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)