There’s something magical about the quiet of the evening. Your skin thinks so too. While you’re winding down (or, let’s be honest, just trying not to fall asleep on the couch), your skin is getting ready to work the night shift.

I can’t tell you how many people I talk to every day in the shop who say the same thing: “By the time I get home, I’m just too tired to do my nighttime routine.” And you know what? I get it. You’ve dealt with kids all day, worked late, ran errands after work—or you’re just plain worn out. We all experience this.

But here’s the thing: those few minutes at night are some of the most important moments of self-care you can give yourself. And science agrees. Researchers have found that your skin follows a natural circadian rhythm—defense mode during the day, repair mode at night. Collagen production and cell turnover can be two to three times higher while you sleep, especially in the early morning hours when skin-repair genes peak.

Making your night routine something you look forward to

If the thought of washing your face at 10 p.m. makes you groan, maybe it’s time to make it feel less like a chore and more like a ritual. A few little tweaks can completely change the experience:

• Use a silicone facial cleansing brush. Studies show they don’t just clean better—they can actually support barrier health and help serums absorb more effectively by gently exfoliating. Plus, they make washing your face feel like a mini massage, melting away stress from the day.

• Light a candle. Something soft and comforting. A little sleepy aromatherapy—lavender or chamomile—can signal to your body that it’s time to rest.

• Slow down for a minute. A clinical study comparing a facial treatment to simple rest found that skin rituals reduced heart rate, eased muscle tension, and boosted positive emotions. Even a two-minute routine can have that effect.

Turning it into a soothing ritual instead of another “to-do” might actually make you want to do it more.

What a smart night routine looks like

You don’t need a 10-step lineup. Keeping it simple helps your skin breathe and repair. A good routine usually has three parts:

1. Cleanse gently. Wash off the day without stripping your skin. Our Cleansing Oil or Chamomile Foaming Face Wash both do the job without leaving your skin tight or dry.

2. Feed it nutrients. This is where serums shine. A product like Nightly Face Serum or Wrinkle Defense delivers hydration and active ingredients when your skin is most ready to absorb them.

3. Lock in the good stuff. Seal everything in with a rich but breathable moisturizer. Pomegranate Facial Serum is a favorite—it’s pure, deeply nourishing oil that supports the skin barrier while you sleep.

The takeaway?

Your morning routine is important, sure. But if you’re going to invest time (and good ingredients) anywhere, let it be before bed. Because while you’re dreaming, your skin is doing its best work—and those few quiet minutes can be the most restorative part of your day, inside and out.