The Ultimate Bedtime Skincare Routine

Having a good bedtime skincare routine is essential for keeping skin looking healthy and radiant. Not only does it help to cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturise, but it also prepares the surface of the skin for next day’s makeup application. If you suffer with dryness, redness or even excess oil, establishing a good skincare routine before bed can really help improve your skin’s overall health.

First, let’s start with a gentle cleanser. A cleanser is important for removing dirt, sweat, and makeup. Even if you haven’t worn any makeup during the day, you’d be surprised how much dirt and build-up accumulates on your skin (even if you haven’t left the house!). It’s estimated we can touch our face more than 2000 times a day so it’s important to thoroughly cleanse before bed. I’ve been using the Liz Earle Hot Polish Cleanser (£22.40), an oldie but a goldie! I love how each purchase comes with two muslin cloths, which also help exfoliate the skin while cleansing. I work the balm into skin in circular motions before rinsing with the hot cloth and patting dry with a clean, soft towel.

After cleansing, you can use a toner to help balance the skin’s pH and reduce redness and inflammation. I am a huge fan of glycolic acid and I love The Ordinary Toner (£11.50). Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and uneven skin tone. It works by exfoliating the skin and removing the outermost layer of dead skin cells which in turn helps to reduce the appearance of pores, blemishes, and even acne scars. I find that the combination of the hot polish cleanser with the muslin cloth and the glycolic toner eliminates any need to use a separate exfoliator.

Next up is a good, hydrating serum. Serums are typically made with smaller molecules that can penetrate deeper into the skin, allowing them to deliver more concentrated active ingredients. I love the Glo Skin Serum which helps to reduce redness. The Glo Skin Moisturiser has also become a staple in my morning skincare routine too.

Finally, it’s time to hydrate and moisturise. A good bedtime moisturizer will help to rehydrate the skin and keep it looking soft and hydrated. Look for one that contains natural ingredients like Jojoba Oil, which is known to be great for intensely moisturising and protecting skin. I’m obsessed with the Ren Overnight Recovery Balm (£45).

It’s also worth noting the pillow you are sleeping on. I’ve recently switched to the Kitsch Satin Pillow case (£27) and it’s made a huge difference in not only keeping hair frizz at bay while tossing and turning in bed but also being softer on my skin than a traditional pillowcase, reducing friction and helping to keep skin hydrated. And speaking of hair, I love using a little bit of the Curlsmith Shine Oil (£25) in my ends before bed as it helps to reduce dryness and frizz.

By following these steps, you can create a perfect bedtime skincare routine that will help your skin look healthy and refreshed. I never really valued a bedtime routine until I got older and it’s something I wish I spent more time doing in my early twenties. Alas, better late than never!

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I’m Helenah


A Gluten-Free Traveller

Welcome to Helenah Diaries! Here I share my personal journey of exploring the world gluten-free—finding delicious food, uncovering hidden gems, and planning stylish adventures that don’t break the bank. Diagnosed with coeliac disease over a decade ago, I’ve learned how to navigate travel and dining without limits by meticulously planning my trips which I share here. By day, I’m a beauty PR director; by night, I’m a writer, and this is where I jot down tips, guides, reviews, and personal anecdotes from my life. Think of this as a glimpse into my diary, full of travel inspiration, lifestyle tips, gluten-free goodness and daily thoughts.

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