Discover expert insights on dermatologist recommended. Professional advice and tips from LA Mattress Store to improve your sleep and comfort.
Nighttime is when your skin does its most important repair work. Cell turnover accelerates, inflammation decreases, and the skin barrier regenerates — but only when you give it the right conditions. A few targeted habits before bed can make a noticeable difference in how your skin looks and feels over time.
Here's what dermatologists actually recommend — and why it works.
If there's one habit dermatologists agree on universally, it's this: wash your face before you sleep. Throughout the day, your skin accumulates makeup, sunscreen, pollution, excess oil, and dead skin cells. Left on overnight, that buildup can clog pores and dull your complexion.
Dr. Cynthia Bailey, a California-based dermatologist, recommends choosing a cleanser matched to your skin type — a foaming cleanser for oily skin, a cream or milk cleanser for dry or sensitive skin, and a gentle gel cleanser for combination skin.
On nights when a full wash feels like too much, a pre-moistened facial cleansing wipe that removes makeup and surface debris is significantly better than nothing. Keep a pack on your nightstand so the barrier to cleansing is as low as possible.
Nighttime moisturizers are formulated differently from daytime versions. Day moisturizers tend to be lighter and often contain SPF. Night formulas are typically richer and loaded with repair-focused ingredients.
The ideal sequence:
Dr. Tsippora Shainhouse, a Beverly Hills dermatologist and clinical instructor at USC, recommends applying an antioxidant serum first — particularly if your skin is exposed to pollution during the day — followed by a moisturizer containing ceramides for barrier support. Applying immediately after washing helps your skin hold onto the water content more effectively.
Several of the most effective skincare ingredients should only be used at night — because sunlight breaks them down or makes them more likely to cause irritation.
Retinol (vitamin A) is one of the most well-researched ingredients for improving fine lines, sun damage, uneven tone, and acne. It must be used at night — sun exposure degrades retinol and increases the risk of skin irritation. Start with a low concentration applied every other night until your skin adjusts, then increase frequency.
AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acid exfoliate the surface layer of skin, improving texture and brightness. They increase photosensitivity, so nighttime application is safer. Start slowly — using them nightly right away can cause redness and irritation.
Retinol and AHAs used together on the same night can cause significant irritation for many skin types. If you want to use both, alternate nights or consult a dermatologist for a routine tailored to your skin.
Apply a rich lip balm or a thin layer of petroleum jelly before bed. Your lips don't have oil glands and lose moisture quickly, especially if you breathe through your mouth while sleeping. Avoid balms with camphor, menthol, or peppermint — these can be temporarily soothing but ultimately dry out the lips.
The skin around your eyes is the thinnest on your face and shows signs of poor sleep or dehydration quickly. Eye creams are typically too emollient for daytime use — the oils can cause your makeup to migrate — so nighttime application makes practical sense.
Use your ring finger to gently pat (not rub) eye cream along the orbital bone, not directly on the eyelid. The ring finger applies the least pressure, which reduces the risk of pulling at delicate skin.
Poor sleep shows up most visibly around the eyes. If you wake with puffiness, try chilled cucumber slices or cold, damp tea bags (black or green tea — the tannins help constrict blood vessels). Rest with your head slightly elevated to reduce fluid pooling overnight. For dark circles, a concealer with a yellow or peach undertone counteracts the bluish-purple tone most effectively.
Skincare routines matter, but the quality and duration of sleep itself is one of the most powerful factors in skin health. During deep sleep, growth hormone is released, which drives cellular repair throughout the body — including skin. Chronic sleep deprivation is associated with increased breakdown of collagen, reduced skin elasticity, and a compromised skin barrier.
A few things that affect both sleep quality and skin health:
If you're waking up consistently sore or unrested, your mattress may be part of the problem. At LA Mattress Store, our consultants can help you find the right support and comfort level for your sleep style. Visit one of our 5 LA locations to test options in person.
Yes, significantly. Deep sleep is when the body — including skin — does most of its repair work. Growth hormone peaks during slow-wave sleep and drives cell renewal. Consistent poor sleep is linked to accelerated skin aging, increased inflammatory skin conditions, and slower wound healing.
You can use your day moisturizer at night if it doesn't contain SPF or very light ingredients, but dedicated night creams are formulated to be richer and more repair-focused. If your skin tends toward dryness, a night cream is usually worth the investment. If your skin is oily, a lightweight gel moisturizer used both day and night may work fine.
At least once a week — more frequently if you use heavy products on your hair or face, or if you're acne-prone. Some dermatologists recommend changing to a fresh side of the pillow every 2–3 nights for very acne-prone skin.
Generally, use vitamin C in the morning (it's an antioxidant that pairs well with sunscreen) and retinol at night. Using them together at the same time can cause irritation for many skin types. Always introduce new actives one at a time to identify how your skin responds.
Fluid accumulates when your head is flat overnight. Try sleeping with your head slightly elevated. Excess salt, alcohol, and allergies can make it worse. Consistently puffy eyes despite adequate sleep may warrant a conversation with a doctor about other potential causes.
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