After a long day, the last thing you’re probably thinking about is your skincare routine. But, could that be at the root of your breakouts? True, it’s important to properly care for your skin. Yet, how can you do so before going to bed? What can you do to prevent and care for overnight breakouts?
Double Cleansing
What is “double cleansing”? It’s a two-step process for cleaning the face. First, with an oil-based cleanser. This will remove makeup, dirt, and excess oils that you don’t need on your skin.
Second, with a water-based cleanser. This step is personal as it addresses your particular skin type. Whatever product you choose to use should hydrate, smooth or exfoliate and treat acne, as well as any other concerns you may have.
Moisturizing
Sometimes, you might skip moisturizing at night to let your skin “breathe.” But, the body loses moisture throughout the day and night, whether you’re active or not. For radiant skin, apply moisturizer generously at night before going to bed. This way you ensure that your skin stays hydrated.
Exfoliating
Why exfoliate? Layers of dead skin cells build up throughout the day. In addition to grime and gunk, they need to be removed. Although it sounds gross, using a loofah and gently scrubbing every few days will help. This brings a new layer of skin to the surface — the layer that’s smooth, radiant and vibrant.
Hydrating
Drinking enough water throughout the day is tough. Admittedly, most of us fail here. However, drinking enough water can help clear current breakouts and lessen the severity of any new ones. Plus, it’s a vital step to keeping your skin hydrated. Drinking water is a complement to moisturizing.
Sleeping
Sleep is basically the restoration period of your day—you restore your energy levels, your memory, your skin, and most importantly, your health! Lack of sleep can throw your body out of whack. Needless to say, this affects your skin’s health and appearance, but more importantly, your overall health!
What’s more, you may be breaking out for that very reason! Your skin needs time to recover from the day’s stresses.
“Sleep hygiene” is also known as the behavioral and environmental practices surrounding sleep. Simply put, it’s what and when you do things in the place where you sleep. That means taking out the time to prepare for bed and avoiding non-bedroom activities in the bedroom. Implementing a nighttime routine that works with the standards of sleep hygiene can help you sleep better.
Your Phone
Throughout the day, your phone collects various germs, bacteria, and even oils. Using your phone transfers some of that dirt to your skin. Even if you don’t directly touch your phone to your face, your hands still pick up and transfer the bacteria.
Consider limiting the use of your phone after washing your face. Alternatively, wash your face right before going to bed and putting your phone down. Sleep studies even indicate that restricting phone use about half an hour before going to bed can improve sleep quality!
Your Pillowcase
Why your pillowcase? Pillowcases collect bacteria and dead skin cells. By using your pillows every night, you unknowingly transfer oils, bacteria and dead skin cells. These remain on your pillowcase; they don’t go anywhere! So, the next night when you go to sleep, they’re there waiting for you.
What’s the solution? Wash or change your pillowcases frequently. Your skin will appreciate it and your pillowcases will smell nice. What’s more, if you use silk or satin pillowcases, they can help improve skin and hair health!
The information provided herein has been reviewed for accuracy, but cannot be guaranteed to be free of infallalacy. A consultation with a doctor is always needed before receiving treatment of any cosmetic product.
© 2016, 2019 ALLIED MEDICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Published: 20161207
Revised: 20190603
