A Derm On Doing Your Bedtime Skin Care Routine Earlier

You may already know this, but let's elaborate: There isn't a hard and fast rule that says you have to do your nighttime skin care routine a few minutes before crawling under the covers. An evening clean is critical (you should remove dirt at the end of the day, even if you don't necessarily feel dirty), but the exact hour is completely arbitrary.

You might think you're snuggling up on the couch or smooching from your S.O. Maybe you smear your moisturizer or need another wash, but – as Landriscina reassures in a comment – this is simply wrong. When you get home for the night, you can cleanse yourself and move on.

However, if you frequently find yourself dragging your feet to the sink, planning your routine earlier in the evening – after work or after dinner, for example – when you are not so exhausted. Landriscina also suggests keeping a clear focus on products you are starting out with (like the trusted Micellar Water). "Let's say, in front of the television or on your bedside table," he offers. (With that in mind, you may want to keep other commonly forgotten products – such as sunscreens – in these well-known "hot spots" if visual reminders are helpful to you.)