Does your night-time skincare routine need a bit of tweaking? Or is it non-existent? Don’t worry – it’s never too late to start a PM regimen, even in your 40s (when the skin is still considered youthful, by the way). All it takes is recognising what your skin needs, shopping the right ingredients and putting a plan into action. Our skin goes through a lot during the day so it’s only fair we put in the effort at night. Here’s what to do…
Step 1: Cleanse
If you’ve noticed your skin leaning towards dryness, choose a cleanser with an oil-based formulation. This will leave your complexion feeling fresh without the tightness. If you wear make-up throughout the day and need extra assistance, try a soothing micellar water. Your cleansing ritual should be calm and relaxing – use warm water, not piping hot, and cleanse for at least 60 seconds.
Step 2: Exfoliate (maximum twice a week)
Set two nights aside during the week (or one, if that’s all your skin needs) to exfoliate after cleansing. This will help smooth the texture of your skin and enhance brightness. Choose an acid-based exfoliator instead of an abrasive one to gently buff your skin.
Step 3: Hydrating serum
Hydration is key in your 40s. Opt for a night-time serum that replenishes the skin with moisture once your head hits the pillow. This super serum by Elemis contains red algae, which is three times more hydrating than hyaluronic acid. You’ll also find rose centifolia extract in this serum – it’s a powerful antioxidant that helps strengthen your skin barrier. Apply one to two pumps to dry skin in a sweeping, upwards motion.
Step 4: Night cream
If you’re on the fence about a night cream, let us walk you through the pros of adding one to your routine. Night-time moisturisers help lock in the benefits of your serum and add a protective barrier to your skin. It’s a product that repairs the skin and works its magic by the time you wake up the next morning. Choose a nourishing formula that melts into the skin upon application.
Top tip
Change your pillowcase to a silk one. There are heaps of benefits to having a silk pillowcase, for example, it’s a lot softer on the face and hair than cotton, therefore preventing wrinkles and smoothing unwanted frizz. It keeps your skin hydrated by not absorbing its natural moisture and helps with knots and bedhead while you toss and turn. Need we say more?
