This post has been updated since it was originally published on April 1, 2021.
To many, the evening is a time they would rather spend relaxing in bed than dedicating to an extensive skincare regimen that requires both patience and consistency. While some people enjoy their skincare routines as a sort of catharsis, others dread the extra, seemingly unnecessary work it takes to nourish their skin before they hit the pillow.
However, especially as you begin to age, how you take care of your complexion becomes increasingly important in providing longevity in your appearance and maintaining the beautiful skin you’ve cultivated thus far. If you’re notorious for skimping on your evening routine, these are the biggest mistakes you could be making for your skin that are actually causing lasting damage, potentially speeding up the aging process and ruining your complexion for good.
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Relying On The Wrong Cleanser
If you are going to be undertaking a skincare routine in the evening, it’s important that you’re opting for the proper products to optimize their effectiveness on your skin. “The changing of seasons can cause our skin to dry out as the temperature changes and our skin has to adapt. At night, most people opt for a common face wash but it’s worth switching to an oil cleanser, cleansing balm, or cream cleanser,” suggests dermatologist Rachael Burns. “All three types of cleansers lift makeup and dirt from our skin, without stripping the skin of its natural oils. It’s important to use a cleanser with shea butter-rich vitamin E that blocks free radicals and reduces wrinkles.”
Choosing The Wrong Moisturizer
A good moisturizer is vital for preserving your skin and giving it a boost of necessary hydration so that it doesn’t crack and dry out, revealing your age. “More often than not, people choose the wrong moisturizer at night and opt for products with cheaper ingredients. Instead, choose a pre-moisturizer serum with hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in our joints and other tissues in the body that helps retain collagen, skin elasticity, and moisture,” says Burns. “For an extra daily hydration choose products containing olive oil abundant in antioxidants, vitamin E, and omega-6/omega-3.”
Sleeping With Your Makeup On
Jumping into bed with a full face of makeup is a surefire way to damage your skin in the long term if you make this a habit. According to Bustle, “Not removing your makeup for the night clogs your pore and oil glands,” says Dennis Gross MD. “When makeup becomes impacted in pores, it makes them appear larger. Once your collagen levels decline, the pore won’t snap back as easily once it has been enlarged.” Plus, he says, it leads to inflammation.” Before bed, even just taking a makeup wipe to your face can make all the difference if you don’t feel like doing the full routine. This way, you preserve both your skin and your sheets.
