11 Night Routine Hacks: How I Changed My Nighttime Routine to Wake Up with Glowing Skin

As someone who’s navigated the ups and downs of skincare for over 50 years, I’ve discovered that the key to vibrant, healthy skin isn’t just about the products you use during the day—it’s also about what you do while you sleep. 

Yes, your nighttime routine can be a game-changer for your skin. 

What happens to your skin while you sleep?

While you sleep, your skin enters a crucial repair and rejuvenation phase. During the night, blood flow to your skin increases, allowing for enhanced cell regeneration.

This is when your skin works hardest to repair damage from environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution. 

Collagen production, which helps maintain skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of wrinkles, also peaks during sleep. Additionally, your skin's moisture levels balance out, replenishing hydration lost throughout the day. 

Hormones like melatonin and growth hormone play a vital role in this renewal process, helping to repair and rebuild skin cells. This makes your nighttime routine essential, as the products you apply can work in harmony with your skin's natural repair cycle. 

Let me take you through some of the sleep hacks that transformed my nighttime skincare ritual and helped me wake up with a fresh, glowing complexion.

1. Invest in a Silk Pillowcase

One of the simplest yet most effective changes I made was switching to a silk pillowcase. Unlike cotton, silk is gentle on the skin and helps reduce friction, which can minimise the appearance of sleep lines and wrinkles. 

Silk also doesn’t absorb as much moisture, so it helps keep your skin’s natural oils and any overnight treatments where they belong—on your skin. 

Plus, it feels luxurious!

2. Incorporate Overnight Masks

Overnight masks are my secret weapon for hydration and rejuvenation. These masks are designed to be left on while you sleep, allowing their nourishing ingredients to work their magic over several hours. 

I love masks that include hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants, which hydrate, plump, and fight free radicals. Applying a thick layer before bed makes a noticeable difference in the morning.

3. Try the natural retinol alternative 

The Rose Youth Elixir is the holy grail of my nighttime routine, waking up with glowing, beautiful skin is one of my favourite ways to start the day.

This elixir features Bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol that’s gentle on mature skin while still offering anti-ageing benefits. 

Bakuchiol helps with collagen production and reduces fine lines without the irritation that retinol can sometimes cause. It’s become a key part of my regimen for maintaining skin firmness and smoothness.

4. Use a Prebiotic Moisturising Cream

Another fantastic addition to my nighttime routine is the Prebiotische vochtinbrengende crème. This cream strengthens the skin barrier, which is crucial for maintaining hydration and protecting against environmental stressors. 

Its prebiotic formula also supports the skin’s natural microbiome, helping to keep my skin balanced and resilient. I apply it generously before bed, and it works wonders overnight, leaving my skin feeling nourished and rejuvenated by morning.

5. Incorporate a Gentle Exfoliating Treatment

Instead of using facial oils, I now incorporate a gentle exfoliating treatment into my routine. As we age, cell turnover slows down, which can lead to dull skin. I use a mild exfoliant with ingredients like lactic acid or enzymatic exfoliants to help slough off dead skin cells and reveal a brighter complexion.

These treatments can be used a few times a week and are designed to be gentle enough for mature skin, promoting a smooth and radiant appearance.

6. Keep Your Bedroom Cool and Moisturised

The environment where you sleep plays a big role in your skin’s health. Keeping your bedroom cool can help prevent your skin from drying out. I also use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, which is especially helpful in the winter months or in dry climates.

This added moisture helps prevent dehydration and keeps your skin feeling soft and supple.

7. Practise Facial Massage

Facial massage is not just a luxury—it can be a practical part of your nighttime routine. 

I’ve started using a jade roller or my fingers to gently massage my face before bed. This helps improve circulation, reduce puffiness, and promote relaxation. A few minutes of massage can make a noticeable difference in how refreshed your skin looks in the morning.

8. Avoid Late-Night Snacks

Believe it or not, what you eat before bed can affect your skin. I’ve learned to avoid heavy, salty, or sugary snacks late at night. 

These can contribute to puffiness and dullness. Instead, opt for light, skin-friendly snacks like a small handful of nuts or a piece of fruit.

9. Use a Hydrating Toner

Before bed I absolutely love spritzing a 100% rose water toner, my skin smells amazing and is really well hydrated. It feels like a little luxurious experience.

A good toner helps to remove any residual impurities and prepares the skin for better absorption of the products you apply next.

Look for a toner that includes soothing ingredients like rose water or aloe vera, which help calm and hydrate the skin, setting the stage for the rest of your skincare regimen.

10. Stay Hydrated

I keep a glass of water by my bedside and make a point to drink it before falling asleep. Staying hydrated helps your skin maintain its elasticity and overall health. It’s a small but effective habit that supports your skin’s hydration levels from within.

11. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Ritual

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of a relaxing bedtime routine. 

Stress can negatively impact your skin, so I make time to unwind with a calming activity like reading or meditating. 

Creating a peaceful environment helps me sleep better, which in turn supports my skin’s natural repair processes.

Incorporating these sleep hacks into your nighttime routine can make a significant difference in how your skin looks and feels when you wake up. With the added benefits of Bakuchiol from Rose Youth Elixir and the strengthening properties of a Prebiotische vochtinbrengende crème, plus the boost from gentle exfoliation and a hydrating toner, these small, consistent changes will add up to a more radiant and healthy complexion. 

Your skin works hard while you sleep, so give it the best chance to thrive with a thoughtful nighttime routine.