Skincare expert warns 1 common nighttime routine mistake could be ageing you
Reach Daily Express January 14, 2025 12:39 AM

When it comes to your skincare routine, timing and application can make a huge difference in how effective your products are.

One common mistake that could render your expensive products ineffective is applying your nighttime routine too close to bedtime.

Hayley Walker, Skincare Expert at said: "It's best to apply your nighttime skincare routine between 30 minutes and one hour before bed."

This ensures that your skin has enough time to absorb the products before your face touches the pillow, preventing the risk of them rubbing off. If applied too late, products may end up on your pillow instead of being fully absorbed by your , reducing their effectiveness.

Another common issue is not allowing enough time for each product to absorb before layering the next. When "not allowing enough time for each layer to absorb can reduce their effectiveness and even cause pilling," leaving your skin feeling less than smooth.

To maximise the benefits of your skincare routine, it's essential to wait "at least 30 seconds to a minute between applying each product"-especially with serums, treatments, and moisturisers.

This gives each product the time it needs to sink in and work properly.

Equally important is applying your products in the correct order. As a general rule, products should be applied from the thinnest to the thickest.

If you apply thicker products like moisturisers or oils first, they can create a barrier that prevents lighter products from absorbing properly.

The ideal order is: cleanser, toner, serums, treatments (such as retinoids or exfoliants), eye cream, moisturiser, and then facial oils if desired.

Following this order helps your skin absorb each product efficiently, boosting the overall effectiveness of your routine.

Another mistake is using daytime products during your nighttime routine. Daytime products like vitamin C and specific peptides are designed to protect your skin from environmental stressors, but they may not provide the necessary hydration or repair your skin needs while you sleep.

Ingredients like retinoids and exfoliating acids, which can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, are best used at night for optimal results.

Choosing products specifically formulated for nighttime use allows your skin to focus on "restoration, hydration, and rejuvenation" while you sleep, supporting its natural repair processes.

Skipping toner is another mistake that can interfere with your skincare's effectiveness, as toner helps to rebalance your skin's pH after cleansing, preparing it to better absorb the following products.

It also removes any remaining residue from makeup or cleanser, ensuring your skin is completely clean.

Without this step, your skin might struggle to fully absorb serums and moisturisers, meaning they won't work as well.

Many toners also contain soothing, hydrating ingredients that provide an extra layer of moisture before applying more active treatments.

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