The beauty world today is full of routines, ones that happen in the morning, evening, warm weather, cool weather…there’s something for everything.
Although the real question is: If we have a morning routine, do we really need an evening one too?
The answer is, yes!
The skin, just like ourselves (some of us…) thrive at night. Skin cell renewal is 30 times more active whilst you sleep than during the day, making your skincare actives work a charm. Whether it’s a 10 step or 3 step routine, an evening routine may be the answer to your skincare prayers.
The Kōtia 5 step evening routine:
1. CLEANSE, CLEANSE, CLEANSE
If it’s one thing the skin needs to keep fresh and free radical’s at bay, is by giving it a thorough clean. Cleansing the skin after a long day aims to rid the skin of daily pollutants and skin damage that can lead to the build-up of bacteria and free-radical damage. Using a gentle cleanser such as kōtia’s Exfoliating Cleansing Milk, not only cleanses the surface of the skin; yet exfoliates the oil-build up that exists within the pores of the skin. We recommend applying the cleanser to a damp face, using a 30-second circular motion around the face, with emphasis to deep ridges around the nose and temples. This will help to properly prep and cleanse the skin before applying toners, serums and moisturisers.
KOTIA TIP: Cleanse the skin twice for a deeper, cleaner and silky feel!
2. THE FORGOTTEN STEP: TONER.
Oh…toner, why we need you. Toner is a MUST for your evening skincare routine. It helps to lock moisture into the pores of the skin, whilst simultaneously cleansing away bacteria and dirt from the day. Toner helps to settle skin sensitivity & pH levels, by soothing the skin with ingredients such as aloe vera gel, which can be found in our Purifying Toner, making it the perfect addition to your evening routine.
Want to know more about toner? Check out our ‘What do toners ACTUALLY do?’ blog live on our website!
3. THE BAGS UNDER MY EYES ARE…NOT CHANEL.
The under-eye area is deceptively important and should never be skipped. Eye-cream is exceptionally critical post-toner, as the under-eye area is naturally drier and more delicate than any other part of the face. Therefore, applying eye-cream after toner gives your eyes the heightened intensity they desire. Eye-creams with added caffeine also provides relief from puffy, dehydrated and dull eyes. Kōtia’s Brightening Eye Cream contains green coffee bean extract to help boost the skin's complexion and firmness around the eyes. Applying eye-cream in the evening, after cleansing allows for the eyes to rest and fully absorb the actives of the eye cream, making it a key step to your evening routine.
4. MOISTURE, MOISTURE, MOISTURE.
Moisturising in the PM calls for a deeper, more intense level of hydration and renewal. Fortunately, skin renewal is faster and more active in the evening, as the skin is cleansed and free of pollutants e.g. make-up and free radicals. Evening moisturisers usually contain actives that are suited to the evening, for example, Kōtia’s Regenerating Night Cream is naturally high in Vitamin A (Retinol) which is known for having anti-aging properties and greater effectiveness when applied in the evening, where there is lack of sun-exposure - as the skin is more vulnerable and sensitive. Luxurious oils and butters such as avocado oil, shea butter and jojoba oil are also added to soften and moisturise the skin deeply whilst you rest.
5. CLEAN REST.
What does a cleanrest mean?
Not only is it important to get a good nights sleep, a good rest also enables the skin to become less inflamed and stressed, allowing skincare actives to penetrate deeply into the rested & cleansed skin. Sleeping on a clean pillow is also extremely important, as our pillows can be full of dirt, impurities and dust, which can impact clean skin. Making sure you regularly clean your pillowcase can have a significant effect on your skin and may be the reason for unknown build-up, congestion and oiliness.
Well there you have it, your new simple yet extremely effective 5 step evening routine. Give it a go and let us know how it makes you and your skin feel!
