Your evening routine is supposed to help you unwind, but certain beauty products may be inhibiting your sleep more than you think. Here’s what to avoid before bed
Your evening routine is meant to help you relax and prepare for sleep. However, certain beauty products could be disrupting your slumber more than you realise.
Active ingredients that create a tingling sensation, lingering fragrances and thick layers of moisturisers can overwhelm the senses precisely when your body is attempting to wind down.
We’ve consulted a dermatologist and a product formulator about what to steer clear of before bedtime.
Avoid: Alcohol-based mists
Alcohol-based mists and potent synthetic perfumes might seem like a quick route to bedtime indulgence, but product formulator at Neal’s Yard Remedies, Fran Johnson, warns that “alcohol-based sprays and synthetic fragrances can sometimes be disruptive at night, as they may irritate the airways or overstimulate the senses.”
She recommends choosing milder aromas before retiring, “like lavender, chamomile and neroli [which] can help prepare the body and mind for rest.”
Nevertheless, natural doesn’t automatically mean superior. “Certain fragrances and essential oils can be stimulating to the nervous system, particularly those with citrus, menthol or strong floral notes,” explains consultant dermatologist Dr Aiza Jamil at SK:N Clinics.
It’s advisable to steer clear of any essential oils with particularly intense aromas like frankincense, orange, clove or peppermint, which are recognised for being the most potent.
“Alcohol-based sprays may irritate the skin or airways, which can make people restless,” Jamil explains. “However, for most individuals the effect on sleep quality is minimal unless they have sensitivities or allergies. The exception is when scents are very strong or overused, which can become disruptive.”
Try: This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, £20 (was £25), Boots
Try: Naturium Fermented Camellia Creamy Cleansing Oil, £22, Space NK
Avoid: Products better suited to daytime
Numerous products promoted for night-time application contain components that are better suited for morning routines.
“Caffeine is the most obvious stimulant, and it is sometimes included in eye creams or body products,” explains Jamil. “Menthol or peppermint can create a cooling, alerting sensation that some people find wakes them up.”
We’re repeatedly reminded about the significance of actives for keeping skin supple and healthy, yet these might be disrupting our sleep patterns.
“Potent actives like glycolic acid or retinol can cause tingling or mild irritation if applied too close to bedtime, which may be distracting,” says Jamil.
“Strongly fragranced products, especially with synthetic perfumes, are also more likely to trigger irritation or sneezing in sensitive individuals.”
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When to use your skincare routine
Even skin-friendly actives require time to absorb before bedtime. “With stronger actives like retinol or acids, I recommend applying them at least an hour before bed so your skin has time to settle,” recommends Johnson.
Jamil typically recommends applying active skincare such as retinol, glycolic acid or other exfoliating acids around 30 to 60 minutes before bed.
“This gives the skin time to settle, reducing the risk of irritation or residue transferring onto your pillow,” she explains. “Caffeine-containing creams are best used in the morning when their energising effect is beneficial, not at night.”
Avoid: Irritating ingredients
A thoughtfully planned evening routine can do more than enhance your skin – it can help you sleep. “Botanicals such as lavender and neroli are wonderful at helping the body and mind prepare for rest,” Johnson advises.
Jamil explains that while scent can have a significant impact, “Ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide support the skin barrier and are comfortable to sleep in.
“Avoiding heavy, irritating or overly scented products is key. A simple routine before bed helps signal to the body that it is time to wind down, which can promote better rest.”
Choosing gentle fragrances, spacing out actives and incorporating soothing and hydrating ingredients can turn a quick cleanse into a night-time routine that relaxes your senses as well as the skin.
Try: The INKEY List Bio-Active Ceramide Moisturiser, £14.20 (was £18.99), Look Fantastic
Try: Neal’s Yard Remedies Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Booster, £28
Try: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum, £5
Avoid: Piling on heavy products
Layering product after product might feel luxurious and a soothing way to unwind, but it can suffocate the skin and keep you awake.
“Piling on too many heavy layers can overwhelm the skin and weigh it down,” Johnson explains, “at night, your skin naturally switches into repair mode, working hard to renew, rebalance and restore itself. Keeping your routine simple allows the skin to breathe and function at its best.
“A gentle cleanse followed by a nourishing moisturiser is often all that’s needed to support its natural overnight repair process.”
Jamil agrees that too many layers can create a barrier that is heavy and occlusive. “This may trap heat, clog pores and hinder the skin’s natural overnight repair. Skin renews itself most effectively when it can breathe, so a streamlined routine of cleanser, active serum and a nourishing but not greasy moisturiser is often more beneficial than multiple products layered together.”
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