While most of us focus on morning skincare rituals, the night-time routine is key to healthier, more radiant skin. During sleep, the skin embarks on an important phase of repair and renewal, working to fix the damage caused by daily exposure to environmental stressors like pollution, UV rays, and makeup. Understanding the harm caused to our skin makes it clear why a consistent and well-planned night-time routine is essential, not just for beauty but for long-term skin wellness.

Dr Jyoti Shah, a consultant dermatologist at Ever Skin and Hair Clinic in Kathmandu, discusses how to make the most of your night-time skincare routine. She explains how simple steps like cleansing, targeted treatments, and moisturising can optimise the skin’s overnight repair cycle.

What natural repair processes does the skin undergo at night, and how does a skincare routine enhance these functions?

At night, the skin enters a natural repair and regeneration phase where cell turnover increases, DNA damage from the day is repaired, and the skin barrier is restored—all supported by lower cortisol levels and higher secretion of growth hormone and melatonin.

A nighttime skincare routine enhances these processes by first cleansing away daytime pollutants, then applying targeted treatments like retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants to boost collagen production, repair damage, and support cell renewal. Moisturisers and occlusives help prevent water loss and reinforce the skin barrier. Aligning skincare with the skin’s circadian rhythm optimises product effectiveness and overall skin health. Also, good-quality sleep itself is a major contributor to effective skin repair.

In what ways does nighttime skincare help reverse the daily damage caused by environmental stressors like pollution, sun exposure, and makeup?

Nighttime skincare helps reverse daily damage from environmental stressors—like pollution, sun exposure, and makeup—by supporting the skin’s natural repair mechanisms when most active.

Cleansing at night removes residual pollutants, makeup, and excess sebum that can clog pores and generate oxidative stress. Antioxidants like vitamin C or niacinamide neutralise free radicals caused by UV exposure and pollution, helping prevent premature ageing and inflammation.

Retinoids stimulate collagen production and accelerate cell turnover, aiding in the repair of sun-induced DNA damage and pigmentation. Moisturisers and barrier-repair ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid restore hydration lost during the day and strengthen the skin’s defences, ensuring better resilience against future stressors. Together, these steps allow the skin to recover and rejuvenate overnight.

How does maintaining a consistent nighttime skincare routine impact long-term skin health, including ageing, hydration, and texture?

Regular use of hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin helps maintain optimal moisture levels, preventing dryness and strengthening the skin barrier over time.

Incorporating retinoids and peptides stimulates collagen production and accelerates cell turnover, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture. Antioxidants used consistently help combat cumulative damage from free radicals, slowing visible signs of ageing.

Over time, this routine leads to smoother, more resilient, youthful-looking skin with improved tone, elasticity, and hydration. Consistency is key, as long-term benefits rely on reinforcing and maintaining these healthy skin functions daily.

For someone with a busy lifestyle, what are the non-negotiable steps in a night routine, and what makes them so essential?

For those with a busy schedule, a simplified routine with three essential steps is enough to support healthy skin:

• Cleansing
  Removes dirt, oil, makeup, and pollutants accumulated during the day. Skipping this step allows build-up that clogs pores, causes breakouts, and accelerates ageing due to oxidative stress.
  
  

• Treatment
  A single multitasking serum—such as one with retinoids, niacinamide, or peptides—can address concerns like ageing, pigmentation, or dullness. Night is the ideal time for this, as the skin is most receptive to active ingredients during rest.
  
  

• Moisturising
  Essential for replenishing hydration lost during the day and strengthening the skin barrier. A well-formulated moisturiser (ideally with hyaluronic acid or ceramides) also helps seal in the serum and prevent transepidermal water loss.
  
  

These three steps—cleanse, treat, and moisturise—form the foundation of a solid night routine. Even when simplified, they help protect against daily damage, enhance overnight repair, and preserve the skin’s long-term health.