What skincare mistakes you should  avoid before sleeping to protect your skin

             Written by: Mantasha

19 July 2025

Leaving dirt, oil, and pollutants on your skin overnight can clog pores and cause breakouts. Cleansing with just wipes or water is not enough; use a gentle face wash appropriate for your skin type.

Not Cleansing Your Face

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Makeup blocks pores and interferes with the skin’s natural repair process. Always remove makeup thoroughly before applying any nighttime skincare products.

Sleeping With Makeup On

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Day creams, especially those containing vitamin C or SPF, are designed for daytime protection. Night creams or serums with hydrating and reparative ingredients (like hyaluronic acid or peptides) are more suitable for overnight skin recovery.

Using Daytime Products at Night

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Not moisturizing at night can cause dryness, irritation, and sensitivity. Use a nighttime moisturizer tailored to your skin type.

Skipping Moisturizer

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Exfoliating too frequently can damage the skin barrier, leading to increased sensitivity and a higher incidence of breakouts. Limit exfoliation to 1–2 times per week, depending on your skin’s needs.

Over-Exfoliating

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Using strong actives (like retinol or acids) without patch-testing can irritate. Introduce new products gradually and monitor your skin’s response.

Applying New Products Right Before Bed

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Mixing certain actives (e.g., retinol with vitamin C/glycolic acid) can weaken the skin barrier and cause redness or peeling. Use actives as directed, and avoid layering products that are known to react poorly together.

Combining Incompatible Ingredients

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Applying products and going to sleep immediately may cause them to rub off on your pillow rather than absorbing into your skin.

Rushing Your Routine

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These areas are often forgotten but show early signs of aging and dryness. Apply your nighttime products to your neck and hands for comprehensive care.

Neglecting the Neck and Hands

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