Clear, glowing skin is not simply a matter of genetics - skin hygiene and lifestyle choices, in fact, have a big impact on what you see in the mirror. Unfortunately, instead of being a healthy self-care ritual, the internet era has turned skincare into a shopping spree for the latest beauty products. Those who don’t have the time or money to entertain an hour-long nighttime skincare routine can get overwhelmed by this sea of misinformation. 

If you’re one of those frustrated few, don’t worry! There is a foundation skincare routine that fits all skin types and it doesn’t have to be expensive. 

Almost all skincare products are designed for either of the five key skin types: normal, oily, dry, sensitive (acne-prone), and a combination of all four. In order to choose the right skincare product that works for you, it’s important to know - what is your skin type? 

Here’s what you need to do. First, wash your face with a cleanser and pat it dry. Then without applying any moisturiser or serum, leave the face bare for an hour.

• If the face looks fresh, feels smooth, and has no visible signs of irritation or oiliness; congratulations, you have perfectly healthy skin
• If the skin feels shiny and slick; use skincare products for oily skin
• If the skin has dry patches and flakiness; use skincare products for dry skin
• If the skin is dry on the cheeks and oily on the T-zone; a combination of dry and oily skincare products will work better
• If the skin has breakouts, redness, or irritation; visit a dermatologist to know what types of skincare products work well with your sensitive skin

However, these signs may not give you an exact assessment, and it’s best to consult a dermatologist to know for sure, what your skin type is.

Now, let’s move on to 5 skincare tips for a nighttime skincare routine

Step 1 - Remove Your Makeup/ Sunscreen
Put on a headband so your hair is out of the way. Next, remove the makeup with a makeup remover. You could use makeup remover wipes, micellar water, oil cleanser or a creamy cleanser. If you are not using a wipe, make sure to use cotton pads to apply the product. If you don’t wear makeup, feel free to skip this step. 

Step 2 - Cleanse The Face For 1 Minute In Circular Motions
Once all the traces of makeup, dirt and pollution are out of the way, you can start with cleansing. Wet the face with some warm water and start cleansing. Gently, cleanse the face for 1 minute in circular motions, and massage around the eyes for extra circulation, then rinse your face. 

A bonus step you can include here is to use a face towel dipped in hot water and pat it all over your face to open up the pores. Make sure the face is bone dry before you move on to the next step. 

Step 3 - Exfoliate Twice Or Thrice A Week 

The outer layer of skin cells - the epidermis- gets replaced every 28 days. Exfoliation gently removes the dead skin cells which helps clear the pores, prevent breakouts, and smoothens the skin’s texture. You can use a face peel (exfoliating mask), exfoliating brush or face scrub for this step. 

Make sure to read the product label and its compatibility with your skin type. Some may even experience breakouts in the initial days of the routine but stick with it till the skin adjusts. 

Step 4 - Trust The Power Of Toner 

Traditionally, toners only helped restore the skin’s pH balance after cleansing. But nowadays, toners offer much more: they help clear the skin, shrink pores and moisturise the skin. You will find three types of toners in the market, each of which has different alcohol levels for different skin types. To choose the right toner, consult a dermatologist to find the right fit.

• If your skin requires a deep cleanse and moisture, tonique toners may work 
• If you are looking to constrict pores and control oil production, astringent toners may work
• If want to hydrate the skin while cleansing and balancing skin pH, water-based toner may work best

A toner is applied after a cleanser. Once the face dries, place a few drops of the chosen toner on a cotton pad and gently wipe it across the face.

Step 5 - Moisturise Your Skin Always
Many people with oily skin types have a false belief that moisturising is crucial only for dry skin types. But there are several moisturisers that go beyond hydration, offering the skin a protective layer. Moisturisers are of three kinds:

• Occlusives based moisturisers, provide a protective seal to the skin against allergens and irritants, etc. and help prevent loss of hydration 
• Humectants based moisturisers, help retain moisture in the skin. Additionally, nanolipid gels, a category of humectants, also offer fungal protection which may work well on sensitive skin
• Emollients based moisturisers help soothe the skin if it’s dry, scaly, or itchy. Additionally, people with psoriasis, eczema and dry or sensitive skin can also benefit from emollient-based moisturisers

If you want to amp up your skincare routine, then apply a face serum before you moisturise your face. While it can’t replace a moisturiser or an eye cream, a face serum can treat several skin issues like pigmentation, dark spots, dullness, fine lines, and acne. In fact, it’s the ideal ingredient to start the layering process.

Skincare products are based on the weight of the formula. Toners and serums have lighter formula weight, while moisturisers and eye creams are comparatively thicker. The trick to layering your products is to apply the lighter products first. Otherwise, the skin pores may get clogged, preventing lighter formula-based products from seeping into the skin.

Key Takeaway
Let's be honest: Most of us are struggling to keep our eyes open by the end of the day, exhausted from work and environmental stressors. Who’s got the energy to indulge in a nighttime skincare regimen, staying awake any longer than we have to? 

However, there’s some truth to the whole “beauty sleep” thing: the skin can absorb nutrients better at night than it does during the daytime. Moreover, there are no external stressors like sun damage or makeup that prevent the skin from breathing. That’s why having a foundation nighttime skincare routine is mega important.

Use the 5 skincare routine tips listed above to provide necessary nourishment to the skin, without spending too much time, effort, or money. Additionally, no amount of skincare products can compensate for proper nutrition and natural hydration. So drink plenty of water during the day and get a sound sleep at night, while treating yourself to a face mask occasionally.