Some women believe that skin care is limited to the morning routine, which includes using cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen before going out to work. While others follow nightly habits that they think are beneficial, but in reality they may exacerbate skin problems and make it more susceptible to damage, which achieves the opposite of what they expect. In this article, Dalili Medical, we will review some wrong habits that should be avoided in the nightly skin care routine.

**Skin care routine before bed: basic steps**

Many people rely on a set of products in their skin care routine before bed, while others ignore this routine, which may negatively affect the health of their skin. Therefore, we will provide you with basic steps to facilitate starting your skin care routine before bed.

. **Removing impurities and makeup**Sleeping with makeup is a harmful habit for the skin. Therefore, it is preferable to use a liquid makeup remover before washing the face to remove any remaining impurities in the pores and on the surface of the skin. It is recommended to use an oil-based makeup remover to remove waterproof makeup, as it is difficult to remove using water-based removers.

. **Use a Cleanser** No matter what your skin type, using a gentle cleanser is essential to keep your skin soft and not stripping it of its natural oils. Makeup remover alone is not enough, as it can leave behind some residue that can be completely removed with cleanser.

. Use a Spot Treatment **Using a spot treatment can be helpful in covering areas of melasma, scars, or any areas that require special treatment due to the presence of certain lesions. This type of treatment is also used to relieve inflammatory problems that cause pimples and acne. During the night, the skin renews itself, making this the ideal time to apply the treatment. Make sure to apply it before applying moisturizer and that it has completely dried before proceeding.

**Exfoliation** It is best to focus on areas of blackheads that appear on the nose and cheeks, where the pores are blocked, leading to other skin problems.

**Toner or Hydrating Mist** Toners or hydrating sprays can contain ingredients that boost skin moisture, such as hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, or glycerin.

Apply it with a cotton pad and spread it all over your face, taking care not to overdo it. Avoid products that are high in alcohol, as they may irritate the skin or damage its barrier.

**Serum** Serums contain ingredients that aim to improve the condition of the skin. For example, vitamin E moisturizes dry skin, while antioxidants like green tea add radiance to the skin. If you suffer from acne, you can use retinol or vitamin C

**Eye cream** Applying an eye cream is the last step in your skincare routine before bed. The skin under the eyes is thinner than the rest of the face and does not contain oil glands, making it more prone to wrinkles. Therefore, it is preferable to look for formulas that contain additional moisturizing ingredients for this area, such as hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, or squalane

What are the wrong patterns to avoid in your nighttime skincare routine?

1. **Excessive exfoliation**: Excessive exfoliation is harmful in the long run, as it leads to excessive removal of the top layer of skin. It is preferable to exfoliate the skin two to three times a week at most, and instead, you should focus on moisturizing the skin.

2. **Forgetting to remove makeup**: Not removing makeup before bed leads to clogged pores and sebaceous glands, which may cause inflammation. Makeup residue can make pores appear larger, and this problem continues with the decrease in collagen levels in the skin. It is preferable to use makeup remover wipes, moisturizing wipes, or moisturizing cream for this purpose.

3. **Using products rich in antioxidants**: It is best to use skin care products rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C, during the daytime, as these products help neutralize the activity of free radicals that attack the skin throughout the day.

**_ Maintaining the same skin care routine for years, regardless of your age**

As the years go by and everything around us changes, our skin changes too. You cannot stick to the same skin care routine that you used in your twenties when you reach forty. Skin in your 20s tends to be oilier, so exfoliation that worked for you in your 40s can be harmful. As your skin ages, it becomes thinner and drier. It’s important to avoid harsh cleansers that can further dry out your skin, and look for a gentle cleanser that contains a natural exfoliant, which will help you avoid exfoliation altogether.

**Store your skincare products in the bathroom**

It’s important to use a cleanser after showering, but that doesn’t mean you should store your skincare products in the bathroom, especially over the bathtub (a favorite spot for many women). The bathroom is a humid environment, which makes it not ideal for storing skincare products, as the vapors and humidity affect the active ingredients in these products and cause them to break down, which reduces their shelf life. You may wonder why your serum has changed color or your moisturizer has become more runny? Try to keep your products in a cool, dry place to maintain their quality.

Eat salted potato chips before bed: Think twice before eating salted crackers or potato chips before bed. Too much salt in your favorite meal can lead to fluid retention, especially around the eye area, causing puffiness in the morning. It’s best to choose a healthy snack before bed, such as fruits or vegetables.

Sleeping on your stomach or side: If you sleep on your stomach or side, you press the delicate skin of your face against the pillow, which increases theThere is a possibility of wrinkles appearing due to friction, especially if the pillow is made of cotton. Using a softer pillowcase may help, but it is better for your skin to get used to sleeping on your back.

