In short: a night skin care routine has one main job: clean the day off your skin, then give it what it needs while you sleep. In order: remove makeup and sunscreen, cleanse, tone or mist, apply a treatment serum, eye cream, then a night cream or moisturizer.

Night is the usual time for exfoliating serums and spot treatments, and there is no sunscreen step. This guide sets out the night skincare routine steps, with options by skin type.

Why a night routine matters

By evening your skin has collected sunscreen, makeup, sweat, oil and pollution. Removing it properly helps prevent clogged pores and dullness. Night is also when you can use products that are better kept out of the sun, such as many exfoliating acids, and richer creams that would feel heavy under makeup.

Repêchage Opti-Cleanse Oil Free Eye Make-up Remover

Night skincare routine steps

1. Remove makeup and sunscreen

Start with the eyes. Opti-Cleanse Oil Free Eye Make-up Remover is applied on a cotton pad with soft downward and inward strokes over closed eyes. If you wear heavy makeup or water-resistant sunscreen, a first cleanse to lift it helps.

2. Cleanse

Use a cleanser for your skin type and lukewarm water. Your face should feel clean but not tight.

3. Tone or mist

A toner or hydrating mist refreshes skin after cleansing and leaves it ready for the next step.

4. Treatment serum

This is the step to match to your concern: hydration, an uneven-looking tone, the look of fine lines, or blemishes. Exfoliating serums with acids are usually used at night, as the label directs. Our guide on when to apply serum on face covers timing for each type.

5. Eye cream

Tap a small amount around the eye contour with your ring finger. Do not drag the skin.

6. Night cream or moisturizer

Finish with a cream that suits your skin. Night creams are often richer, but a light moisturizer is fine if your skin is oily.

7. Spot treatment, if needed

Dab a spot treatment only onto blemishes, last, so it stays where you want it.

Night routines by skin type

For blemishes, Hydra Medic Clear Complexion Drying Lotion is dabbed onto spots, left overnight and wiped off in the morning. For eyes, Opti-Firm Eye Contour or Hydra Dew Pure Eye Contour Cream are both used morning and night.

Weekly additions

• Exfoliation, once or twice a week, on a night without other active products. See our guide to how to exfoliate your face.
• A mask chosen for your skin: a clay mask for oily areas, a soothing mask for sensitive skin.
• A slow face massage as you apply your night cream. Our guide to face massage at home shows how.

Repêchage Hydra Dew Pure Gentle Foaming Cleanser

Do not forget hands, neck and lips

Take your night cream down onto your neck with downward strokes. Hands get washed often during the day, so a hand cream such as Sea Spa Hand Cream at night helps, and a little balm on dry lips does too.

Common night routine mistakes

• Going to bed with makeup or sunscreen still on.
• Using several strong actives on the same night.
• Exfoliating every night.
• Applying a spot treatment all over the face.
• Changing products every week instead of giving a routine time to work as directed.

Frequently asked questions

What is the correct order for a night skin care routine?

Remove makeup and sunscreen, cleanse, tone or mist, apply serum, eye cream, then night cream or moisturizer. A spot treatment goes last, only on blemishes.

Do I need a night cream?

Not always. A moisturizer that suits your skin is enough. Many people with dry or mature skin prefer a richer night cream.

Can I use the same moisturizer day and night?

Yes, if it suits your skin and the label allows it. In the morning, finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Should I use exfoliating serums at night?

Usually yes. Many acid-based serums are directed for night use. Follow the label, and use sunscreen every morning.

How long should I wait between steps?

Let each layer absorb, usually a minute or two. Some labels give a longer wait, such as Triple Action Peptide Serum, which asks for 10 minutes before a cream.

Is double cleansing necessary at night?

It helps if you wear makeup or water-resistant sunscreen. If not, one gentle cleanse is enough.

What is the best night routine for glowing skin?

