As we grow older, the natural process of losing moisture and oils results in drier skin and the formation of wrinkles. However, the effects of this can be prevented or delayed through consistent hydration, achieved by drinking enough water and using topical products like serums and moisturizers.
In order to learn more about improving the appearance and feel of mature skin, we consulted dermatologists and skincare experts who recommended a three-step nighttime routine that will leave you feeling refreshed and confident, and even help to reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles.
Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Dr. Angela Casey, MD, dermatologist and founder of Bright Girl youth skincare line, and Dr. Simran Sethi, MD, skincare expert and founder of RenewMD Beauty & Wellness.
3 Essential Nightly Steps For More Supple Skin
1. Wash Your Face With A Mild Cleanser
After a long day, it is vital to remove all makeup, dirt and oil from your pores with the help of a gentle cleanser, Casey explains. "Prevention is truly the best medicine when it comes to your skin health," she says. "Implementing a skincare routine that cleanses, moisturizes, and protects your skin will lead you on the path to healthy, glowing, gorgeous skin."
She adds that this first step of cleansing is important because it "refreshes the skin and removes any sweat and debris that may have accumulated." She also suggests washing your face and neck areas with a "pH-balanced, gentle cleanser using lukewarm water."
2. Apply Hyaluronic Acid Serum To Your Face & Neck
The next step is to apply a hyaluronic acid serum while your skin is still damp. This transparent substance is present in the skin, eyes and connective tissues, and is produced by your body naturally. Its main function is to keep these areas properly moisturized by retaining water. It is widely used in different beauty products such as serums because of its hydrating properties, which can benefit the outer layer of your skin and other parts of the body. As explained by Sethi, this acid is capable of reducing wrinkles and promoting a youthful and smooth appearance to the skin.
"The top function of hyaluronic acid is to produce, maintain and add longevity to moisture in the skin, therefore strengthening the skin barrier, which promotes optimal skin renewal, collagen production, elastin and texture improvement, and overall healed, nourished skin," she says. Casey agrees, and adds that when we apply an effective skincare product, such as hyaluronic acid, at night, we will see "optimal efficacy of the product."
Because our skin is so dependent on water and hydration to function properly, it is "essential for the skin to stay hydrated in order to stay strong and perform its protective functions," she adds. Hyaluronic acid "applied to the skin at night penetrates into the skin, and then continues to attract water towards it," allowing for better hydration of the skin, Casey notes, and "skin that is well-hydrated stays strong, resilient, and healthy."
3. Add Moisturizer
The last and crucial step before bed is to apply a dermatologist-recommended moisturizer to your face and neck, Casey says. She shares that incorporating a nightly moisturizer into your skincare regimen after the age of 40 can prove to be a beneficial measure due to the various processes that occur during your slumber. "Let's think about how the skin functions at night," she says, adding that firstly, "the skin contains circadian clock genes which regulate its circadian rhythm." Next, "skin permeability is higher in the evening compared to morning."
Penetration of hydrophilic (water-soluble) and lipophilic (fat-soluble) compounds peaks at 4:00 a.m., she explains, so "when we apply skincare products to our skin in the evening, the skin permeability is higher and penetration of the products is greater, so we are going to see superior efficacy of the products applied at night compared to the morning."
Ultimately, as she concludes, "most skin repair happens overnight," and "in order for this skin repair optimally," the skin needs to be hydrated. As skin loses moisture, it becomes less efficient in its natural repair processes. Therefore, it is recommended to include a cleanser, hyaluronic acid serum, and moisturizer in your nightly routine to provide sufficient hydration and restore vitality, particularly for those above the age of 40. This will help rejuvenate the skin, ensuring a healthier appearance and feel.
