Dermatologists literally know skin inside and out. So how do they get their glow on? They take nighttime skincare seriously, to make sure they wake up with refreshed skin.
Dr Apratim Goel, dermatologist and MD, Cutis Skin Studio, Mumbai
“The metabolic activity of your skin cells is highest at night and so is the absorption of active ingredients. In other words, when we are sleeping, our body is repairing itself. A night cream is like a much-needed vitamin for tired, stressed skin.”
My nighttime routine consists of…
Exfoliation, cleansing, toning, serum and a night cream. Since she wears makeup almost every daily at work, she will definitely takes it off. “I often use MAC or Kara wipes, but prefer to remove makeup with cotton and Yu Reverzo Clarifying Hydrating Solution. I follow this up with an exfoliating powder from Image Skincare, gentle enough to use daily. Since I have oily, thick skin, I use an Olivier Claire toner to help maintain the pH. Retinoic acid (vitamin A and also a peeling agent) is actually the secret to my glowing skin. I use a mild concentration (not more than 0.05%) to avoid irritationng my skin. Right now, I use MD’s RA Cream 0.1%, or the Dr. Zein Obagi, MD, Zo Medical Retamax. These are medical grade products and must be used on the advice of your dermatologist only.” Moisturiser is the last step and is a must to reduce the dryness and irritation from the retinoic acid. She uses a peachy moisturiser from Christine Valmy or the VITAL C Hydrating Facial Oil from Image Skincare. Another product on her list: Intensive Serum from Dr Rimpler.
Top tips
Don’t use night creams in the early evening as they have light-sensitive ingredients and must be used prior to bedtime.
Choose ingredients and concentration wisely, as too-strong ones can cause swelling or water retention if used in the under-eye area.
Dr Shefali Trasi Nerurkar,
dermatologist, Dr Trasi’s La Piel, Mumbai
“A night cream stays on your skin for a long time, giving efficacious results.”
My nighttime routine consists of…
“Cleansing my skin with a salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide-based cleanser after which I use a toner.” This is followed by a retinol-based anti-ageing product. In the cold season when her skin dries up, she’ll mix moisturiser with her anti-ageing cream to prevent dryness. For pigmentation, she’ll exfoliate with microdermabrasion and a chemical peel. “Twice a week, I don’t apply any products, so my skin breathes.”
Top tips
Use a serum as an essential part of your nighttime routine.
Use a mild depigmentation cream and a vitamin C serum to combat dark circles.
Apply a night cream containing vitamin C, retinol and hyaluronic acid, antioxidants for the skin, and thus are anti-ageing ingredients.
Dr Chiranjiv Chhabra,
dermatologist and director, Skin Alive Clinic, Delhi
“A nighttime routine is as important as a morning skin routine. At night, skin repairs itself, and the damage caused during the day by the elements and stress does not penetrate the topmost epidermal layer.”
My nighttime routine consists of…
“Using Dermalogica’s Soothing Eye Make-Up Remover. It helps to take off waterproof eyeliner and mascara without irritating my eyes. I then proceed to massage my face and neck with Dermalogica’s Precleanse oil cleansing emulsifiyer, which helps to remove environmental impurities in the pores and makes me feel very fresh without drying out my skin.” She prefers gentle face washes and cleansers now that she has mature skin. “I dab rose water on my face post cleansing.” She skips the moisturiser because of oily skin and uses an eye cream with vitamin K to stop ageing and the onset of dark circles around the eyes. “I also apply a lightweight lip balm.”
Top tips
Choose products according to your skin’s needs and change them as the seasons change.
Use a lip balm to hydrate your lips and a hand cream to keep your hands soft and smooth.
Dr Kiran Lohia, dermatologist, Lumiere Dermatology, Delhi
“A nighttime routine is needed for your skin to detox and to clean out all the junk that it was exposed to the whole day.”
My nighttime routine consists of…
Dr Lohia believes in double-cleansing, first with a wipe and then with a scrub or a gentle face wash. “If I'm wearing makeup, I’ll use a gentle makeup remover and then continue with my double-cleansing routine.” She believes in summer, double cleansing is really important because of all the dirt, humidity and sweat that accumulate on the skin. Post this, I'll apply a serum that is anti-ageing and brightening like Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic Acid + Retinol Brightening Solution. “Then, because I have rosacea, I use Dr. Jart+ Cicapair cream to soothe and moisturise my skin. If I'm still feeling dry, I use Noreva Aquareva's night cream. Once a week, I hydrate with Laneige's Water Sleeping Mask, and sometimes, I even use their Eye and Lip Sleeping Masks.”
Top tips
Soothe skin with anti-redness-based creams because the pollution the makes skin sensitive.
Add a gentle scrub to your nightly or alternate nightly routine to help slough off dead skin
