Should I apply anything on my face at night?

Author: Pearlie Leannon II  |  Last update: Saturday, December 27, 2025

During the night your skin's ability to repair itself is more active compared to the day. A night cream, even one with retinol, is key to boost skin recovery as the skin is more receptive to active ingredients overnight, and it also helps counterbalance increased moisture loss while you sleep.

Is it good to not apply anything on face at night?

Applying a hydrating face moisturizer at night has several advantages: Deep hydration: Your skin loses moisture while you sleep, and using a hydrating face cream helps replenish and lock in hydration.

What should I apply on my face at night?

A nighttime skincare routine should include cleansing, exfoliation (2-3 times a week), treatment products, moisturizing, eye care, and lip care. These steps ensure your skin is clean, nourished, and ready for overnight rejuvenation.

What should I leave on my face overnight?

For overnight facial use, consider oils like argan oil, jojoba oil, or rosehip oil. These oils are lightweight, non-comedogenic, and rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants. They help moisturize, repair, and rejuvenate the skin while you sleep, promoting a healthy, glowing complexion.

Can I sleep without putting anything on my face?

During the night your whole body, and therefore our skin, is in repair mode. Contrary to what people think it's a great idea to apply skincare products during the night instead of letting the skin “breath” (which is a bogus concept; the skin doesn't breath and it is not beneficial to leave it bare).

Dermatologist's Nighttime Skincare Routine | Go To Bed With Me | Dr Dray

Should I let my skin breathe at night?

No, you should never avoid using moisturizer in an effort to give your skin a break or let your skin “breathe.” In this post, I'll explain why the consistent use of nighttime moisturizer is critical for hydrated, healthy-looking skin—no matter your skin type!

Can sleeping late cause acne?

In addition, recent studies have revealed that circadian rhythms would affect lipid metabolism of the skin, produce different lipid products, and then in turn affect TEWL and pH of the skin,34 thus affecting the barrier function of the skin and inducing skin problems such as acne.

What do people put on their face before bed?

It's key to use a moisturizer that's suited for your skin type. This is where your esthetician can help guide you to a formulation that offers hydration along with active ingredients. Again, your skin's permeability increases at night which allows your moisturizer to absorb even deeper into the layers of your skin.

Is it OK not to wash face at night?

Tempted to skip washing your face at night? That's not a good idea, says dermatologist Laurie Polis, MD. "Just going overnight without washing your face isn't going to age you five years," Polis says. "It's more of a missed opportunity.

What is the best nighttime moisturizer?

14 Best Night Creams for All Skin Types, According to Our Testing
  • Best Overall. Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer. Read more.
  • Best Value. Roc Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Anti-Aging Crème. Read more.
  • Best Anti-Aging. No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Night Cream. Read more.

What should you apply at night?

Night skincare routine steps
  • Step 1 - Cleanse. Removing your makeup (if you are wearing any) and thoroughly cleansing your face with a gentle yet effective cleanser should be the first step in your night-time skincare routine. ...
  • Step 2 - Tone. ...
  • Step 3 – Serum. ...
  • Step 4 - Eye cream. ...
  • Step 5 - Moisturise.

Is toner necessary?

Is toner necessary? Toner is not an essential part of your skincare regime but something of an extra boost that can enhance and enrich your routine. For many skincare enthusiasts, it's a must!

What is the most hydrating substance for skin?

Hyaluronic acid is often considered a gold standard for skin hydration. This remarkable ingredient can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, providing intense hydration and plumping to the skin.

What should I not apply on my face?

The Worst Things You Can Put on Your Face
  • 1/15. Hydrogen Peroxide. It's a popular zit fighter because it kills bacteria living on your face. ...
  • 2/15. Breast Milk. ...
  • 3/15. Witch Hazel. ...
  • 4/15. Hydrocortisone Cream. ...
  • 5/15. Deodorant. ...
  • 6/15. Honey. ...
  • 7/15. Hair Dye. ...
  • 8/15. Urine.

Do you really need moisturizer at night?

Do you feel a moisturizer is an unnecessary step in your night routine? Trust us, it's critical. While you sleep, your skin naturally loses moisture, leading to a dull, rough, and dry appearance, so applying an extra effort or reinforcing the humidity before going to bed is key. Don't even consider skipping it!

Should I wash my face immediately after waking up?

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends washing your face in the morning, before bed, and after sweating—regardless of your skin type. According to the AAD, cleansing your face in the morning serves an important purpose: It washes away bacteria, sweat, and dirt that can settle on your face overnight.

What is the 60 second rule for face wash?

‍What is the 60-second cleansing rule? Washing your face for 60 seconds is vital for multiple reasons: Firstly, it permits sufficient time for the cleanser to effectively remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin. This is essential for preventing clogged pores and breakouts.

Why does my skin look better when I don't wash it?

Your face retains more moisture.

Try washing with a mild cleanser in the evening to remove your makeup and simply splashing your face with water in the mornings.) “Rinsing with warm water will accomplish a reduction in some oils, and lifting of buildup and dead skin cells,” she says.

What is the best thing to put on your face overnight?

Thornfeldt recommends a "skin barrier–repairing moisturizer to help rejuvenate the health of the skin." In other words, choose something hydrating that won't clog your pores. We're fans of products that contain hyaluronic acid because it helps your skin retain moisture.

Does skin repair itself at night?

What most people don't realize is that the hours we spend asleep are actually among our most constructive: certain areas of your brain work their hardest during sleep, and skin is best able to repair and regenerate itself at night. In short, quality sleep is crucial to both skin health and your overall health.

What should your night skin routine be?

“A solid nightly skincare routine should focus on cleansing, treating, and hydrating to help your skin repair itself overnight.” That's just the basics, though—if you're ready to step it up, you can add a hydrating toner, incorporate exfoliating pads, or turn on an LED face mask.

Does drinking water help acne?

Water has many ways in which it can improve your skin, which helps to improve your acne over time. Drinking water has both direct and indirect benefits for treating acne. Firstly, with bacterial acne, water helps to remove toxins and bacteria on the skin, reducing the potential for pore-clogging in the process.

Will I lose weight if I sleep late?

Be an Early Bird: People with late bedtimes may consume more calories and be at a higher risk for weight gain. View Source . Early birds may be more likely to maintain weight loss when compared to night owls .

How to get clear skin?

Follow these tips for gentle skin care:
  1. Limit bath time. Some experts say it's ideal to bathe for no longer than five minutes at a time. ...
  2. Don't use strong soaps. Strong soaps and detergents can strip oil from the skin. ...
  3. Shave carefully. ...
  4. Pat dry. ...
  5. Moisturize dry skin.

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