(By Dr. Rinky Kapoor)

Your skin does some of its best work while you sleep. Without battling sun exposure, pollution, and the stress of the day, nighttime becomes prime time for repair and renewal. Here is how to make those overnight hours count with a routine grounded in science, not marketing hype.

Think of nighttime skincare as working with your skin rather than against environmental aggressors. During rest, the body prioritises repair processes, including increased cell division and DNA repair in the skin. There is also a practical benefit: without sunscreen and makeup layered on top, active ingredients can better reach the skin layers where they work best.

Start With A Clean Canvas

Proper cleansing sets the stage for everything that follows. A double-cleanse method, which means using an oil or balm cleanser to remove sunscreen and makeup before a regular face wash. This ensures your skin is completely clean, which in turn prevents clogged pores and ensures treatment products can do their job.

The Actives Worth Your Time

There might be a million different actives and products on the market, but it is important to choose ones that are relevant to your skin type and issues and have decades of research behind them. When it comes to ingredients with substantial research backing them, retinoids lead the pack. These vitamin A derivatives, considered the gold standard of skincare, boost collagen production, speed up cell turnover, and repair photodamage. Meanwhile, alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid provide chemical exfoliation, sloughing away dead cells and smoothing texture. These actives are particularly well-suited to nighttime use since they increase sun sensitivity during the day. 

Lock It In

A good nighttime moisturiser should do more than hydrate. Look for ceramides, which reinforce the skin's protective barrier. Occlusive ingredients like petrolatum seal everything in overnight. Without the need for makeup or sunscreen on top, richer textures become practical options for nighttime hydration.

The Case For Facial Massage

Daily habits like jaw clenching or sleeping on one side can create tension in facial tissues. Facial massage counters these patterns while delivering tangible benefits. If done correctly and consistently, it increases microcirculation, releases muscular tension that deepens expression lines over time, helps skin absorb products better, and, with time, can even help the skin maintain a tighter appearance. There are many massage techniques to choose from, including lymphatic drainage, which reduces puffiness by encouraging fluid clearance. When applying serums or oils, spend two to three minutes on gentle upward strokes. Consistency matters more than pressure.

Contrary to popular belief, nighttime skincare does not require a dozen products or an hour-long routine; a simple, consistent routine beats an elaborate one done sporadically. The key is sticking with it long enough to see results, typically 8-12 weeks, since skin cell turnover takes time. What it does require is patience and a focus on ingredients that actually work. Build your routine around proven actives, give your skin time to respond, and trust the process. The results will show up in the mirror.

Dr. Rinky Kapoor is the Co-Founder and Director of The Esthetic Clinics

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors and is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]