Few things are better than washing your face after a long day outdoors. Going to bed clean also prepares you to sleep and wake up with beautiful, glowing skin. If you don’t have one yet, here are a few nighttime skincare steps to achieve glowing skin in the morning.

1. Have a nice evening meal

One underrated way to take care of your skin at night is to be mindful of your dinner. Food options like salmon and walnuts are ideal because they contain fatty acids that lubricate skin inside and out. Include them in your meal plan every now and then.

Make sure to get plenty of water as well, both throughout the day and during dinnertime. You could also end your meal with green tea, which offers anti-inflammatory properties and reduces damage from the sun’s UV rays.

2. Pick the best skincare products

Your skincare routine should have the best products for your skin, especially when shooting for flawless complexions the following day. Here are recommendations for your nightly ritual:

  • Gentle makeup-removing oil: The first step to a double cleanse is using a makeup-removing oil. It can break down any lingering cosmetics and dirt on your skin without being too harsh. Gently rub it over your face and neck before rinsing it off.
  • Brightening cleanser and toner: Remove the residue with a brightening gel cleanser. Afterwards, apply a toner with similar properties. This combination can prep the skin for other moisturising products.
  • Vitamin C serum: Vitamin C is another brightening ingredient perfect for your nighttime skincare routine. Make sure to use only a few drops and spread it over your palms before tapping it into the skin.
  • Retinol: A retinol treatment is ideal for clearing up acne and creating a fresh-looking appearance in the morning. Pick a product with small percentages of it and only apply small amounts all over the skin every other night.
  • Hydrating moisturiser: Apply a hydrating moisturiser afterwards to lock the rest of your skincare in place. Creamy and emollient formulae are ideal, especially for people with dry skin or who live in humid weather. You could also use an overnight face mask every other night.
  • Lip mask: Add a hydrating lip mask to eliminate lines and dryness. By morning, your lips will be plump and soft like the rest of your skin.

CosBeauty Favourites

Dermalogica PreCleanse lightweight cleansing oil
Dermalogica PreCleanse lightweight cleansing oil
Alastin Gentle Cleanser
Synergie Skin Effica C serum
Synergie Skin Effica C serum
Universkin Formula 34 super glow face serum
Universkin Formula 34 super glow face serum
DermaEnergy Revive Rich moisturiser
DermaEnergy Revive Rich moisturiser
Lanolips 12 Hour Overnight Lip Mask
Lanolips 12 Hour Overnight Lip Mask

3. Consider Slugging

Slugging is a skincare trend in which you smear petroleum jelly all over your face. The idaea is to lock in the moisture of your nighttime products while creating a protective layer between you and bacteria. It’s perfect if you want to heal some of your acne scars.

To do this effectively, avoid glopping on a large amount. Use just enough to cover your skin, and wait half an hour before sleeping to apply it. Remember to wash it off during your morning skincare routine to reveal glowing skin.

@indecisiveallie GiftedbyVaseline gifted me this big tub of Vaseline so I can get slugging!🤍💙 Embracing the top choice with #DermatologistRecommended, fragrance-free, deep moisturizer, soothing jelly, and triple purified goodness. Ready for healthy, glowing skin! 💙ty @Vaseline Brand! #vaseline #slugging #giftedbyvaseline #sluggingwithvaseline @vaseline #gifted_by_giftedbyvaseline #vaselinegiftedmegiftedme #skincare ♬ GREEDY X SAY IT RIGHT BY ALTÉGO - ALTÉGO

4. Exfoliate Before Skincare

Exfoliating helps you get rid of any dead skin cells. It’s the perfect way to prep your skin for all those hydrating products. You can usually squeeze this step in between cleansing and toning now and then.

Physically exfoliate with a brush or pick up an exfoliating product. Make sure to pick a non-abrasive option specifically made for the face and be gentle during application. Take your time while going in circular motions and rinse after.

Is Clinical Cleansing Complex
Is Clinical Cleansing Complex

5. Use a Silk Pillowcase

Another little skincare hack is to swap out your cotton pillow slips for silk ones. This soft material is gentle on the skin and keeps your products intact. Swapping the case could also minimise lines and wrinkles.

For the best results, find authentic silk and keep it clean. Pillowcases should be washed weekly, while liners can be reserved for monthly loads. Avoid fabric softeners and bleach, as they make the fibres deteriorate.

Go-To Silk Pillow Case
Go-To Silk Pillow Case

6. Get a Good Night’s Sleep

All your nighttime skincare routine may be for nought if you lack a good night’s rest. Six in ten women say they don’t get enough sleep, but you need it to achieve that well-rested, glowing skin in the morning. Try to tuck in early.

If you’re having difficulty getting to bed, consider moving your little skincare ritual a little earlier. Getting all those steps out of the way can make you feel more inclined to sleep after. You could also practise letting go of your phone at a set time to avoid distractions.

Achieving Glowy Skin

If you want glowing skin in the mornings, preparation must start from the night before. Practice a nighttime skincare routine to look effortlessly flawless when you wake up. Remember to be consistent for the best results!

Cora Gold is an experienced skincare writer and editor of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She has been featured on InStyle and Skin Inc. Magazine covering skin care myths and healthy solutions. Connect with Cora on LinkedInPinterest and Twitter.