There are several factors to consider when it comes to preventing signs of aging and promoting younger-looking skin. Of course, proper nutrition, hydration, and ample sleep all play a major role in the appearance of your complexion, but in addition to all of this, maintaining a consistent skincare routine using top-quality products is essential. But with so many options on the market working to grab your attention, which ones should you make sure to use every night—and what’s the best order in which to use them?
To answer these questions, we spoke to Dr. Alexis Parcells, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of SUNNIE Skincare. She told us that overall, consistency is key, and there are three essential steps you should always include in your nighttime ritual if you want the most youthful skin around:
1. Cleanse
First thing's first: any good nighttime skincare routine should start with a cleanser, especially if you want to maintain your youthful glow. If you're wearing makeup, start by removing it so that your skin is fresh and ready to be cleansed of all the dirt, oil, and debris it's accumulated throughout the day. Properly cleansing your skin will also help to get rid of any dead skin cells, which can keep your face looking bright and young. "Make sure to remove all makeup and exfoliate gently," Dr. Parcells instructs. As far as the best way to wash your face, she says it "can be done in the shower or with a gentle warm water wash." Perfect!
2. Apply A "Power Product"
Next up, Dr. Parcells says you'll want to apply a serum containing antioxidants such as vitamin C, A, or E to your clean face. Here's why: Throughout the day, your skin is exposed to the sun's harmful rays, as well as air pollution like smoke, dust, and chemicals. If you don't take precautions, this can cause premature aging. Luckily, the right product will "help your skin recover from damage and encourage the production of elastin and collagen," which Dr. Parcells says are "important building blocks of healthy skin." As we age, our body's natural production of these building blocks slows, so giving our skin this boost through serums is an essential step in any anti-aging skincare routine.
3. Seal In Moisture
Finally, it's time to give your skin a hydration boost and seal in moisture. Nothing can age your face quite like dry, dehydrated skin, which is why it's so important to ensure that power product you just applied stays locked in. This way, it can work hard to keep your complexion soft and supple as you sleep. As far as the best products for the job, Dr. Parcells says you should "consider a hyaluronic or ceramide cream to lock in your power product and instantly hydrate your skin." Noted!
Overall, Dr. Parcells says it's important to "find products that you love and stick with a routine for the best results." She notes that "medical-grade skin care products penetrate our skin deeper than their cosmetic alternatives." It's also important to remember that patience is key when it comes to reaping the benefits: "Stick with a product for 6 weeks before expecting to see results," she concludes.
Of course, no skincare routine is one-size-fits-all. In order to figure out the perfect step-by-step plan for your needs and skin type, your best option is always to speak to a dermatologist and create a personalized ritual. However, you certainly can't go wrong with Dr. Parcells' tips. If you follow her three simple steps, you'll be on your way to younger-looking skin in no time!
