"The main moment of taking care of yourself is at night. The efficacy of the products applied on the skin has increased by 50 to 60%," celebrity esthetician Joanna Czech told me recently on an episode of Clean Beauty School. "However, we also experience more water loss, so we need to use more hydrators so we don't wake up dry." 

Since products are more effective in the evening, this is when you’ll get more bang for your buck. The type of active ingredients you’ll use are unique to your needs and goals. For example, those who are dealing with premature aging may look to peptides and retinol. Those who want brightening may opt for vitamin C or other antioxidants. Folks dealing with textural issues should opt for AHAs, such as glycolic, lactic, or mandelic acid. Those dealing with inflammation or irritation can opt for ceramides and other barrier ingredients. 

Czech says she uses a retinyl palmitate (a gentler version of retinol that doesn’t trigger a reaction) and a rich barrier cream, like her brand’s The Cream, which contains peptides, ceramides, fatty acids, and hyaluronic acid.

Joanna Czech Skincare

The Cream

$210.00