It's proven that poor sleep can age our skin . Upon waking after a night of insomnia or interrupted sleep, it's common to notice a puffy face and bags under the eyes . This happens because the skin regenerates primarily while we sleep; therefore, a nighttime routine is the ideal tool to boost this natural process and achieve visible results in the health and appearance of the skin.
To go out looking your best and with a healthy image , there are essential tricks and steps that every man can incorporate into his daily hygiene routine. Taking care of your skin should be a daily practice, similar to maintaining a balanced diet or exercising.
Tips and routine before bed
1. A good facelift: the mandatory step
It's proven that washing your face thoroughly at night is essential for maintaining healthy skin. During the day, the face accumulates dirt, sweat, sebum, dust, and pollution (such as car and cigarette exhaust). Sleeping with a dirty face clogs pores, which promotes acne , blackheads, and rough skin texture.
Furthermore, a thorough cleansing ensures that cosmetic products applied afterward are more effective . It's crucial to avoid regular body soap , as it can damage the skin's natural protective layer, leaving it vulnerable to irritation and infection . Ideally, use quality facial cleansers , such as gels, foams, or soaps specifically formulated for your skin type (dry, combination, oily, or sensitive). It's recommended to use lukewarm water and pat your face dry with a clean towel , without rubbing.
2. Strategic exfoliation (2-3 times per week)
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells , leaving your complexion brighter and smoother. This step is vital to prevent ingrown hairs when shaving. There are two options:
- Physical exfoliants: with soft granules to clean the surface.
- Chemical exfoliants: Ideal if you have acne, especially those with salicylic acid (BHA) or AHA.
It's essential not to overuse it (a maximum of two or three times a week), as constant exfoliation can irritate the skin. It's best to exfoliate at night , after cleansing and before moisturizing, to avoid redness during the day.
3. Toners and Serums: the intensive treatment
Many men skip toner , but it helps balance pH and prepares the face to better absorb active ingredients. Afterward, the serum acts as a concentrate of active ingredients to target specific concerns.
- Hyaluronic acid: essential for fill the skin and attract deep moisture.
- Niacinamide: perfect control sebum and improve the texture.
- retinol: the ally against the wrinkles and signs of aging (Use only at night and with caution).
4. Eye contour and moisturizer
The skin around the eyes is the thinnest and most vulnerable. To combat dark circles and puffiness , a specific eye cream with caffeine (to reduce puffiness) or peptides is recommended . Finally, a quality moisturizer should be applied to seal in moisture and strengthen the skin barrier.
Depending on your skin type, choose the texture:
- Oily skin: light textures type gel or mattifying products.
- Dry or mature skin: more formulas dense and nutritious.
- Mixed skin: a balance between light and heavy creams.
A pro tip is to store the creams in the refrigerator to enhance the cooling and anti-inflammatory effect.
And upon waking? Essential daytime care
If you wake up with a puffy face , you can soothe it with very cold water . An effective method is to place ice cubes in a bowl of water, soak a washcloth in it, and gently wipe your face with it.
The most critical step in your morning routine is sun protection (SPF) . Using SPF 30 or higher is the most effective way to combat oxidative damage and aging caused by UV rays. It should be applied 15 minutes before going outside and extended to your hands as well . For sensitive skin, there are sunscreens with vitamin E and chamomile that strengthen the skin barrier without leaving a greasy feeling.
For extra care, you can incorporate a face mask once or twice a week (such as charcoal masks for blackheads) onto clean skin to deeply purify the face.
Image sources: Salud180 / Gran Plaza Blog
Making these habits a regular part of your routine is the only way to maintain a youthful, hydrated, and blemish-free complexion . No matter what age you start, consistent cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection will transform your skin's appearance in the long run.