Not cleaning the skin properly: Even if you carefully remove your makeup, you should continue to cleanse your skin. Using a good face wash can help rejuvenate your skin during the night.

Squeezing pimples: We know this is a bad habit, but we don’t always pay attention to it. Squeezing the skin can cause damage and lead to inflammation, scarring, and wrinkles.

Not paying attention to humidity levels: Dry air, whether it is in an arid desert climate, a warm home environment, or in very cold weather, can affect your skin. Dermatologists recommend using a humidifier in the bedroom to help maintain the moisture levels in your skin, and it is recommended to moisturize daily, especially before bed.

Using an old cotton pillowcase: Dermatologists recommend using pillowcases made of silk or satin, as they reduce skin friction, which is beneficial for the skin. These covers help the skin breathe, are hypoallergenic, and are less irritating than cotton pillowcases.

**Neglecting Retinoid Products** It is important to use products rich in retinoids or retinol before bed, as they help boost collagen production, which is necessary to moisturize the skin and fight signs of aging, in addition to unifying skin tone and protecting it from irritation and dryness.

**Using unclean makeup brushes**

Cleaning your makeup brushes can help remove dirt and old makeup residue, protecting your skin from damage.

**Not applying products in the right order** A beauty routine is more effective when followed correctly. Therefore, it is important to understand the products and apply them in the right order to get the desired benefits.

**Removing Pimples:** Dermatologists know the best way to get rid of pimples safely. If you do this at home, you may press them incorrectly, which may exacerbate the problem.

**Sleeping with your hair untied:** Oils and products used on your hair may come into contact with your skin, leading to blemishes or inflammation. It is best to tie your hair and keep it away from your face before bed.

**Taking a very hot shower:** Although a hot shower may be relaxing, it strips your skin of its natural moisturizing oils. It is better to use lukewarm water instead of hot.

Not knowing what to put on your skin: It is important to learn well about the skin care products that are suitable for your skin type, whether it is normal, dry, sensitive, oily or combination, so that you avoid making any mistakes.

- Forgetting to moisturize your lips While using a night cream may be an essential part of your evening routine, you may ignore your lips, even though their skin is thin and sensitive, which makes them prone to dryness and cracking.

Therefore, it is necessary to apply a generous layer of lip balm that contains shea butter or glycerin, or you can use a little coconut oil to moisturize your lips. You will notice the difference when you wake up in the morning.

- Keeping the room too warm: A comfortable bedroom can negatively affect your skin health and sleep quality, as scientific research indicates that the body benefits more from low temperatures than very warm ones.

**Not using moisturizers** Skin hydration levels tend to decrease in the afternoon and evening, so it is recommended to apply moisturizing creams to the face before bed to avoid dryness.

**Using the phone before bed** Many women are unaware that using a mobile phone at night can make the skin look paler, as the blue light emitted from the phone screen causes insomnia by inhibiting the secretion of the sleep hormone "melatonin". Therefore, it is important to stop using the mobile phone at least an hour before bed.

**- Neglecting to drink water** Drinking water is one of the essential habits to maintain freshness, hydration, vitality and smoothness of the skin. Therefore, women are advised to drink at least 8 cups of water a day.

**Drinking coffee** Did you know that caffeine can dry out your skin, leading to the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles? If you want to have healthier skin, try reducing your coffee consumption and replacing it with healthy drinks.

**Masks that harm the skin?*

. **Masks containing harsh chemicals:**Some strong exfoliating masks that contain acids such as glycolic acid or lactic acid can cause skin damage if used incorrectly or excessively. Some whitening masks that contain ingredients such as hydroquinone or corticosteroids can lead to thinning of the skin, wrinkles, and skin inflammation.

. **Natural masks that are not suitable for the skin type:**Some natural ingredients such as lemon, honey, and cinnamon can cause irritation to sensitive skin. Also, using ingredients that are not suitable for the skin type, such as using clay masks on dry skin, can exacerbate dryness.

. **Expired masks:**Using expired masks can lead to the growth of bacteria on the skin, causing pimples and skin inflammation.

. Non-sterile masks: Using non-sterile masks or masks made from unclean ingredients may lead to bacterial or fungal infections on the skin.

. Masks left on the skin for a long time: Leaving some masks on the skin for a longer period than recommended may cause dryness or irritation of the skin.

Egg mask: May lead to the risk of salmonella infection.

Mayonnaise mask: May clog pores and lead to pimples.

Starch mask: May cause dryness and irritation of the skin.

Apple cider vinegar: May lead to skin discoloration and the appearance of dark spots.