How to Hydrate Your Skin Overnight

Wouldn’t it be so nice if you could knock off everything on your to-do list while you sleep? Unfortunately, that doesn’t appear to be possible just yet. On the bright side, we can help you cross at least one item off your handy dandy list. Taking care of your skin can seem like a major undertaking, especially when you feel like your complexion is in desperate need of hydration. Instead of working on your skin during the daytime, we’re sharing how to do it while you’re catching your precious shuteye. Basically, we’re giving a whole new meaning to beauty sleep. Follow these five steps to hydrate your skin—overnight!

Step #1: Start with a Clean Canvas

You’ve probably heard the rule that you shouldn’t go to bed angry, but we have something else to tack on. Don’t go to sleep without a clean complexion. Adding moisturizers and face masks overtop of dirty skin—coated in lingering makeup, dirt, and oils—is no way to hydrate your skin. First, you need to start fresh. Reach for a clay cleanser to rid the surface of your skin of impurities without over-drying it. Try the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Cleanser, L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Purify & Mattify Cleanser, or L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refine Cleanser.

Step #2: Moisturize, Obviously

This should be a no-brainer. Seriously, how could you expect to hydrate your skin without a moisturizer? Every night, apply a moisturizer formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera water, like one of the options below. Bonus tip: Apply moisturizer to damp skin after cleansing, as this can help lock in hydration.

If you have normal/oily skin…try the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care – Normal/Oily Skin. In normal and oily skin, external factors such as pollution, UV rays, and excessive cleansing can damage skin’s moisture barrier, causing loss of moisture and an increase in oil production. As a result, your complexion can start to look overly shiny. This moisturizer helps reduce the appearance of excess shine and has a matte finish.

If you have normal/dry skin…try the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care – Normal/Dry Skin. Normal and dry skin faces external factors such as pollution and UV rays that can damage the skin’s moisture barrier, increasing loss of moisture and causing it to become drier. As a result, skin’s surface loses its glow, becoming dull-looking. This moisturizer envelops skin with moisture, improving the look of radiance.

If you have extra dry skin…try the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care – Extra Dry Skin. Your skin has a very fragile moisture barrier that can be easily damaged by external factors such as pollution and UV rays. Skin consequently loses its ability to retain moisture, becoming easily dehydrated, feeling tight and uncomfortable. This moisturizer envelops skin with moisture, providing comfort.

Step #3: Apply an Overnight Mask

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be awake to enjoy a face mask. In fact, you can be sound asleep. While we don’t recommend sleeping in a clay face mask, there are masks designed specifically for this purpose. Use an overnight face mask, like the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power™ Intensive Overnight Mask. Apply the face mask before slipping between your sheets to hydrate and improve the appearance of radiance. In the morning, simply rinse off when you wash your face.

Step #4: Hydrate Hands and Feet

Hydrating your face is important, but it isn’t the be-all and end-all of moisturizing. Don’t forget to think about your hands and feet, too. Smooth on a nourishing hand cream, then cover with cotton gloves to help lock in the product. Do the same for your feet, moisturizing before slipping on a pair of socks. Remove when you wake up—ta-da, extra-hydrated extremities.

Step #5: Turn on the Humidifier

Products may be capable of working some serious magic on your skin, but your environment is equally as important. If you live in a dry climate or love to blast your AC, then the lack of moisture in the air can contribute to the feeling of dryness. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), investing in a humidifier can be a wise idea if you want to maintain your skin’s hydration levels overnight. The humidifier can help add moisture back into the air, making a major difference in the appearance of your skin. Place a small humidifier by your bed and get it going before you start sleeping.

It’s safe to say, you now you have the nighttime routine covered, which means it’s time to make sure you know how to take care of your skin in the AM. For helpful tips, check out our article, 7 Ways to Upgrade Your Morning Skin Care Routine.