3. Nightly Routine

3. Your Nightly Routine.... (get one!)

If you are too busy rushing out the door in the morning to have a Daily Routine, consider having a Nightly one. You can treat your face well at night to help it heal and regenerate as you sleep. This should include the good old cleanse, tone, moisturise, with exfoliation once or twice a week.  The cleansing removes surface dirt from your skin, the toner restores your skins pH balance, and the moisturising replenishes moisture lost throughout the day. Even oily skin needs moisturising - without it you skin will go into overdrive to try and reyhdrate itself and could end up more oily! There are some lovely light-weight lotions out there which suit oily and combination skin better than thicker creams. Exfoliation will remove the more ingrained dirt and stubborn dead skin cells which do not come off with your normal cleansing. Take care that your exfoliation is not too vigorous or scratchy - I recommend using Soap & Glory's Mini Mitt for gentle exfoliation (see review in a lower post).

I also recommend using a face mask once a week, perhaps as you have a hot chocolate (or even a cleansing lemon and hot water) before bed time. For oily or combination skin try a mud or clay mask that will suck out impurities as it dries. If you have dry or sensitive skin try something creamy, gentle and hydrating, perhaps with calming rose water in it. If you've never used a product before, do a patch test before smothering it all over your face!

At night you can take an extra moment to give yourself a little pamper when doing your moisturising by including a face massage. Using long upward strokes, smooth over your decollete and neck, followed by small circular motions working outwards and upwards from the centre of your face. This mini-massaging will help increase blood-flow to the skin, which will help flush out toxins and aid in the overnight renewal process as your skin works hard while you get your beauty sleep. Plus you’ll feel lovely and relaxed before bed! 

 

...Mud Mask....                          Cucumbers Optional!....