Before I started working at Dermstore, my skin care routine was about as basic as it gets. I’d take off my makeup, wash my face, put on some moisturizer and call it a night. (And I hate to admit it, but sometimes I’d go to bed with makeup still on and no cares in the world.) Whether because of all the new products I'm discovering or wealth of information I’m surrounded by each day, my routine quickly changed for the better (and became exponentially more complicated). I had heard of serums and face oils and all sorts of treatments before, but I’d never tried them or even really looked into what they were used for. Now, my drawers are overflowing with goodies—and I am in no way complaining.
What Does a Typical Nighttime Skin Care Routine Look Like?
Curious about how my new routine stacked up to others’ around me, I asked some of my coworkers for a glimpse into their nighttime skin care routine. Here’s how eight Dermstore employees (including myself) get ready for their beauty sleep.
** = Employee’s Top Pick
1. Kaitlin, Content & SEO Analyst
Skin Type: Normal to dry
Skin Concerns: Dark under-eye circles, dryness, dullness
1. H2O+ Beauty Elements Shaken Not Stirred Makeup Remover
“I wear waterproof mascara and eyeliner on most days, so my first step is getting all of that off as easily as possible. This makeup remover not only does that, but it’s gentle and non irritating.”2. Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Cleanser
“If I’m being honest, I don’t love the smell of this cleanser, but I do love how it makes my face feel. And compared to what I had previously been using, it’s nice to know that I’m adding vitamins and antioxidants while I’m cleansing.”
3. Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion (Once a Week)
“I actually got a full size of this exfoliator in a subscription box, and I’ve been using it about once a week since then. It’s really gentle, but still leaves my skin feeling refreshed and smoother afterward.” 4. Eminence Organics Lavender Age Corrective Night Concentrate
“One pump of this serum goes a long way, so I’m able to apply it all over my face and neck after cleansing. I really feel like it’s helped make my skin look brighter in the mornings.” 5. Luzern Laboratories Serum Absolut Luminous
“Due to years of chronic stress and not enough sleep, I have struggled with dark circles under my eyes. Aside from lifestyle changes, I’ve been applying this serum around my orbital bone every morning and night to try and brighten up my eyes.” 6. Nia 24 Eye Repair Complex
“I not only want to get rid of the dark circles under my eyes—I want to look young forever. I use a little dab of this eye cream on top of the Luzern serum every night (and in the mornings, if I’m not wearing makeup that day).”7. Juice Beauty GREEN APPLE™ Age Defy Moisturizer
“I use a lightweight moisturizer with SPF during the day, but at night, I like to slather on the moisture so it can work its magic while I’m sleeping. This one definitely does the trick—and it smells fruity and refreshing.”8. GlamGlow THIRSTYMUD Hydrating Treatment Masque** (As Needed)
“I’ve been on a face mask bender lately, trying out different treatments three or four times a week, and this one has been a standout. I use it as an overnight mask when my skin is feeling extra dry—like during the winter or after a day at the beach—and I feel good as new the next morning. Plus, it smells like coconut and brown sugar. So nice!”9. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Intensive Lip Balm
“Maybe because of my somewhat-dry skin or maybe because of my affinity for bold lip colors, my lips tend to be pretty dry by the end of the day. While this balm is a little too thick for daytime use, it works perfectly as an overnight treatment.”2. Ashley V., Merchant
Skin Type: Dry
Skin Concerns: Dryness, dehydration
1. Youth to the People Kale + Green Tea Age Prevention Cleanser
“I prefer this gel cleanser because it provides a deep clean without stripping my skin.”2. Eminence Organic Skin Care Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer**
“Three times a week, I slather this all over my face and décolleté. I have dry skin and I cannot get enough of this product! It changed my skin after just one use. I wake up with a brighter, more smooth and hydrated complexion.”3. 100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream
“It is all natural and provides an instant plumping of the under eye area.” 4. This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
“This Works’ pillow spray is an awesome helper to promote restful sleep.”3. Kat, Senior Manager, Content + SEO
Skin Type: Oily prone
Skin Concerns: Oiliness, milia
1. Erno Laszlo Phelityl Cleansing Bar
“I use this bar cleanser, which is really pleasant, plus I like that it’s pH balancing and gentle. It doesn’t get all my mascara off by itself, so I’d use with a gentle eye makeup remover to get it all.”
2. Eminence Organic Skin Care Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant**
“If it’s an exfoliation day (two or three nights a week) I use this ‘fizzofoliant.’ This thing is so fun to use and smells amazing. Plus, I know I can take it traveling easily since there’s no liquid in the product (you add water when you use it).”
3. Eminence Organic Skin Care Bamboo Firming Fluid
“I follow with either Eminence Organics Bamboo Firming Fluid, which contains a natural retinol alternative, or Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment. Both are good for encouraging cell turnover and discouraging the milia I deal with.”
4. ilike Organic Skin Care Hyaluronic Time Erase Complex Moisturizer**
“This adds moisture and locks it in for my night’s sleep. I like it so much I’ve bought it for my mom and sister as well!”
