Your skin is like a hard-working employee—it spends the day dealing with pollution, makeup, and UV rays. Nighttime is when it finally gets to clock out, repair itself, and get back to glowing. That’s why your night skincare routine deserves more than a lazy face wipe and wishful thinking.
If you’ve ever woken up with dull, flaky skin, it’s your skin waving a tiny white flag saying, “Please give me some love!” Trust me, with the right steps (and the right products), your bedtime routine will become your favourite self-care ritual.
Step 1: Double cleanse
One cleanse isn’t enough anymore—especially if you’re wearing makeup, SPF, or have been in the city. Start with an oil-based cleanser to melt away the day’s grime, sunscreen, and mascara. Then follow up with a gentle water-based cleanser to wash off the residue.
The difference is night and day—literally. Your skin will feel cleaner, smoother, and ready to absorb the products that follow.
Step 2: Toner, mists, and essences
If you’ve been skipping toner, it’s time to rethink. Toner balances your skin’s pH, while hydrating mists and essences give your face a fresh burst of hydration. Apply toner first, then layer your essence or mist for that plump, dewy look.
Not sure which products to start with? Coola’s bestselling skincare is a good place to find clean, hydrating favourites.
Step 3: Eye cream
The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate, so it deserves VIP treatment. Use a lightweight eye cream to keep puffiness and dark circles at bay. Even if you skip mornings, don’t skip this step at night—it makes all the difference.
Need a recommendation? Here’s a great roundup of under-eye creams that actually work.
Step 4: Treatments & serums
This is where the magic happens. Treatments like retinol creams, exfoliating pads, anti-ageing serums, and brightening peels target specific concerns like fine lines, breakouts, or uneven texture.
Don’t go overboard—space these treatments out during the week. A peel or exfoliating mask just one to three times a week is more than enough to keep your skin glowing without irritation.
Step 5: Hydrating masks & face oils
If your skin feels parched, add a hydrating cream mask or face oil. These products work overnight to lock in moisture and repair the skin barrier. They’re like giving your face a tall glass of water while you sleep.
For combination or dry skin, use these a few times a week, or more if needed.
Step 6: Moisturiser (the night version)
Your night cream isn’t just a thicker version of your day moisturiser—it’s designed to work while you sleep. These creams form a protective layer, preventing water loss and locking in the serums you’ve applied earlier.
The goal? To wake up with skin that feels plump, hydrated, and seriously soft.
Step 7: Give products time to work
Don’t just slap everything on at once. Each step should be given a few minutes to sink in. Ideally, products need 5–30 minutes to absorb fully. If you’re short on time, choose fast-absorbing formulas and keep your routine simple but effective.
Step 8: Don’t forget your neck & décolletage
Your neck and chest age just like your face, so treat them with the same love. Apply your creams and serums to these areas too—especially when using a jade roller or facial tools.
Step 9: Hydrate from the inside
No skincare product can fix dehydration if you’re not drinking enough water. Think of your skin routine as teamwork—products work from the outside, but hydration starts on the inside. No fancy cream will save your skin if you’re running on caffeine and no water.
Remember, when massaging your creams using a jade roller or any other tool, use them on the neck, too.
Finally, if you neglect your body, all your hard work will be in vain. We need enough water daily to support our skin in rejuvenating and repairing. All-night creams worldwide will not help if you don’t supply your cells with enough moisture.
Quick nighttime routine summary
- Oil-based cleanser
- Gentle second cleanser
- Toner or hydrating mist
- Eye cream
- Treatments or serums
- Hydrating mask or oil (optional)
- Night moisturiser
- Neck & décolletage care
Final thoughts
Nighttime skincare isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling good. It’s the perfect time to slow down, massage in your products, and unwind from the day.
So, what’s your current nighttime ritual? Are you team double cleanse, or do you keep it minimal? I’d love to hear your go-to products and secrets to glowing skin.