A gentle cleanse, a hydrating or brightening serum and a moisturizer every night, with gentle exfoliation once or twice a week. Daily sunscreen in the morning protects the result.

Can I skip my night routine sometimes?

Always remove makeup and sunscreen and cleanse. If you are tired, cleanse and moisturize; the full routine can wait for the next night.

Sources and further reading

Further reading from dermatology organizations and published research:

• American Academy of Dermatology: Retinoid or retinol?
• American Academy of Dermatology: Face washing 101
• Goh CL et al. Challenges and real-world solutions for adoption of holistic skincare routine (cleansing, treatment, moisturization, and photoprotection) in acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and sensitive skin: An expert consensus. J Cosmet Dermatol, 2024 (PubMed)

In short: apply serum after cleansing and toning and before moisturizer. Whether you use it in the morning, at night or both depends on the serum: hydrating, brightening and soothing serums usually work morning and night, while exfoliating serums with acids are usually kept for the evening. In the morning, finish with sunscreen.

This guide explains when to apply serum on face for each type, how much to use and how to layer it, with the Repêchage serums that JB Skincare, the exclusive authorized importer and distributor, brings to India.

Where serum goes in your routine

A serum is a concentrated skincare product that is generally applied after cleansing and toning, before moisturizer. This order helps you layer products according to their texture and intended use. The order is the same morning and night:

1. Cleanse. A gentle face wash such as Sea Cleanse Foaming Seaweed Cleanser removes dirt, makeup and excess oil without leaving skin tight.
2. Tone or mist. A toner or a hydrating mist such as Algo Mist refreshes the skin and leaves it slightly damp.
3. Serum. Apply it now, while the skin is clean.
4. Eye cream, if you use one.
5. Moisturizer. It seals the serum in.
6. Sunscreen, in the morning only, as the last skin care step before makeup.

Repêchage Sea Cleanse Foaming Seaweed Cleanser

When to use serum: day or night?

A common question is when to use serum day or night, and the answer depends on what the serum is designed to do. When to use face serum is set by its job: hydrating at any time, acids at night. Always follow the directions on the label, because they reflect how the formula was tested. As a general guide:

The Repêchage serums and when to use each

• Dull skin, uneven tone and dark spots:Biolight Brightening Skin Correct Serum, with the Laminaria Complex of seaweeds, licorice root, Bellis daisy, gotu kola and willow bark. The label recommends it twice daily, morning and before bed, layered under the Biolight Daytime Protection Cream in the morning.
• Dehydrated skin and fine lines:C-Serum Seaweed Filtrate, a lightweight, oil-free serum with Laminaria digitata seaweed and hyaluronic acid. Use it twice daily, alone or under a Hydro-Complex PFS cream.
• Firmness and fine lines:Vita Cura B3 Serum Complex (niacinamide, seaweed and hyaluronic acid), Triple Action Peptide Serum (twice daily) and Vita Cura Cell Renewal Serum. For the eye area and other targeted spots, Vita Cura Opti-Lift Serum can be used in the morning or at night.
• Dry, compromised skin:Hydra Dew Pure Moisturizing Lift Serum, followed by the Hydra Dew Pure Facial Moisturizer or Night Cream.
• Redness and sensitive skin:Red-Out Serum, suitable for both day and night, over the whole face or just the areas of concern.
• Oily, blemish-prone skin:Hydra Medic Beta Hydroxy Serum, an exfoliating serum with alpha and beta hydroxy acids. The label recommends a thin layer at night.

Before or after moisturizer?

Apply serum before moisturizer in most skincare routines. Serums are generally lightweight products, while moisturizers help hydrate the skin and reduce moisture loss. Allow the serum to absorb before applying moisturizer, and follow any specific layering instructions on the product label. A few Repêchage labels give a specific wait: the Triple Action Peptide Serum, for example, is massaged in and allowed to absorb for 10 minutes before a cream. For the dry skin and oily skin versions of a moisturizer to follow your serum, see Hydro-Complex PFS Cream for Dry Skin and Hydro-Complex PFS Cream for Oily and Combination Skin.