4. Stephanie M., Purchasing Specialist
Skin Type: Combination
Skin Concerns: Oily T-zone, dryness
1. iS Clinical Cleansing Complex
“This cleanser is gentle, moisturizing and has a little salicylic acid for the very little acne I get from time to time. I use it with either the Foreo Luna or Clarisonic.”
2. CosMedix Purity Balance
“This is a little strong, so I spray it on a cotton swab to apply. This product cleans off any leftover makeup residue and it works amazing to keeping hormonal breakouts at bay. The smell is a little strong and took some time getting used to, but the benefits are worth it.”3.Nurse Jamie EGF Stem Cell Complex**
“Heaven in a pump! This is a lightweight moisturizer. I usually use two pumps at night and one for daytime application. This gives me a wonderful glow in the morning and is worth the money.”4. African Botanics Pure Marula Oil
“According to Nurse Jamie, oils should be used to lock in her EGF moisturizer. The combination between both helps with my oily T-zone and hydrates any dryness around my chin. I use one to two drops at night—a little goes a long way. It may feel a little oily at first; however, my skin absorbs it amazingly. I usually use any excess on my neck and chest.”5. Annie, Content & SEO Analyst
Skin Type: Combination
Skin Concerns: Hormonal breakouts, blemishes, dryness
1. “I begin my routine by removing my makeup with a cleansing towelette. I noticed that wipes won’t remove 100% of my makeup, so I apply a gentle cleansing solution on a q-tip to go over my eyelids since I wear eyeshadow and liquid liner every day. Next, I use a rich deep cleansing cream and massage it onto my face and leave this on for about 10 minutes—sometimes longer depending on how distracted I get by what’s on TV. Then I wash off the cream with a gentle foaming cleanser and splash my face with lukewarm water at least 15 times.”2. Eminence Organic Skin Care Balancing Masque Duo
“If I’m having a particularly bad skin week, I’ll try to salvage my skin with a face mask. I really like the Balancing Masque duo from Eminence because it’s specifically formulated for combination skin types. Charcoal really helps to draw out any excess oil and clear my pores, which is what I need since I wear liquid foundation and am totally guilty of wearing my day makeup to the gym.”3. ORGAID Anti-Aging & Moisturizing Organic Sheet Mask
“If I notice that my skin needs an extra boost in hydration, my go-to product is the Anti-Aging & Moisturizing Organic Sheet Mask by ORGAID. This is by far my FAVORITE sheet mask! My skin literally feels baby soft after just 20 minutes of this on. Plus, unlike other sheet masks, this actually stays on your face so you’re not confined to just lying down on your couch.”4. Sunday Riley Martian Mattifying Melting Water-Gel Toner
“I finish off my nightly routine with some Sunday Riley's Martian Mattifying Melting Water-Gel Toner. I use one pump of this gel and gently massage it onto my face, avoiding the eye area. I’ve definitely noticed an improvement in my overall skin tone and texture after using this. Since the toner dries and absorbs quickly, I like to layer this with a rich moisturizer.”
5. TULA Skincare Hydrating Day and Night Cream**
“Perfect for using all year round, the Hydrating Day and Night Cream by TULA deeply hydrates my skin without making it feel greasy. Now that I’m a couple of years away from the big 3-0, I’ve been really diligent about preserving my neck area. In addition to applying this to my face, I’ve been lathering this onto my décolletage and my neck has never felt softer! Definitely helps to reduce the appearance of those pesky neck lines too! With the help of this night cream, I wake up to nourished and supple skin every morning.”6. Pangea Organics Lip Balm
“Last but not least, I NEVER go to bed without applying a lip balm. I battle with chapped and dry lips on a daily basis so I never step out of the house or go to bed without this. My favorite product at the moment is the lavender and cardamom Lip Balm by Pangea Organics. I have really sensitive lips that always break out whenever I try a new product, but this lip balm is gentle and moisturizing on my dry lips. Plus, its unique scent is really calming—which is always appreciated before bedtime!”6. Liliya, Marketing Coordinator
Skin Type: Combination, oily T-zone
Skin Concerns: Fine lines, freckles/pigmentation, overall firm and lift
1. Korres Wild Rose Exfoliating Cleanser & Black Pine Firming, Lifting & Antiwrinkle Serum
“I started using Korres because I loved the smell and that it was a natural product. But I actually see results after using it for 3 months.”2. Juice Beauty Soothing Serum**
“I love that it is not harsh on my skin. I am all about effective natural products. I don’t have as many skin concerns and I feel like natural is the way to go for me and see the result I want. I love the results I am seeing, the fact that it is a natural product and how it feels on my skin.”3. Eminence Organic Skin Care Cucumber Eye Gel
“It is a natural brand, and I know cucumber is great for anti-redness and puffiness and it works!” 7. Gracee, Content Manager
Skin Type: Dry
Skin Concerns: Dry patches, dark spots
1. Micellar Water
“Since I don’t use a lot of makeup, I use micellar water to remove my makeup. I soak a pad and gently press (never rub) on my eyelid area for about 5 seconds to remove my liquid eyeliner.”2. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant**
