"When searching for a night serum, look for ingredients that address anti-aging concerns and help skin recover," he says. For example, retinol, bakuchiol, and peptides are great for anyone who wants to address anti-aging concerns. Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, squalane, and ceramides can aid in skin repair.
The ideal nighttime routine includes: double cleansing, hydrating toner, serum (vitamin C, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid), retinol for anti-aging, moisturizer, and occlusive (if needed). Sleep is also key! A consistent routine ensures radiant skin. For more, check out my Quora Profile.
Apply a hydrating moisturizer or facial oil to nourish your skin overnight. Look for ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin to help plump and hydrate your skin. Consider using a facial oil, such as rosehip oil or argan oil, to help nourish and hydrate your skin overnight.
Yes, you must use a face serum at night before going to bed. A serum is extremely hydrating and it will work wonders on the skin if left overnight. You can layer the face serum with a face moisturizer of your choice.
Using vitamin C serum at night reduces dark spots and blemishes, fades hyperpigmentation, and brightens your skin tone. Want a glowing and spot-free complexion? Try the vitamin C overnight serum to limit dark spot reappearance, repair, and relax your skin while you slumber.
Even when used daily, you should only use a small amount of serum. Any overuse can lead to skin imbalances, dryness, and even acne or pimples. 4. A wrong combination of multiple serums can do more harm than good.
Overnight Use
You can use Aloe Vera masks, lotions, or serums for this leave-on treatment to nourish the skin while you sleep. This is our recommendation for those dealing with dry skin, as prolonged contact allows the skin to draw in moisture and help better repair itself.
At night, your skin goes into repair mode, so you want a night cream that nourishes and moisturises your skin. Retinol is a super ingredient for this as it leaves your skin visibly smoother and glowing, making fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable.
Retinol and niacinamide are a great combo to help improve skin texture and fade dark spots. Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C reduce signs of photoaging and boost hydration, which is ideal for people living in drier climates or harsh winter environments.
Our top pick for the best night cream is Kiehl's Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream, as it's great for all skin types and provides long-lasting hydration. Another fantastic option is La Roche-Posay's Double Repair Moisturizer, which leaves the skin feeling nourished, soft, and supple—all for under $25.
If you have dehydrated skin, use hyaluronic acid serum both in the morning and at night. In the morning, it might help hydrate your skin and prepare it for the day ahead. At night, it might help repair and rejuvenate your skin while you sleep.
Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Multi-Recovery Complex Serum is our favorite night serum because it brightens and hydrates the skin after weeks of consistent use. We also love Naturium's Retinol Serum, a gentle, fast-absorbing formula that noticeably enhances the skin's tone and texture—all for under $25.
While they're both effective hydration ingredients, polyglutamic acid has better performance and additional benefits to moisturize that hyaluronic acid does not have. Bondi says that “depending on the source, polyglutamic acid holds 4,000-5,000 times its weight in water.
Stick with one to two serums in your AM and PM skincare routines, as too many products can result in overstimulated, sensitised skin. Follow serums with moisturiser if required (oily skin types may wish to skip this step), and always complete your morning skincare routine with a high-SPF, Sun Protection.
While you can work your vitamin C serum into either your morning or evening skincare routine, most dermatologists recommend the morning [2]. This keeps your skin protected from free radicals as you go about your day, and can work especially well with your sunscreen to keep you safe from UV radiation.
What not to do after applying serum? After applying face serums you should never use any other skincare product immediately. Wait for a few minutes to allow it to get absorbed in your skin before you follow up with a moisturizer and sunscreen.
In most cases, it's not only okay to use your serum every day—it's recommended to do so in order to reap the full benefits of the product. However, usage can vary depending on the type of serum, the ingredients they contain, and how concentrated it is.