Barefaced
by auria
Notes on change, skin, and the journey to your truest self.
by auria
Notes on change, skin, and the journey to your truest self.
It's tempting to try out a new serum or cream right before bed, especially after a long day of anticipation. But introducing a new product at night is a recipe for potential disaster. Here's why and what to do instead.
Your skin is more sensitive at night. If a new product causes irritation or an allergic reaction, you'll be stuck dealing with it while you sleep, potentially worsening the issue. Furthermore, you won't be able to immediately pinpoint the culprit causing the irritation, making the process of finding the culprit much more complicated.
Always test new skincare products during the daytime, ideally in the morning. This gives you a full day to monitor your skin for any adverse reactions. Apply a small amount to a discreet area, like your inner forearm, and wait 24 hours. If no reaction occurs, try applying it to a small section of your face before incorporating it fully into your routine. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin.
Who doesn't love the feeling of freshly applied skincare products? But jumping into bed immediately after applying your creams and serums can actually diminish their effectiveness.
When you immediately lie down, your skincare products can transfer onto your pillowcase instead of fully absorbing into your skin. This not only wastes product but can also create a breeding ground for bacteria on your pillowcase, potentially leading to breakouts.
Allow at least 20-30 minutes for your skincare products to fully absorb into your skin before going to bed. This allows the ingredients to penetrate properly and minimizes transfer to your pillowcase. You can use this time to read a book, watch some television, or simply relax.
Using multiple active ingredients in your nighttime routine can be beneficial, but combining certain actives can lead to irritation, redness, and dryness. It's crucial to understand which ingredients play well together and which should be used separately.
Combining strong exfoliants like AHAs/BHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids/beta-hydroxy acids) and retinol can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to over-exfoliation and inflammation. This can damage your skin barrier and make your skin more susceptible to irritation and sun damage.
Avoid using AHAs/BHAs and retinol in the same routine. Instead, alternate them on different nights or use them on different days. If you want to use them in the same routine, ensure that you know how your skin responds to each of them and use them sparingly. Consider applying retinol first and following with a buffer layer of moisturizer, then applying an AHA/BHA product with a lower concentration. Pay close attention to your skin's reaction and adjust accordingly. Always use sunscreen the next day.
Even if you have oily skin, skipping moisturizer at night is a big mistake. Your skin loses moisture overnight, and a good moisturizer is essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
Without moisturizer, your skin can become dehydrated, leading to dryness, flakiness, and even increased oil production as your skin tries to compensate for the lack of moisture. A compromised skin barrier is also more vulnerable to irritation, inflammation, and environmental damage.
Choose a moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type. If you have oily skin, opt for a lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic formula. For dry skin, look for a richer, more emollient moisturizer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and shea butter. Apply your moisturizer as the final step in your nighttime skincare routine to seal in all the other products.
While it may seem harmless, letting your hair rub against your face while you sleep can contribute to breakouts and irritation.
Your hair naturally produces oils that can clog pores and contribute to acne. Additionally, if you use hair products like leave-in conditioners or styling gels, these can transfer onto your skin and cause irritation.
Before bed, tie your hair back in a loose braid, bun, or ponytail to keep it away from your face. You can also use a silk scarf or bonnet to protect your hair and prevent it from rubbing against your skin. A soft headband works to keep hairs off the forehead and prevent product transfer from your hair.
By avoiding these five common nighttime skincare mistakes, you can significantly improve the health and appearance of your skin. Remember to introduce new products during the day, allow your skincare to absorb before bed, be mindful of combining active ingredients, always moisturize, and keep your hair away from your face. With a little attention to detail, you can optimize your nighttime routine for a radiant and healthy complexion.
Yes, Vitamin C can be incorporated into your nighttime skincare routine, although many prefer using it in the morning due to its antioxidant properties that can protect against environmental stressors during the day. If using it at night, ensure it is properly absorbed before going to bed.
Double cleansing, which involves using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser, is particularly beneficial at night to remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities that have accumulated throughout the day.
The frequency of exfoliation depends on your skin type and the type of exfoliant you are using. Generally, exfoliating 1-3 times per week is sufficient for most skin types.
Facial oils can provide hydration and nourishment to the skin, but they do not replace the need for a moisturizer. Moisturizers contain humectants, emollients, and occlusives that work together to hydrate and protect the skin. Facial oils are best used as a final step to seal in moisture.
Signs of a damaged skin barrier include dryness, redness, irritation, sensitivity, and increased breakouts. If you suspect your skin barrier is damaged, simplify your skincare routine, focus on hydration, and avoid harsh ingredients.
