How to Build a Nighttime Skin Care Routine
A nighttime skin care routine you’ll actually look forward to at the end of the day? We got you. Start with a couple of relaxing breaths–this is the time when your body care matters most. Because your skin simultaneously loses hydration and goes into repair mode while you sleep, it can use all the support it can get to look amazing come morning. Ahead, we’ll walk you through the best order for your daily nighttime skin care routine steps, plus some optional extras worth adding in a few times a week. Let’s dive in!
Nighttime Skin Routine Order: A Step-by-Step Guide
A nighttime skin care routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how to make it efficient and indulgent.
Step 1: Wash With a Gentle Cleanser
The best night skin care routine should first and foremost focus on cleansing to remove all traces of the day (we’re looking at you, SPF, pollution, and sweat). Your cleanser should be gentle enough to not strip your skin’s natural moisture barrier, but still effective at breaking down sunscreen, self-tanner, and any other products you apply throughout your day.
An oil-to-foam body wash like Delícia Drench™ Shower Oil is ideal for thoroughly cleansing while replenishing moisture. Even better? It’s scented with the blissful and comforting notes of vanilla orchid and sheer sandalwood.
Sol Tip: Make sure to rinse thoroughly! Getting your skin as clean as possible is key to helping the hydrating ingredients in the next steps work more effectively.
Step 2: Apply a Rich Body Cream
Even if you wear a lighter lotion during the day, it’s a good idea to switch to something rich at night. Because of their thicker textures, body creams and body butters work well to lock in moisture before sleep, when the body naturally loses hydration.
To maximize your nightly skin care routine, choose a body moisturizer with added benefits. Our best-selling Brazilian Bum Bum® Cream visibly firms and tightens skin as well as reduces the look of cellulite. Beija Flor™ Elasti-Cream is clinically proven to boost collagen* and support skin elasticity with ingredients like plant squalane and natural retinol alternative cacay oil.
Sol tip: Gently towel off and apply body cream within three minutes of stepping out of the shower, so your skin can soak up the remaining moisture in the air.
Optional Nighttime Skin Care Routine Products: Why, When, and What to Add
These steps aren’t required every night—but including them takes your routine from basic to blissful.
Body Scrub
Why: Exfoliation helps buff away dead skin cells and unclog pores to reveal smooth, radiant skin.
When: Apply body scrub in the shower to freshly cleansed skin. For most skin types, one to three nights per week is plenty—overdoing it can lead to irritation or sensitivity.
What: Stay extra smooth with a retexturizing formula like Bom Dia Body Scrub, which combines both physical and chemical exfoliants. Always follow with a moisturizer to keep your skin happy and hydrated.
Body Oils
Why: Body oils are a great way to add even more nourishment into your routine and give your routine an extra luxurious feel.
When: Apply them after your body cream, or mix a few drops directly into your moisturizer. Body oil works best when your skin is still slightly damp, helping to seal in hydration without feeling greasy.
What: Both of our deeply nourishing body oils improve the look of stretch marks. If you’re looking for a boost of elasticity in a fruity floral scent, we recommend Beija Flor™ Elasti-Body Oil. On the other hand, Bum Bum Body Firmeza Oil is the perfect choice for a visibly firming, noticeably depuffing added step to your routine.
Fragrance
Why: Wrapping yourself in a warm, comforting scent is the perfect way to signal to your brain that it’s time to rest.
When: For an added boost of relaxation and bedtime bliss, lightly spritz perfume mist from head to toe as the last step of your routine. You can even spray some on your pillow for extra sweet dreams!
What: Our go-to fragrance for bedtime is Cheirosa 59. The comforting woody vanilla scent boosts your mood and sets you up for a good night’s sleep.
Why a Night Routine Works
Nighttime is when your skin goes into repair mode and absorbs hydration most effectively. Contrary to popular belief, more isn’t always better. The best bedtime skin care ritual is the one you’ll do, and consistency is key. Build your routine around benefit-forward products that you (and your skin!) love, so you can wake up feeling refreshed and gorgeous from head to toe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best nighttime skin care routine?
Everyone is different! What’s best for you depends on your skin needs and goals. As long as you’re cleansing, hydrating, and getting plenty of rest, you’re on the right track. Simply start with a gentle cleanser to remove the day’s buildup, follow with a rich moisturizer, and layer in optional treatments like body oil for extra nourishing or a spritz of perfume mist to create a soothing bedtime ritual.
When should I use retinol in my night routine?
Want a retinol you can use every night without irritation? Try an alternative like the cacay oil in Beija Flor™ Elasti-Cream instead for renewed bounce and elasticity. Apply it post-shower while skin is still damp to encourage skin renewal and maximum hydration while you sleep.
How many steps should a night routine have?
A simple night routine can be as short as two steps: cleanse and moisturize. If you’re looking for an extra boost, layer in more products like body oil, body scrub, and perfume mist. The key is to keep it enjoyable, not time consuming. After all, the most important nighttime skin care routine step is getting a good night’s sleep.
