How To Boost Your Overnight Skincare

First, Why Is Overnight Skincare Important?

Overnight is when your body can finally unwind and switch off, but it’s actually when your skin is doing some of its most important work. In line with your circadian rhythm, your skin works hard to protect against environmental aggressors – think UV rays and pollution – during the day. Then, while you sleep it switches into repair mode, focusing on treating existing cellular damage and boosting regeneration. “Alongside addressing signs of ageing caused by pollution and free radicals, overnight is when your skin has the chance to build new cells and stimulate collagen production,” explains facialist Rhian Truman. “It also rebalances your moisture levels and allows active ingredients to be absorbed more effectively. That’s why it’s good to go to bed like a glazed doughnut.”

Sheet masks are an easy-yet-effective pick-me-up, perfect for reviving thirsty skin before a special occasion. For multiple benefits, you can’t beat a leave-on formula. An overnight mask can be particularly helpful if you’re prone to dullness, dryness, dehydration – or a mix of all three. By leaving the formula on for longer, your skin has time to soak up all the nutrients and it can even help it retain moisture. The key is to choose the right mask for your concerns: neuroscience-backed Neuraé’s The Sleeping Mask is ideal for soothing red, stressed-out skin, whereas K-beauty favourite Laneige’s Bouncy & Firm formula will perk up tired complexions with its plump, dewy effect. 

Collagen is one of those beauty buzzwords that’s thrown around all the time, but why exactly is it so important? Think of it as your skin’s building blocks. “Collagen is largely responsible for your skin’s structure, firmness and bounce,” says Rhian. “It’s what keeps us looking youthful, smooth and lifted.” The protein is naturally present in the body but we produce less of it as we age. Thankfully, there are several ingredients that can help kickstart production – keep an eye out for peptides, vitamin C and retinol. For improved texture and tone, Dr Sebagh’s new serum, which combines potent vitamin C with plant-derived exosomes, is what we’re currently reaching for. 

In the anti-ageing category, vitamin A is the ingredient to beat. Retinoids – the umbrella term for vitamin A derivatives – are best known for their ability to address fine lines and wrinkles. But they also work to speed up cellular turnover which naturally slows down as we get older, meaning they’re essential for a brighter, smoother complexion. The secret to achieving the best results is to start slow, introducing a formula into your routine gradually and building up your tolerance. A higher percentage doesn’t necessarily equal a ‘better’ product. Silky and gentle but still ultra-powerful, Lancôme’s Rénergie C.R.x. Triple Serum Retinol is a great entry point. 

One way to take your nightly skincare routine to the next level is by incorporating a tool. Oftentimes, that coveted post-facial glow is down to the technical know-how of your facialist rather than a miracle-worker cream. Quality massage – whether using your fingers or a manual tool – makes a world of difference. Not only does it stimulate blood flow, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the skin, but it can also aid the absorption of topical formulas. A gua sha is ideal for beginners – it’s not overly complicated to use and the curved shape fits over your natural facial contours. “Work from the centre of your facial contours outwards towards your hairline,” advises facialist Michaella Bolder. “A gua sha is designed to drain unwanted toxins from the face to the lymph drainage nodes, so use long sweeping motions with a firm hold, but light pressure. Each movement should finish on the outer side of the neck, behind the ear and around the clavicle bone.” 

If you’ve overdone it with the exfoliation or used a too-harsh cleanser and as a result are dealing with a compromised skin barrier, a nourishing facial oil is a must. Rich in all-important fatty acids, it restores suppleness and bounce, giving your skin a touchable softness come morning. But that’s not the sole benefit, a quality oil seals in your actives and can even prevent trans-epidermal water loss, leaving your skin feeling hydrated for longer. It’s also a misconception that oily skin should avoid oil – it can actually be really helpful. Lightweight oils like jojoba and squalane regulate sebum production, bringing both balance and clarity.

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