Dermatologists and Facialists Weigh in on the Best Night-Time Skincare Routine

Words by Maya Avram

Nowadays, we know skincare is at its most effective when it works in harmony with the body’s natural cycles. “Skin follows circadian rhythms just as closely as the rest of the body, and night-time is when many of its key repair processes peak,” says integrated facialist Annee de Mamiel. During this time, cell turnover increases, DNA repair activates and collagen synthesis ramps up, while the skin’s barrier becomes more permeable and Trans-Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL) rises.

This calls for a ritual that is gentle, nourishing and promotes renewal. “It should give your skin what it needs in the moment, whether that is more hydration, more repair or simply rest,” adds Shane Cooper, aesthetician specialised in non-invasive facial care.

Here, the pros share the steps and formulas to power overnight rejuvenation, ensuring you wake up looking and feeling your best.

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Step One: Remove Make-Up and Cleanse

Our Top Pick: Natura Bissé Diamond White Rich Luxury Cleanse

A deep, thorough cleanse is key to helping your skin shift from daytime defence mode to the calm of restful sleep. “Removing impurities, pollution and sunscreen from the day allows the skin to truly reset and absorb what you apply afterwards,” says Cooper. But that doesn’t mean stripping your complexion of its natural moisture. Take the Diamond White Rich Luxury Cleanse from Natura Bissé: a sensorial delight that softly lathers as it transforms from gel to oil to emulsion. It melts away make-up with ease, leaving skin feeling supple, balanced and perfectly hydrated.

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Step Two: Sculpt with the Right Tools

Our Top Pick: FAQ 103 Professional Facial Rejuvenation Set

Targeted facial massage is a luxurious way to connect with your skin, activate products and kickstart cortisol reduction to signal to your body it’s bedtime. “It is about helping the whole system slow down,” says de Mamiel. Elevate your routine into a ritual with tools that transform skincare into self-care. FAQ’s 103 Diamond device, for example, combines radiofrequency and LED light therapy to exercise facial muscles, accelerate collagen production and tighten sagging skin, delivering a 360° rejuvenation experience.

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Step Three: Introduce Actives

Our Top Pick: Biologique Recherche Lotion P50W

“Active ingredients, including retinoids or gentle exfoliating acids, work best in the evening, when the skin is naturally primed for renewal and less exposed to environmental stressors,” explains de Mamiel. Biologique Recherche’s Lotion P50W is the cult exfoliator that’s held its gold status since the 1970s. Powered by soapbark, arnica and horseradish extracts, it balances the skin’s pH while soothing inflammation. Niacinamide then steps in to support the production of collagen and fortify the skin barrier. Begin slowly, applying once or twice a week to build tolerance over time.

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Step Four: Nourish and Rejuvenate

Our Top Pick: La Prairie Pure Gold Radiance Concentrate

What does tuning into your body’s natural cycles mean, really? “Specific biological spikes happen while you sleep,” says Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist. “Firstly, cell division peaks around midnight, making the skin more permeable. This is a double-edged sword: active ingredients penetrate better, but moisture also evaporates more easily through TEWL.”

That’s why your night-time routine should deliver the building blocks for repair while locking in hydration. La Prairie’s Pure Gold Radiance Concentrate is designed to sync with your skin’s natural cycles, infusing its proprietary Cellular and Peptide Powered Meno complexes to replenish moisture, restore density and impart an unmistakable golden glow.

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Step Five: Advanced Moisture

Our Top Pick: La Mer The Rejuvenating Night Cream

The ultimate seal to your night-time routine, your moisturiser is entrusted with locking in nutrients and “feeding” your skin while it regenerates overnight. But it’s by no means a passive player. “Because your skin is already naturally turning over cells at night, adding a retinoid acts like a turbo-charge for that process,” says Dr Mahto. The Rejuvenating Night Cream from La Mer delivers on all fronts, powered by the brand’s signature Miracle Broth and MRA-3, a marine retinol alternative that promotes cell turnover and collagen production. For the ultimate renewal ritual, you can pair it with the eye cream from the same range.

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La Prairie

Skin Caviar Luxe Sleep Mask (50ml)

£385.00

Elemis

Ultra Smart Pro-Collagen Night Genius (50ml)

£220.00

Clé de Peau Beauté

Advanced Intensive Night Cream (50g)

£161.00

111Skin

Repair Night Cream NAC Y2 (50ml)

£195.00

Helena Rubinstein

Prodigy Cellglow Night Cream (50ml)

£275.00

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Frequently Asked Questions

Your skin goes through different phases throughout the day, so your AM and PM routines should adapt accordingly. “During the day, we’re supporting the skin’s defensive functions: hydration, barrier integrity and protection against oxidative stress,” explains de Mamiel.

At night, however, the skin shifts gears from defence to repair, renewal, and regeneration. “Cell turnover increases, circulation improves and the skin becomes more receptive to active ingredients. A well-designed night-time routine does not disrupt these natural processes – it works in harmony with them,” explains A-list facialist Keren Bartov.

Changing seasons don’t require a complete routine overhaul, but different weather conditions do bring their own set of needs. “In winter, skin often needs greater lipid replenishment and barrier reinforcement,” says de Mamiel, while summer generally calls for lighter textures and a focus on calming inflammation. “Spring and autumn sit between the two: the first is all about reactivating flow and gentle renewal as circulation shifts, while the second is a period of consolidation – repairing summer damage and rebuilding resilience.”

All of our experts agree on one guiding principle, though: your routine should consistently support optimal cell performance while adapting to changes in light, temperature, and environment – whatever that means for your skin type.

While your skin is more receptive to actives at night, balancing targeted treatments with nourishing serums and creams that support repair without overwhelming the skin is key. “Gentle acids – used thoughtfully and not daily – significantly improve texture and radiance by removing dead skin cells and preparing the skin to absorb more advanced actives,” says Keren Bartov.

On the restorative side, fatty acids, ceramides and regenerative technologies help rebuild the skin barrier, improve texture and support long-term skin health. De Mamiel also recommends introducing humectants such as hyaluronic acid and saccharide complexes to help maintain water availability overnight, while cholesterol-supportive lipids and squalane replenish lost moisture. Finally, calming and protective ingredients like beta-glucans, ectoin and marine polysaccharides reduce inflammation and promote natural repair.