Nighttime Non-Toxic, Anti-Aging Skincare Routine
Written by:
Maia James
I was never a skincare person—my nighttime routine for most of my adult life was as simple as washing my face and applying a basic moisturizer. But after so many years of researching and reviewing products, I’ve transformed into someone who now undertakes a previously unthinkable 11-step skincare ritual every night.
It probably won’t surprise you that a lot of so-called anti-aging skincare is total garbage—not just packed with Bad Stuff, but also a waste of money if it doesn’t contain the right actives in effective concentrations to actually improve skin texture, brightness, and overall appearance. My own skin feels better now (I’m almost 45) than it did in my late thirties, so I can see for myself the results demonstrated in that the studies I’ve read about everything from retinoids to red light therapy.
Below, I’m sharing my exact nighttime skincare protocol, including the specific products and tools that have passed Gimme’s clean ingredient standards and I’ve found to deliver real results in my own skin. In the case where the product/device I use is on the pricier side, I will provide a budget option.
I personally find this nightly ritual soothing and enjoyable (even if it’s a bit of an investment in both time and money). And if you’ve followed me for a while you probably know that everything from Step 5 onward happens from the supine position. (I brush and floss my teeth after Step 4 and then get into bed.)
That said, you don’t need to do all 11 steps to take good care of your face. If you have mature skin, the only non-negotiable steps are 2, 6, and 9. If you’re younger, you can stick to 2 and 9 if you want the most bare bones routine possible.
Now, let’s look at the what, how, and why of these 11 steps…
My Nighttime Anti-Aging Skincare Routine
Step 1: Oil Cleanse
Oil dissolves oil, making it the best method for breaking down waterproof makeup and mineral sunscreens. I’ve become a devotee of the double cleansing method, and this is the first half of that. I only double-cleanse on days when I’m wearing makeup and/or sunscreen. Otherwise, I skip straight to Step 2.
To oil cleanse, I apply this balm onto my DRY skin before rinsing it off and ending with a good buffing with a charcoal cloth. (Use code GIMME20 for 20% off the balm if you’d like to try it.)
If you want an oil-esque cleanser that works on its own, this gel goes on dry and breaks up sunscreen and makeup, then turns milky to wash it all away while still leaving skin soft. You don’t need to follow up with a foaming cleanser if you use this.
Budget Oil Cleansing Pick:
Step 2: Foam Cleanse or Exfoliate
Whether or not I begin with an oil, I always foam cleanse with a clarifying, foaming wash and the Luna 3. The device is optional, but I love it so much; the T-Sonic pulsations deeply cleanse to improve skin texture. As for the cleanser, you don’t need to break the bank here. Attitude makes a great one for less than fifteen bucks. An eco-friendly and even more affordable option is a gentle bar soap.
Budget Silicone Face Brush Pick:
Once or twice a week, instead of the foaming wash and Luna, I exfoliate with this gentle scrub.
Budget Face Scrub Pick:
Step 3: Tone
Toning after cleaning your face is an optional step but it can help rebalance your skin and enhance the effectiveness of your other skincare products.
I apply this toner with reusable cotton rounds.
Budget Toner Pick:
Step 4: Derma Roll
Derma rollers contain tiny needles that create micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production and enhancing the absorption of skincare products. I use this device twice a week, and I don’t use retinol on these nights.
Step 5: Red Light Mask (every other night)
Four nights a week, I wear a red light mask for 15 minutes (while reading my Kindle!), to stimulate collagen production, reduce wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, and promote cellular repair. On the other nights, I go straight to Step 6.
Step 6: Retinoid (work up to every night)
You cannot have an anti-aging skincare routine without a retinol, the most well-established ingredient for skin rejuvenation. I dab on a pea-sized amount of Marie Veronique retinol emulsion. (The tube lasts forever.) I have used prescription retinols in the past, but the last one my dermatologist prescribed me contained parabens, so I am taking a break. Skip this step if you’ve used a micro-needling derma roller.
Budget Retinoid Pick:
Step 7: Niacinamide
My esthetician recommended adding a niacinamide serum after a retinoid treatment to boost ceramide production and also because it works synergistically with retinoids to enhance the anti-aging effects without increasing irritation. I use this one every night.
Budget Niacinamide Pick:
Step 8: Peptides
Peptides are amino acids that build collagen, elastin, and keratin, Peptide-infused skincare helps repair, strengthen, and rejuvenate the skin by signaling it to produce more of these essential proteins. I use one dropper of Crunchi’s peptide serum on my face and neck each night.
Budget Peptides Pick:
Step 9: Water Cream
You could stop at the peptide step, as that does leave your skin feeling pretty moisturized. But I love a fast absorbing water-based cream, so I slather on the Osea water cream next.
Budget Water Cream Pick:
Step 10: Oil-Based Cream (optional)
Okay, now you could DEFINITELY stop, but I like to lock it all in with a cold cream, minus the toxins. My favorite is Love & Sage oil-based cream. I swear you wake up with zero grease, but truly soft skin when you use this.
Step 11: Lip Mask
Obviously this one is also optional, and I don’t typically need to take this step in the summer months. In the winter, though, I like to put on a nice thick lip product, and while Ilia makes one specifically for overnight use, I actually prefer this one for the deepest level of hydration.
Budget Lip Mask Pick:
What is your nighttime anti-aging skincare routine? I’d love to know the products you guys love! And please comment if you’d like me to share my morning skincare routing with you as well. I promise it’s less elaborate.
Stay sane,
Maia, Founder & CEO
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4 responses to “Nighttime Non-Toxic, Anti-Aging Skincare Routine”
I forgot to ask a question with my last comment: What if a product (that would be used at a certain stage of the skincare process) passes the ‘Good Stuff’ test but has ingredients that usually would be used later on in the skincare process (e.g., a face wash with multi-peptides)?
In other words, would the effectiveness of an ingredient be low or null, if it weren’t used at, say, the end of the skincare routine because it was in, say, facewash?
I hope that makes sense!
Thanks!
I don’t think the ingredients are ever completely null, but I do think using any actives in a wash is a bit of a waste! Wash is where you don’t have to break the bank since, by definition, the product isn’t staying on your face!
Thank you, Maia, for clarifying how you use niacinamide, because I have been considering incorporating that into my skincare routine since you first recommended KOA’s version (the one you use)! I was on the fence about using it, because I didn’t know whether it would conflict or be redundant with other skincare products I already use! Now I know I can add it in without issue, so yay! 🙂
Maia-
I was just thinking last week about emailing to ask you to share your skin care routines as I am looking to update mine. So this email was perfect timing! Please do share your morning routine as well 🙂 Currently I’m doing a pretty simple routine – beauty counter charcoal bar, bldg active hyaluronic acid, and honest hydrogel cream. But looking to add some new things as I’m noticing my skin now at 42 needs a little more TLC. Thanks again!!
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