Genetics certainly play a role in how your skin behaves, but how you treat it on a regular basis has a big impact on what you see in the mirror. Applying SPF every morning is a universal must, but a specialized nighttime routine is also essential. One that’s tailored to your skin around a treatment step with active ingredients will capitalize on the reparative functions that take place in the epidermis during sleeping hours. And, regardless of your skin concern, a simple step-by-step ritual is all that’s required. Start with gentle cleansing to remove sunscreen and makeup, apply a concentrated serum to treat your skincare concern and then, lastly, moisturize. Whether you need nighttime care for dry skin or breakout control or you want to reduce dark spots, brighten a dull complexion or smooth fine lines and wrinkles, an easy evening routine can deliver results that enhance a healthy skin glow.
Best for fine lines and wrinkles
If a firmer and smoother complexion is your skincare objective, there’s one ingredient that has earned must-have status in a nighttime anti-aging routine: Retinol, the vitamin A molecule, is a potent antioxidant that helps to increase collagen production and deliver an impressive list of benefits. It can help to resurface skin’s texture, treat deep wrinkles, reduce the look of dark spots and increase moisture levels. You’ll find it in Retinol B3 Anti-Aging Serum, La Roche-Posay’s retinol serum, a fast-absorbing water-gel formula containing instant and slow-release retinol that will help to firm, fill and smooth aging skin. The blend also contains the soothing power of niacinamide to aid in skin-barrier repair while reducing redness, and it’s suitable for sensitive skin. For the first week, use it every other night. Smooth on a reparative night cream after each application.
Best for dark spots and hyperpigmentation
Sun exposure can damage skin and encourage clusters of melanin (a.k.a. dark spots) to drift to the surface, so the nighttime is the right time when it comes to treating hyperpigmentation. Take advantage of the break from UVA and UVB rays and look for a concentrated formula of actives to use after cleansing and before moisturizing. La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Anti-Aging Dark Spot Correcting Serum is a brightening serum that contains a phE-Resorcinol, ginkgo and ferulic acid complex that helps to significantly reduce dark spots and even out skin tone. The light hydrating fluid also contains niacinamide, a proven skin soother, and lipohydroxy acid (LHA) for a micro-exfoliating boost. Hyperpigmentation has a stubborn attitude, so consistency is also key. You’ll see better, brighter results by sticking to a dedicated routine.
Best for dry skin
A superhero of hydration, topical hyaluronic acid can transform weakened, dry skin into hydrated, healthy skin. A clinically proven dermatological ingredient, hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring molecule found in our bodies that contributes to supple skin, but, like collagen, it depletes as we age, which can cause dryness and fine lines. Nighttime care that puts hyaluronic acid front and centre, like La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Anti-Aging Serum, can maximize its re-plumping properties. To rise and shine to intensely hydrated results, try applying a few drops of the serum to a clean, damp face and then smooth on a layer of comforting balm to moisturize while minimizing water loss.
Best for breakouts
Given the cyclical nature of blemish-prone skin, round-the-clock breakout control is the best skincare strategy. Incorporating exfoliating ingredients, like those found in La Roche-Posay Effaclar Ultra Concentrated Serum, into your nighttime routine will make the most of skin’s downtime. The tri-acid complex is specially formulated to minimize both current blemishes and future breakouts while decreasing acne-related marks left on skin. With a focus on decongesting pores, it contains 1.5% salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid that dissolves sebum), 0.45% lipohydroxy acid (a derivative of salicylic acid that’s gentler on skin) and 3.5% glycolic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid that loosens the glue that holds dead skin cells together). It also contains soothing niacinamide, so you can apply three or four drops to a clean face at night followed by a moisturizer for oily skin.
Best for dull skin
Is your skin overshadowed by dullness? Meet the tried-and-true ingredient than can help you wake up with a glow! Vitamin C, the star of La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Anti-Aging Serum, effectively delivers a radiance boost. Boasting a blend of 10% L-ascorbic acid, the gold standard of pure vitamin C, it provides antioxidant protection against free-radical damage and reduces imperfections while brightening overall tone. The non-greasy water-gel formula can be applied nightly to freshly cleansed skin or mixed into your favourite night cream. Designed to maximize luminosity, the serum also contains salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid. The former helps to clear pores of oil and debris that cause dull skin, while the latter draws moisture into skin for a hydrating and plumping effect that enhances radiance.
