Ever wonder why your skin sometimes still looks dull, even after a flawless morning routine? The secret lies in your night skincare routine. While you sleep, according to Healthline, blood flow increases, collagen is rebuilt, and the muscles in your face relax after a long day. This makes a consistent nighttime skincare routine essential for healthy, glowing skin.
In this step by step guide, we’ll break down the ultimate 2025 night skincare routine designed for all skin types with expert product picks and tips that ensure you wake up refreshed and radiant.
(Psst: If you haven’t seen our Morning Skincare Routine yet, check it out here—for the complete 24-hour glow-up.)
Quick heads up: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you choose to shop through our links — at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting GlamourTip and future glow guides!
Why Your Night Skincare Routine Matters
Your skin follows a natural circadian rhythm: by day, it protects; by night, it repairs. Key benefits of a great night routine:
- Boosts collagen production.
- Repairs skin barrier damage.
- Allows deeper penetration of active ingredients.
Common mistake? Using the same routine day and night—when your skin’s needs change completely after sunset. Ready to build the ultimate night skincare routine? Follow these steps to give your skin everything it needs after dark.
Step 1. Remove Makeup & Cleanse Thoroughly
Never, ever go to bed with makeup (or SPF) on.
The double cleanse method is your nighttime bestie:
- First cleanse: Oil-based cleanser to break down makeup, sunscreen, and oils.
- Second cleanse: Gentle water-based cleanser to remove dirt and sweat.
GLOW TIP Even if you didn’t wear makeup, double cleansing helps remove invisible buildup from the day.
Reach for Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm — a sherbet0soft oil cleanser that melts away sunscreen and buildup without stripping. The buttery texture rinses clean, making it a satisfying first step in any nighttime routine. Followed by CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser — a gentle, creamy formula with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Ideal for the second cleanse, it leaves skin feeling balanced, not tight.
Step 2. Exfoliate (2-3 Times a Week)
Night is the ideal time to exfoliate because your skin regenerates while you sleep.
Here’s what to know before choosing your formula:
- Chemical exfoliators (AHAs, BHAs) gently dissolve dead skin cells.
- Physical exfoliators use grain/beads (use sparingly to avoid microtears).
- Enzyme exfoliators use fruit-derived enzymes — like papain (from papaya).
GLOW TIP Sensitive skin? Stick to chemical exfoliation once a week.
Reach for Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant — a cult-favorite salicylic acid toner designed to unclog and smooth. It has a lightweight, watery feel that layers easily without irritation. OR try The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution — an AHA-based exfoliant with a refreshing, skin-tingling finish. Best used on dry, prepped skin, a few nights a week.
Step 3: Apply Toner or Essence
Toners and essences help rebalance your skin’s pH and prep it for treatments—they play a key role in your night skincare routine.
Think of them as the bridge between cleansing and treating:
- Hydrating toners: Plump and soothe.
- Exfoliating toners: Continue skin renewal (skip on exfoliation nights).
GLOW TIP Don’t rush this step — gently pressing toner or essence into your skin helps boost absorption and glow.
Reach for Laneige Cream Skin Refiner — a toner-meets-moisturizer hybrid that feels like silk and leaves skin dew-soft. Its milky texture absorbs quickly without residue, ideal for dry or sensitive skin. OR try Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner — a pH-balanced classic made to calm and hydrate with no added fragrance. Great for layering and pairing with actives like retinol or acids.
Step 4: Treatment Serums
Serums are a powerhouse in any night skincare routine, targeting everything from fine lines to dullness.
Before locking in moisture, this is where the real magic happens:
- Retinol: Stimulates collagen, reduces fine lines.
- Peptides: Repairs and strengthens.
- Brightening (Vitamin C, niacinamide): Fades dark spots.
GLOW TIP Layer from thinnest to thickest serums; don’t overload—1 or 2 is plenty.
Reach for The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane — a gentle, oil-based formula designed for retinol beginners. Its moisturizing base helps reduce the risk of dryness or flaking. OR try Glow Recipe Niacinamide Dew Drops — a glow-boosting serum that layers well with nearly everything. It leaves a dewy sheen without shimmer and works beautifully under moisturizer.
Step 5: Eye Cream
Why bother? The eye area is thinner and more prone to dryness and fine lines, especially overnight.
Here’s how to pick your formula:
- Light gel: Great for puffiness.
- Rich cream: Targets lines and dryness.
GLOW TIP Tap, don’t rub — use your ring finger to gently apply eye cream without tugging delicate skin.
Reach for Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream — a lightweight formula with caffeine and peptides to visibly de-puff. Great for morning or night, it layers well without feeling greasy. OR try Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye — a richer pick infused with botanical oils for overnight softness. Its balm-like texture melts into the skin, ideal for dry or tired eyes.
Step 6: Moisturize & Seal It In
A good night cream locks everything in and supports your skin’s natural repair cycle while you sleep.
Here’s what to reach for:
- Normal/oily skin: Go for lighter, hydrating creams.
- Dry skin: Opt for richer formulas with occlusives.
GLOW TIP Don’t skip moisturizer— even oily skin needs hydration to maintain a healthy skin barrier.
Reach for CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion — a no-fuss, lightweight favorite with niacinamide and ceramides. It skinks in fast and plays well with actives like retinol. OR try First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream — a whipped texture that comforts dry or flaky skin. Packed with colloidal oatmeal, it feels instantly soothing and never heavy.
Bonus Step: Overnight Masks (1-2 Times a Week)
Want to wake up extra dewy?
Overnight masks (aka sleeping packs) give your skin an intensive moisture boost while you sleep — no extra steps needed.
GLOW TIP Apply overnight masks as your final layer (after moisturizer) to help seal in hydration and nutrients.
Reach for Laneige Water Sleeping Mask — a lightweight gel that absorbs fast but leaves skin feeling bouncy by morning. Perfect for dull or tired skin that needs an overnight refresh. OR try Glow Recipe Watermelon Overnight Mask — a cooling, pillow-proof gel mask with a smooth, jelly texture. Use it 1-2x a week in place of your night cream when your skin needs a glow surge.
Final Thoughts: Boost Your Night Skincare Routine:
It’s not just about products — your nighttime habits matter too.
- Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent irritation.
- Wash your pillowcase 1-2x a week to avoid buildup.
- Stay hydrated with a glass of water before bed to support your skin from the inside out.
Your nighttime skincare routine is more than just a ritual — it’s your skin’s recovery window. By following this step-by-step guide, you’re giving your skin exactly what it needs to recharge, restore, and glow by morning.
What’s your non-negotiable night skincare step?
Ready to perfect your AM Glow too?
Don’t miss our Morning Skincare Routine for the complete day & night glow-up.