“When it’s the time of the week to exfoliate, I use this rice powder scrub. I’ve been using this for years. I’m seldom loyal to any beauty product or brand but I always come back to this. It’s the fastest way to make dull skin look glowing.”3. Nurse Jamie NuLips RX Moisturizing Lip Balm + Exfoliating Brush
“If I’m exfoliating my face that day, I’d use this for my lips.”4. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
“For my dark spots, and just overall antioxidant protection.”5. Sundari Nighttime Nourishing Oil
“I love face oils, I’d try anything, really, but this one is my current favorite.”6. TULA Skincare Hydrating Day and Night Cream
“Since I have dry skin I always layer a creamy moisturizer on top of my face oil.”7. Dermalogica Stress Positive Eye Lift
“When I don’t forget to apply an eye cream, I use this. I love that this one has that cooling effect and comes with a massage applicator that makes application easy.”8. Jessica, Director, Merchandising
Skin Type: Oily
Skin Concerns: Oiliness, breakouts, blemishes
1. Korres Greek Yoghurt Cleansing & Make-up Removing Wipes
“WOWZA. SO good at taking off all my make-up AND makes my skin feel nourished and calm. I love using these at night. This sounds so cliché, but I’ve always found my night time routine to be a pain. These wipes make the process way less cumbersome and annoying. It gets me in the right mindset that I’m doing good things for my skin.” 2. iS Clinical Cleansing Complex
“Hands down the best facial cleanser out there. It’s not cheap but it’s so so worth it. It removes any makeup residue (for me, that’s not really an issue after the Korres wipe) and takes off excess oil. The formula is silky smooth and rinses off clean. A little bit goes a long way!”3. Clarisonic Smart Profile™
“I have always been a Clarisonic fan—using it daily made my skin change from three-dimensional acne bumps to smooth with occasional breakouts. The Smart Profile has a way better battery life and a cool turbo boost button that I like to use around my nose (to get those pesky blackheads!).”4. iS Clinical Active Serum
“I love the way it tingles when it first goes on. A little bit goes a long way and I definitely think this serum helps control my acne and gives me an even skin tone.”5. Replenix Retinol Plus Smoothing Serum 10X
“I’m sure people are scared of a 1% retinol but this one is formulated with antioxidants and there’s something about it that leaves my skin smooth and nourished—not dry or itchy at all.”6. Replenix Power of Three Serum
“This is my antioxidant boost. I use this after the Retinol to keep my skin calm and smooth. Goes on silky smooth and leaves my skin soft not sticky. I love it!”7. SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2
“I love the feel of this cream—not sticky or heavy at all but is ‘thick’ enough to be my nighttime moisturizer. I apply it specifically on those pesky neck wrinkles (I swear they look better already) and just a tiny bit on my face depending on the time of year.” 8. PCA Skin Peptide Lip Therapy
“I’m lip balm obsessed during the day and this one has a ton of active ingredients that keep my lips hydrated, nourished and treated all night long.”9. Jan Marini Marini Luminate Hand Cream**
“I use this no more than twice a day and a tiny bit goes a long way. I have perpetually dry hands and this is the only hand cream that has ever truly changed my hands’ appearance. It not only moisturizes and hydrates all night, it actually improved my skin.”10. This Works Sleep Plus Pillow Spray
“I love the lavender smell. For me, it’s about the smell because let’s face it—falling asleep is never really an issue for me. For my restless husband, he says this spray helps him unwind and get to bed faster.”11. slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask**
“Do you know we spend a third of our lives sleeping? And that not sleeping on pure silk can actually create sleep crease? Aka, lasting wrinkles? Yikes! slip’s quality of silk is amazing and makes sleeping feel like the luxurious experience it should be. Plus, the Sleep Mask is perfectly comfortable and doesn’t crease my hair overnight. It’s great for planes too.”Skin Care Routine Trends and Discoveries
A "typical" nighttime skin routine doesn't exist. Even in such a small sample of people, our routines are vastly different. This is because all have different skin types, skin concerns and product preferences. However, we all do have two things in common—cleansing and moisturizing every night. This is unsurprising, as one thing we hear time and time again is just how important it is to moisturize and hydrate your skin (yes, even if it's oily!). And it almost goes without saying that you should be cleansing your face every day to get rid of makeup, dirt, pollutants and anything else that could clog your pores or affect your skin's ability to protect itself.
Another noteworthy trend is in the brands we're drawn to. Almost all of us use at least one natural brand— most likely because these items are clean and made without unnecessary fillers. A few of us take our beauty sleep to another level by creating a relaxing atmosphere using This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray. While I didn't mention it in my section, I have a bottle of this on my nightstand as well, and it smells fantastic!
