Glossary
The evening skincare protocol focused on cleansing the day's accumulation of sebum, sunscreen, pollution, and makeup, then applying reparative and regenerative treatments while the skin undergoes its natural overnight repair cycle.
Your skin's repair cycle peaks during sleep. Between 11 PM and 4 AM, cell division rates increase, blood flow to the skin rises (delivering nutrients for repair), and the production of collagen and growth hormone accelerates. Your evening skincare routine prepares the skin for this regenerative window by removing the day's environmental burden and supplying the ingredients that support overnight repair.
Step 1: Cleanse. Remove sunscreen, makeup, excess oil, and environmental debris. For heavy sunscreen or makeup days, a double cleanse (oil-based cleanser followed by a gentle water-based cleanser) ensures thorough removal. Step 2: Treat. Apply active ingredients (retinol, AHAs, serums) that work best overnight when UV exposure is not a concern and the skin is in repair mode. Step 3: Moisturize. Seal in treatments and provide the emollient and occlusive layer that supports overnight hydration. A richer moisturizer than your daytime product is appropriate because you do not need it to work under makeup or sunscreen.
Retinol and retinoids: Photo-sensitive, always use at night. AHAs (glycolic, lactic acid): Increase sun sensitivity, safer to use PM. Peptides: Support overnight collagen synthesis. Heavy occlusives (beeswax, shea butter, petrolatum): Seal in moisture for 8 hours of uninterrupted hydration. Niacinamide: Supports barrier repair during the overnight cycle.
A complete nighttime routine does not require 10 steps. Cleanse, apply one active treatment, and moisturize. That is three steps. Our beeswax-based balms serve as excellent overnight moisturizers: the heavy occlusive layer locks in hydration through the night, and the natural honey compounds support the skin's repair processes while you sleep.
Not necessarily. A 'night cream' is typically just a richer moisturizer without SPF. Any thick, occlusive moisturizer works for nighttime use. The real difference between AM and PM routines is which actives you apply (retinol, AHAs at night) and the inclusion of SPF (morning only). Your moisturizer can be the same or different.
Thinnest to thickest: cleanser first, then watery treatments (toner, essence), then serums and actives, then eye cream, then moisturizer or occlusive balm. Each layer should absorb for about a minute before the next is applied.
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