How much serum to use

The amount differs by formula, so check the label. Some serums need only a few drops: the Hydra Dew Pure Moisturizing Lift Serum suggests three or more. Others are made to cover the face, neck and chest: the Triple Action Peptide Serum and the Vita Cura Cell Renewal Serum suggest 10 drops. Using more than the label suggests does not work faster and can leave a sticky layer under your moisturizer.

Repêchage Algo Mist Hydrating Seaweed and Mineral Water Spray

How to apply serum on the face

Knowing when to use serum on face is half of it; the other half is technique.

1. Start on clean, slightly damp skin after your toner or mist.
2. Put the serum on your fingertips and dot it over the forehead, cheeks, chin and neck.
3. Spread it with light upward and outward strokes, then press it in. Several Repêchage labels ask for upward motions.
4. Keep general serums away from the eyes. Use an eye-area product, such as the Opti-Lift Serum, for that zone.
5. Let it absorb before your moisturizer.

Using more than one serum

You can use two serums, either layered (thinnest first, letting each absorb) or split between morning and night. A simple split: a hydrating or brightening serum in the morning under sunscreen, and an exfoliating or firming serum at night. Do not combine several strong actives at once, introduce one new serum at a time, and patch test first if your skin is sensitive. If you have just had a peel or exfoliating treatment, keep the routine simple for a few days; our guide to exfoliating with peels, scrubs and masks explains why.

Common mistakes

• Moisturizer before serum. In most routines serum goes on first, then moisturizer. Follow any layering instructions on the product label.
• Using exfoliating acids without following the recommended sun protection instructions. Apply sunscreen every morning, and follow the serum label for daytime use.
• Skipping sunscreen after a morning brightening serum. Sun exposure works against an even tone.
• Expecting immediate results. Give a product time to work as directed, while watching for irritation or other unwanted reactions.
• Too many layers. One or two serums are plenty.

Frequently asked questions

When should I apply serum on my face?

After cleansing and toning, and before moisturizer. In the morning, finish with sunscreen. Whether you use it in the morning, at night or both depends on the serum, so follow the label.

When to use serum: day or night?

Hydrating, brightening and soothing serums are usually suitable for both. Exfoliating serums with acids are usually used at night. Firming serums vary, so check the label.

Do I apply face serum before or after moisturizer?

Before, in most routines. Apply serum to clean skin, let it absorb, then apply moisturizer to help hydrate the skin and reduce moisture loss.

How long should I wait between serum and moisturizer?

Until the serum has absorbed, usually a minute or two. Some labels give a longer time; the Triple Action Peptide Serum asks for 10 minutes.

Should I use serum before or after toner?

After toner. Toner or mist comes straight after cleansing and leaves skin ready for the serum.

Can I use two serums together?

Yes. Apply the thinner one first and let it absorb, or use one in the morning and one at night. Avoid combining several strong actives at once.

Can I use serum every day?

Most serums are made for daily use, and many Repêchage serums are labeled for twice-daily use. Exfoliating serums are usually used at night; follow the label.

Do I need sunscreen after a morning serum?

Yes. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning as the last skin care step, especially with brightening or exfoliating products.

Where can I buy genuine Repêchage serums in India?

JB Skincare is the exclusive authorized importer and distributor of Repêchage in India, and the serums on jbskincare.in are imported directly from the manufacturer.

Sources and further reading

Further reading from dermatology organizations and published research:

• American Academy of Dermatology: How to maximize results from anti-aging skin care products
• American Academy of Dermatology: How to select anti-aging skin care products
• Goh CL et al. Challenges and real-world solutions for adoption of holistic skincare routine (cleansing, treatment, moisturization, and photoprotection) in acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and sensitive skin: An expert consensus. J Cosmet Dermatol, 2024 (PubMed)