As we age, our skin goes through a variety of changes. Collagen and elastin production slow down, skin cell turnover decreases, and environmental damage takes its toll. This results in fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture, and dark spots.
We can’t stop aging (no matter how hard we try!), but there are science-backed steps we can take to slow it down and keep our skin looking radiant. One of the most crucial steps is investing in a good nighttime skincare routine. In this article, we'll explore why you need a nourishing nighttime skincare routine and how to build one that fits your needs.
The science behind skincare and aging
The skin's natural regeneration process
The skin is a remarkable organ that has the ability to regenerate itself naturally. As old skin cells shed, new ones form in their place. This turnover process typically takes about 28 days but can vary based on age, health, and other factors.
As we age and cell turnover slows down, dead skin cells build up on the surface of the skin which leads to dull skin and fine lines.
How nighttime skincare helps the skin
This is where a good skincare routine comes in. Actives and certain ingredients can help support and enhance the skin's natural regeneration process.
At night when the skin goes into repair mode is the perfect time to provide your skin with the nutrients it needs to regenerate and repair itself. By using products that contain ingredients like retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants, you can help stimulate collagen production and increase skin cell turnover, leading to a more youthful and radiant complexion. These ingredients work by encouraging the skin to produce new, healthy skin cells, while also protecting it from environmental damage and free radicals that can cause premature aging.
Components of an Effective Nighttime Skincare Routine
Cleansing
A good cleanser removes dirt, oil, and makeup that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Throughout the day, the skin accumulates a layer of dirt, pollution, and bacteria that can cause damage to the skin if left unchecked. Cleansing before bed allows the skin to breathe and regenerate overnight, and prepares it to better absorb the products applied in the rest of the routine.
However, it's important to use a gentle cleanser that doesn't strip the skin of its natural oils or disrupt its delicate pH balance. Over-cleansing or using harsh products can lead to dryness, irritation, and inflammation, which can make skin issues worse.
The Hit Refresh Gel Cleanser from Italic is a good, gentle cleanser that will do just the job. This lightweight cleanser sweeps away impurities without stripping your skin of its natural moisture barrier. Formulated with gentle papaya enzyme, restorative adenosine, and seven different forms of hyaluronic acid, Hit Refresh has what it takes to exfoliate, hydrate, and smooth your skin every day.
Exfoliating
Exfoliating removes dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface of the skin which leads to dullness, uneven texture, and clogged pores. By exfoliating regularly, you can stimulate cell turnover, revealing fresher, brighter, and smoother-looking skin.
Exfoliating also helps to improve the absorption of other skincare products by removing the buildup of dead skin cells that can hinder the penetration of active ingredients. It's recommended to exfoliate 1-2 times a week or as advised by a skincare professional.
The Instant Edit Skin Exfoliant from Italic is made with chemical exfoliants such as AHAs and BHAs to gently sweep away dead skin. Peach Fruit Extract reduces hyperpigmentation and promotes hydration, Tea Tree & Parsley Extract protects you from acne-causing bacteria, and Noni Extracts protects your skin from free radicals. Developed over multiple years by expert chemists at a leading Korean laboratory, this formula leverages complex ratios of prestige ingredients to produce effective yet skin-friendly results for most skin types.
Treatment Products
Serums
Serums contain highly concentrated active ingredients that can penetrate deeply into the skin and deliver targeted benefits, such as addressing fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, dullness, and dehydration.
When you apply a serum at night when the skin's regeneration process is at its peak, you can maximize the benefits of these active ingredients and wake up to a brighter, smoother, and more youthful-looking complexion.
Our Power Play Peptide Serum is formulated with six powerhouse peptides. This potent, hydrating serum helps reduce the appearance of fine lines for smoother, healthier-looking skin. Silky and non-sticky, this fast-absorbing serum fits effortlessly into any skincare routine — and provides moisture-boosting benefits for all skin types.
Retinoids
Retinoids are all the rave in the skincare world and for good reason. It stimulates the production of new skin cells, while also increasing the production of collagen and elastin. They also help to unclog pores, reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, and promote a smoother, more even skin tone.
It’s important to start slowly when using retinoids, as they can cause initial dryness, redness, and flaking, and to use them in conjunction with a gentle, hydrating moisturizer to minimize these side effects.
Check out our Future Perfect 0.1% Retinal Night Cream and wake up to hydrated, glowing skin. Improve visible signs of aging with potent ingredients that deliver powerful results - without the irritation. A balanced combination of 0.1% retinal and peach fruit extract targets dark spots and fine lines, while niacinamide and soothing shea butter help tone and hydrate. The rich cream formula quickly melts into your skin, leaving it dewy, plump, and deeply nourished.
Moisturizing
Moisturizers help to heal and replenish the skin's natural moisture barrier, which can weaken due to environmental stressors and daily activities. Moisturizers work by creating a protective layer on the surface of the skin, locking in moisture and preventing water loss.
This helps keep the skin hydrated, soft, and supple, while also improving its texture and appearance. Applying moisturizer at night can help to maximize its benefits and wake up to a more radiant, hydrated complexion.
Our Glow Theory Gel Moisturizer is formulated with skin-replenishing ceramides, amino acids, and hyaluronic acid for long-lasting hydration. Glow Theory has a featherlight gel texture that effortlessly melts into skin for an instant healthy glow.
Masks
Masks provide a concentrated dose of active ingredients that can help to address specific skin concerns, such as dryness, dullness, or acne. By incorporating a mask into your nighttime skincare routine once or twice a week, you can help to address specific skin concerns and achieve a more radiant, glowing complexion.
The Instant Edit Resurfacing Mask from Italic is an excellent addition to your evening routine. This potent resurfacing mask harnesses the clarifying benefits of AHA and BHA to reveal a softer, more radiant complexion. It’s made with a powerful blend of glycolic, lactic, malic and salicylic acid that works to exfoliate, even skin tone, and improve skin texture.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Nighttime Skincare Routine
Consistency is key
Consistency is the key to getting the most out of your nighttime skincare routine because it allows the products to work effectively over time. The benefits of a good nighttime skincare routine are cumulative and consistently using the same products in your skincare routine can help provide the skin with the necessary ingredients it needs to repair, regenerate and maintain a healthy glow..
Give products time to work
Skincare products work by penetrating the skin's surface to target specific concerns, such as wrinkles, acne, or hyperpigmentation. However, this takes time, and some products may take longer to penetrate than others.
Retinoids for example take several weeks or even months to show significant improvements in skin texture and tone. Do remember that the skin has a natural turnover cycle that takes around 28 days, which means that any changes to the skin won't be fully visible until this cycle has completed. So unless you’re seeing signs of irritation, be patient and give your products time to work.
Pay attention to ingredient interactions
Some ingredients work synergistically, meaning they work better when used together, while others may cancel each other out or cause irritation when combined. For example, combining retinol with exfoliating acids such as AHAs and BHAs can be too harsh for the skin and cause irritation.
A note from Italic
By focusing on repairing and rejuvenating the skin during the night, you can help prevent premature aging, clear and prevent breakouts, and hydrate and nourish the skin. With the right products and a consistent routine, you can achieve healthy, radiant skin that glows from within.
