The idea: cleanse and nourish
In the evening, the goal is to remove what has built up on your skin (makeup, sunscreen, sebum, pollution), then give it what it needs for the night. It's also the right time for actives that don't cope well with light, such as retinoids.
The steps
- Remove makeup. If you wear makeup or a water-resistant sunscreen, start with an oil, a cleansing balm or micellar water.
- Cleanse. A gentle cleanser, massaged in for about thirty seconds on damp skin, then rinsed off with lukewarm water. This is the principle of double cleansing.
- Exfoliate, two to three evenings a week. A gentle exfoliant based on salicylic acid, lactic acid or PHA is enough. Never every evening at first.
- Target. The serum of your routine: retinoid, azelaic acid, niacinamide or hyaluronic acid, depending on your needs.
- Eye cream, tapped in with the tip of your ring finger.
- Moisturize. A cream suited to your skin type, a little richer than your morning one if your skin feels tight.
- An oil, optional. Press in two drops over your cream if your skin is dry.
Spreading your actives across the week
To limit irritation, don't stack strong actives on the same evening. For example:
- Monday and Thursday: exfoliant.
- Tuesday, Friday and Sunday: retinoid.
- Wednesday and Saturday: rest evenings, with only hydration and soothing care.
Adjust this schedule to your tolerance: if your skin turns red, stings or peels, space out the applications.
Good habits
- Never sleep with your makeup on, even after a long evening.
- Change your pillowcase regularly.
- Tie your hair back and wash your hands before you start.
- Use the time you apply your cream for a few minutes of massage or relaxation.
Precautions
Retinoids and acids make your skin more sensitive to the sun: sunscreen the next morning is essential. Retinoids are not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. For other actives, ask your doctor, midwife or pharmacist for advice.
