Let’s talk about P.M. routines and rituals! Although it can sometimes be tempting to head to bed without caring for your skin, your nighttime routine can really have a big impact on your skin’s overall health and condition.

In order to help you streamline your process and choose the right products, we have a few tips.

Here’s what you need to know:

DO start with a good cleansing protocol
Anytime you plan to apply skincare products, cleansing should always be your first step. However, in the evening, this part is especially important because it will ensure that your skin is clear of any lingering dirt, bacteria, or pollution that may have accumulated throughout the day. You may even want to incorporate double cleansing, to remove residue from makeup, SPF and other products that cling to the skin.

DO opt for products that promote repair and rejuvenation
An amazing function of our skin is that it utilizes the hours when the body is at rest to regenerate and rebuild. With this in mind, it’s a great idea to apply products that support the process overnight. Retinol or Vitamin A products, as well as other antioxidants and active peptide ingredients, are a great choice for encouraging cellular turnover.

DO consider skin cycling
If you’ve been consistent with your P.M. skincare but want to uplevel your results, you may benefit from the practice of skin cycling, which entails applying different types of products on different nights of the week. To try this trend, a popular approach is to exfoliate on Night 1, followed by retinol on Night 2, and lastly allow your skin to recover with a pampering protocol on Nights 3 and 4.

DON’T skimp on moisturizer
Regardless of what serums or active formulas you include in your evening routine, one aspect that should remain consistent is application of nourishing products. All skin types need moisture and hydration to function at optimal levels, so applying a cream and/or facial oil as the last step of your ritual is key for protecting your skin and preventing moisture loss while you sleep.

DON’T be afraid to layer
Although you don’t need a ten-step routine to get glowing skin, a tip we love is to apply an extra layer or two of product at night. During the daytime, minimal layers work best to prevent pilling and ensure smooth application of makeup. However, at bedtime, you can feel free to include add-ons such as eye cream or a lip mask, knowing that your skin will have more time to absorb everything. All you have to do is get your beauty sleep, and you’ll wake up with a refreshed and
replenished complexion.

DO make it a relaxing ritual
One more trick for ensuring that you stick to your evening skincare is making it a part of your daily wind down time. For example, you might try lighting a soothing scented candle, putting on your comfiest pajamas, and brewing yourself a cup of calming tea, as part of the process. This way, you’ll always have a little extra incentive and something to look forward to at the end of a long day.

Shop everything you need to create your ideal nighttime skincare routine at Jessica's Skincare Lab