How to build a nighttime routine

Overnight your skin is able to rest, restore and regenerate. So your bedtime routine should be one that nourishes your skin with actives that can improve its health and balance.

Here's your step-by-step guide to what an evening skincare routine should look like – simply adapt it to suit your skin's needs for best results. 

1. Double cleanse

Cleansing is the most important step of any skincare routine. As well as getting rid of the day’s make-up, SPF and the build-up of dirt and pollution, it’s important for ensuring the rest of your routine works efficiently. A thorough double cleanse means your targeted serums, face oils and moisturisers will be able to penetrate the skin and work their magic – without anything getting in the way.

Start by cleansing with an oil like Light Work™. Gentle yet ultra efficient, our Rosehip cleansing oil shifts daily grime, SPF and make-up at speed. Follow up with Middlemist Seven™, our cult cream cleanser that will leave your skin feeling soft and balanced.

2. Exfoliate

To really prep your skin’s canvas for the treats coming next, exfoliate after cleansing once or twice a week. Exfoliation helps buff away dead skin cells and helps the process of cell renewal. Remember to choose a gentle product - over exfoliation can cause issues down the line.

Virtuous Circle™, our super gentle exfoliator for sensitive skin, is just the ticket. Formulated with spherical Jojoba Beads rather than plastic-based microbeads, the gel formula gently rolls across the skin to lift away dead skin cells and impurities, leaving zero damage (to your skin, or the ocean).

3. Mask

A mask isn’t something you’ll want to do daily but it’s a great addition to an evening routine when you’re looking to add some extra oomph, or have extra time on your hands. Think of masks as more prescriptive and choose one that suits your skin concerns on the day.

Remember, you can use two masks at once if different areas of your face require different attention. For hydration try Resurrection Girl™, or for clarifying give Dinner Out™ a whirl.

4. Mist

Spritzing your face with a hardworking mist not only helps with hydration – it feels pretty relaxing too. Just what you want pre-bedtime. Our Century Flower™ Barrier Defence Mist is a universally calming mist that’s suitable for all skin types - especially the most sensitive.

Designed to bolster the skin barrier, use it between every skin step to really lock in that extra moisture.

5. Target

This is your chance to add any actives or targeted treatments to your skincare routine. These will usually be in the form of serums – water-based formulas that can delve deeper into the skin to work hard below the surface. At Pai, we have boosters – single actives that can be dropped into your existing skincare – or naturally potent serums that tackle different skin concerns.

Looking to boost radiance? Vitamin C is your best friend. This potent antioxidant is known for its unrivalled brightening benefits, showing dull skin the door. Our 20% Vitamin C Booster contains an all-natural yet highly concentrated dose of Vitamin C specifically for sensitive skin.

If a smoother and more youthful complexion is your main goal, peptides can really lend a helping hand. They’re famed for stimulating collagen and elastin for an all-round firmer complexion – and work well alongside Collagen and Retinal to help smooth out fine lines.

If your skin is feeling particularly thirsty or you’re prone to dryness or dehydration, you might want to add in a hydrating serum here. The key is to look for products with Hyaluronic Acid like Back To Life™ – or if your barrier needs extra support, try our ceramide-packed Instant Kalmer™ to soothe irritation and build resilience.

6. Eye cream

Don’t forget about your eyes. This particularly sensitive area needs a formula that’s been carefully designed for the most delicate skin on your face. Feather Canyon, our Smoothing Eye Cream, hydrates without overloading the skin. It’s powered by smoothing Echium and Hyaluronic Acid to quench dry, crepey eyes.

7. Hydrate

Never underestimate the power of a moisturiser. Not only will this step seal in the goodness of the other products you have applied, it will ensure your skin is suitably hydrated overnight.

Our targeted night cream, Bonne Nuit™ was created with actives that support your skin’s natural processes as you sleep. It’s rich in collagen-boosting peptides and Gardenia to enhance overnight repair – with a relaxing aroma to help you drift off.

If you want a lighter cream to pair with an oil, choose a formula based on your skin’s needs. If you’re on the drier side then Love and Haight™ works wonders, while those with combination skin might prefer The Pioneer™ (our Founder’s favourite). The Anthemis™ is your starting point if you’ve arrived at Pai with sensitive skin, while C-2 Believe is our brightening face cream for everyday radiance.

8. Face Oil

Oils should always be the final step of your routine. We love them because they’re highly potent – so not only do they tackle your skin concerns, but they lock in all the hydrating ingredients you’ve applied before. And you’ll see results pretty fast too – usually overnight.

Struggling with balancing your skin or experiencing breakouts? An overnight blemish-busting oil might be just the thing your skin is craving. Carbon Star™ is formulated with Black Cumin Seed Oil and Vegetable Charcoal to fight acne-causing bacteria, clear imperfections and keep sebum production under control.

The Light Fantastic™ is the oil to reach for if your skin feels stressed or irritated – it’s fragrance free and designed to settle angry complexions and strengthen the skin long term. While Viper’s Gloss™ is a blend of our most nourishing, restorative oils to support ageing skin.

For an all-rounder that ticks off blemishes, dry patches, pigmentation, dullness, redness and even fine lines, try Rosehip Bioregenerate™ Oil. Our number one bestseller, it’s deeply nourishing and highly regenerative – and delivers a rapid radiance boost.

Build your step-by-step wishlist with our routine builder here or book a free online skin consultation for more advice