Level Up Your Nighttime Routine

Ever wonder what a dermatologist actually does before bed? Dr. Sam Ellis recently shared her full anti-aging nighttime skincare routine, and it’s equal parts scientific, intentional, and refreshingly honest. We broke it down to help you level up your own PM ritual—starting tonight.

Step 1: Cleanse Away the Day
Dr. Ellis begins with a cleansing oil, the first step in her double cleanse to melt away sunscreen, makeup, and daily grime. If you’re already loyal to a gentle cleanser (like my ride-or-die La Roche-Posay), don’t worry. The key is removing the day before the rest of the routine.

Step 2: Exfoliate to Prep for the Products
Now time for the counterpart of the double cleanse- an exfoliating cleanser to slough off dead skin cells and boost product absorption. This step stood out as the game-changer I’m adding to my routine immediately.

Step 3: Red Light Therapy
She follows cleansing with a 10-minute red light mask session, aimed at stimulating collagen. Personally? I'm not fully sold on this step. (Tried it and seen results? Hit reply and let us know).

Step 4: Serums
Dr. Ellis layers on serums backed by science, including SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum and Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced. These target everything from skin barrier repair to collagen support.

Pro tip: She applies serums all the way up to the eyes and down to the neck. And as for eye cream? Optional.

Step 5: Lip Ointment
She always applies a lip ointment to shield against the drying effects of retinoids—especially important if you’re using a prescription-strength version.

Step 6: Retinoids
Dr. Ellis uses prescription tretinoin, considered the gold standard in anti-aging. It increases cell turnover, smooths texture, and fades discoloration. I use the same, and can confirm that the adjustment period is real. Trust the process, and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, which leads us to her final step.

Step 7: Moisturizer
Finally, she seals everything in with a moisturizer, locking in hydration and cushioning the skin from the strength of active ingredients. Think of this as your skin’s overnight security blanket.

What We’re Stealing from Her Routine

• Double cleanse (yes, exfoliating cleanser too)

• Don’t skip your neck

• Eye cream? Optional. Lip care? Essential

• Consistency > everything

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