We’re all aware of the impact a good night’s sleep has on our wellbeing. It’s a time when our bodies rest and recover, playing a vital role in reducing stress and aiding our mental health – but that’s not all. Those precious hours of slumber could also be the secret to unlocking our best skin yet. Enter: overnight skincare, a routine that works hard while you do the opposite.
“During the day, our skin is exposed to various environmental stressors such as pollution, UV rays and dry air. These factors can leave our skin dehydrated, leading to a dull complexion, fine lines, and increased sensitivity”, explains Kim Conboy, endota’s skin expert and education coordinator. When it comes to skincare, night time is where the magic happens, as this is when our skin’s repair and regeneration process is at its peak.
Given that well-moisturised skin better retains its elasticity, smoothness, and luminosity (and combats against those everyday environmental aggressors), hydration is your most powerful ally – regardless of whether your skin is dry, oily, combination, or somewhere in between. Although it may not be a complete remedy for dryness, an overnight ritual helps maximise hydration levels and moisture retention so that you wake up to a renewed glow.
the ingredients to supercharge your skin overnight
Not all ingredients are made equal and certain ingredients reign supreme in enhancing hydration. These are:
hyaluronic acid
Acting as a moisture magnet (which can famously hold up to a thousand times its own weight in water), hyaluronic acid ensures that your skin’s water reserves are replenished, leaving skin feeling plump and supple.
niacinamide
A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide strengthens your skin’s protective barrier and helps to reduce moisture loss, resulting in improved hydration levels.
peptides
These tiny yet mighty molecules help improve the skin’s elasticity and firmness, stimulating collagen production and supercharging the skin’s natural rejuvenation process.
retinol
While not strictly a hydrating agent, it’s definitely one worth introducing to your nighttime lineup. As a derivative of vitamin A (which is one of the body’s key nutrients for boosting cell turnover), retinol promotes skin renewal and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and uneven skin tone.
It’s best used in the evening as the chemical composition of retinol can be broken down when exposed to UV light, making it less effective if applied in the morning. If introducing retinol to your skincare routine it’s best to do so gradually so your skin can adapt. Try 1-2 nights per week before gradually increasing frequency.
unlocking optimal absorption
“The main benefit of overnight skincare is enhanced absorption. As we rest, our skin’s permeability improves, allowing for deeper penetration of active ingredients” explains Kim. This is particularly true for leave-on masks and occlusive products that create a barrier and prevent moisture loss, working their magic while you drift off to the land of nod.
“The main benefit of overnight skincare is enhanced absorption. As we rest, our skin’s permeability improves, allowing for deeper penetration of active ingredients”
Kim Conboy, endota skin expert and education coordinator
So, where to start? Try this nighttime routine to plump and nourish your skin come morning:
one hour before bed:
Begin with a milky cleanser to gently remove impurities without stripping your skin
On damp skin apply a hydrating serum enriched with hyaluronic acid to provide a surge of moisture
Tenderly apply an eye cream around your delicate eye area to minimise puffiness and dark circles
Seal in the hydration with a nourishing oil rich in antioxidants
Replenish your skin’s hydration levels with an active-packed moisturiser
Finish with a moisturising lip treatment
Don’t stop at your face – for a full-body treatment, the Organics™ Vanilla Macadamia Body Drink will envelop your skin in nourishing botanical oils
moments before bed:
- Generously apply the multi-tasking Organics™ Intense Moisture Mask which doubles as a leave-on treatment and is specifically formulated to deeply hydrate and nourish your skin for hours on end
- Massage a refreshing cream onto your feet, ensuring they feel velvety smooth. For ultimate hydration, wear socks over your foot cream to promote better absorption.
- And all that’s left for you to do is put on your PJs, climb under the covers and let your products get to work…
While daytime skincare is crucial, overnight skincare can take your complexion to new heights (it’s called beauty sleep for a reason!) – and both most certainly have their place in a holistic routine.