The Best Nighttime Skin Care Routine for Dry Skin

Before you can sleep soundly at night, it’s important to complete your nighttime skin care routine. As everyone likely already knows, deciding to skip a few steps — or even your entire skin care routine — and sleeping in your makeup can lead to clogged pores, blackheads and breakouts. 

Those with dry skin also know that skipping through their routine and forgoing moisturizer at night could lead to skin that feels even drier in the morning. The good news is prepping your dry skin for bedtime doesn’t have to take up too much of your time. Read on to learn more about the best nighttime skin care routine for dry skin.

1. Cleanse with Micellar Water

If you have dry skin, you’re likely all too familiar with using a facial cleanser that’s way too harsh for your skin. Reach for the wrong formula and there’s a chance you’ll be left with skin that feels tight and uncomfortable — not exactly what you want to be dealing with right before bed. That’s why it’s best to use a facial cleanser that’s gentle and won’t further dry out your skin, like the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof - All Skin Types, which removes makeup and cleans skin in one step without any harsh rubbing.

To use, simply saturate a cotton pad with the liquid and sweep it over your skin. You can even keep the bottle and a few cotton pads on your nightstand for easy access, since there’s no need to rinse it off.

2. Remove Dead Skin Cells

While it seems counterintuitive, exfoliating is actually beneficial for dry skin. When skin looks and feels dry and dull, there’s often one thing to blame: dead skin cells. These cells can build up on the skin's surface, completely changing your complexion’s appearance. Making exfoliating a regular aspect of your skin care routine can help remove those dead skin cells from the skin's surface.

Try a sugar scrub like the L’Oréal Paris Pure Sugar Resurface & Energize Kona Coffee Scrub, which is formulated with a naturally-derived blend of three pure sugars plus real coffee grounds to smooth skin without  harsh microbeads. One or two nights a week, use wet fingers to massage the face scrub into your skin, then rinse.

3. Use a Hydrating Serum

There are many serums out there, but the right one can help add even more moisture before you move on to the rest of your routine. The L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a hydrating facial serum that’s formulated with L’Oréal Paris highest concentration of pure hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump skin. 

Another option is the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Skin Care Cell Renewal Anti-Aging Midnight Serum, which combats dryness and reinforces the skin’s barrier with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and a patented antioxidant derived from bitter orange.

apply three to four drops of the serum to clean skin. Pat it into your face gently and allow it to absorb.

4. Add Moisturizer on Top

While moisturizing is a must for everyone, no matter your skin type, it can be extra important for dry skin types. Try the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Cream, Antioxidants for moisturized and smooth skin that doesn’t have a greasy feel. Over time, your skin will look firmer and more radiant.

5. Apply a Facial Oil

If you haven’t hopped on the facial oil bandwagon yet, now’s the time. A facial oil can play a key part in moisturizing dry skin, and it won’t make your skin look greasy. Facial oils will help seal in moisture all night long, and they can even be used as part of your daytime routine. take a few drops and smooth it on your face and neck, giving your skin a gentle massage as you go.

Next: Derm Diaries: Is There a Difference Between Dry Skin and Dehydrated Skin?

Edited by: Témi Adebowale, Photo: Shutterstock