congested skin.
3. Treatments and Serums
Next is the step where you deliver targeted solutions with active ingredients intended to address your individual cosmetic concerns—whether they be wrinkles, dark spots, or other skin imperfections, says Michele Green, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Because the skin barrier becomes more permeable at night, it’s primed to absorb these ingredients more effectively.
There are pretty much countless options to choose from for this step. But some of the most common heavy-hitters include:
- Retinol: This ingredient is a derivative of vitamin A, and it is primarily used in skincare for its anti-aging effects, Women’s Health previously reported. This ingredient helps boosts collagen production and enhances skin cell turnover, making it ideal for fine lines, uneven texture, and pigmentation. Beyond that, retinol may regulate the production of sebum—a natural, oily, waxy substance that can clog pores and cause acne when produced in excess by the skin.
- Niacinamide: This skincare superstar is a form of niacin—also known as vitamin B3—that’s a combination of vitamin B3 and nicotinic acid. The ingredient calms redness, improves barrier function, and helps minimize the appearance of pores. Plus, the versatile ingredient is easy to incorporate into nearly any skincare routine for a variety of skin types and all skin tones since it’s so gentle.
- Hyaluronic Acid: This all-star humectant draws in and retains moisture, plumping and hydrating the skin. In fact, just one gram of hyaluronic acid can retain as much as six liters of water, Women’s Health previously reported. This can help improve the appearance of superficial wrinkles caused by dryness and contribute to a younger-looking complexion.
- Vitamin C: By and large, vitamin C is considered the most potent and effective antioxidant in the skincare world. It can speed up skin cell turnover, defend the skin against oxidative stress and free radical damage, and brighten the complexion. And when formulated well, vitamin C is a biological multitasker that can be a power player for both skin tone and texture, especially when used daily.
If you use an eye cream or spot treatment, this is also the best time to apply it. Eye creams typically work best after serums but before moisturizer, experts say. Look for ingredients such as peptides or caffeine to reduce puffiness and fine lines. And spot treatments for breakouts and dark spots can be applied directly to problem areas. But, to be safe, avoid using them on the same night as retinol to minimize irritation.
4. Moisturize
“Nighttime moisturization is crucial because it aids in skin repair while you sleep and creates a protective barrier that helps prevent moisture loss overnight,” says Dr. Green. In general, nighttime moisturizers tend to be richer, heavier, and thicker than daytime formulations. But to make sure you’re using one that works, look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane to lock in moisture and support barrier repair.
For extra dry or dull skin, a nourishing face oil or heavier night cream can be added to seal in hydration and nutrients. You can also swap your regular night cream for an overnight mask once or twice a week to boost hydration and radiance.
Best Face Moisturizers
Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream
Credit: Sephora
Perfect for sensitive skin, this wrinkle cream blends gentle retinol with bakuchiol and ferulic acid for line-smoothing, hydrating results without irritation.
Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Credit: Amazon
Infused with calming thermal water and completely fragrance-free, this restorative cream soothes and hydrates reactive skin.
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Moisturizing Cream
Credit: Amazon
Packed with niacinamide, ceramides, shea butter, and prebiotics, this ultra-hydrating cream restores even the driest skin.
A solid nighttime routine is more than a beauty ritual—it’s an investment in your skin’s long-term health. “The goal is simple: cleanse, treat, and deeply hydrate so you wake up with skin that feels replenished, balanced, and radiant,” says Dr. Foad.
It’s science and self-care rolled into one.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
Brian Underwood is beauty director at Women’s Health, where he oversees content strategy for the brand across all platforms, including digital, print, and social. Underwood previously served as beauty and wellness director at Oprah Daily and O, The Oprah Magazine. During his tenure leading beauty content for the Oprah brand at Hearst, stories Underwood commissioned were awarded the Skin Cancer Foundation Media Award and a Fragrance Award for Editorial Excellence (his second). He was the launch Beauty Director of Dr. Oz THE GOOD LIFE, and has held additional editorial positions at Fitness, Organic Style, Good Housekeeping, Life & Style Weekly, and Woman’s Day and has written for Self, Shape, Seventeen, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, and many more. Underwood previously served on the Skin Cancer Foundation’s gala committee and as partnerships director of the Trans Beauty Clinic, a New York-based charitable organization that provided beauty services and workshops to the city’s trans community.
