There’s something so soothing about a night routine, especially one that’s nourishing, intentional, and free of the filler. For over a year, I’ve been using a completely waterless skincare routine nightly, and Oliveda has become my go-to for truly potent, plant-based results. In this post, I’m walking you through my exact nighttime step…from cleansing to serums to oils…and sharing why going waterless has made such a visible difference in my mature skin.
Why Your Night Routine Matters More Than You Think
Your skin renews itself while you sleep. So if you want to get the maximum benefits of healthy and happy skin, then take good care of it at night so it can work its magic while you sleep!
Why I Use Waterless Skincare at Night
Did you know that most skincare products contain 70%-90% water?? Having your skincare products consist of so much water means a few things:
- You’re paying a lot for water!
- The active ingredients in the products are watered down so they aren’t as effective and you aren’t seeing results!
- Because there is so much water, filler and preservatives are needed to make it shelf stable to prevent mold and bacteria from growing.
I was using tons of different products over the years and wasn’t seeing any great results in my skincare. I was going through the motions, spending the money, but not seeing any improvements in my skin. Over a year ago, I started using waterless skincare products and my skin transformed! I was using more nourishing, healthier, and effective skincare products so my skin was actually improving.
Everyone’s results will be different. But for me, here’s how my skin has changed over the last year and a half using waterless skincare products.
- Less redness
- Less puffiness
- Hydrated skin
- Smoother wrinkles
- Helthier under eyes
- Glowier skin!
The picture on the left is taken in 2022. The picture on the right is taken in 2025…3 years apart!! I look younger now than I did 3 years ago! I look healthier. I look happier. And it’s because I am!
Full disclosure, along with using waterless skincare products, I also use the JOVS 4D Laser Light Mask and do Gua Sha facial massage daily.
My Night Waterless Skincare Routine: Step-by-Step
My morning skincare routine is simple. My nightly skincare routine is not…haha! Now, I don’t want to scare you, I just want to be completely honest and let you know that I’m extra. Skincare is important to me so I make the investment in time and money to have healthy and happy skin as I age.
Here’s what I use each night, but you may prefer a simpler routine. But if you’re using waterless skincare products, you can’t go wrong with a simple or more involved routine. Your skin will love the ingredients and nourishment you give it!
Step 1: Melt the Day Away (1st + 2nd Cleanse)
I absolutely LOVE the cleansing balm as my first cleanse to remove my makeup and wash away any sweat, oil, and dirt from the day. It is a solid that liquifies as you put it on your face. It is so buttery smooth and so satisfying to rub into your skin!
For my second cleanse, I love using a gel cleanser. It suds up with the water and leaves your skin squeaky clean. I use a microfiber cloth for both steps.
Step 2: Reset & Rebalance Your Skin
After cleansing my skin and patting it dry, I apply toner. I like to spray it on my hands and then apply it to my skin. But you can also spray it directly onto your face and let it air dry or use a cotton pad to wipe your face. Toning is a step that a lot of women skip! But there are so many benefits for toning! It helps restore your skin’s natural pH levels, hydrate your skin, and prep your skin for all the other skincare products.
Step 3: Target with Serums
This step is flexible. Depending on what you want to target and treat, this step will be different every day. I practice skin cycling so my skin can heal between treatments. Here’s an idea of what this step may look like when skin cycling:
- SUNDAY- retinol
- MONDAY- exfoliate
- TUESDAY- retinol
- WEDNESDAY- serum only
- THURSDAY- retinol
- FRIDAY- exfoliate
- SATURDAY- mask
You can always apply just a serum nightly and that won’t be too harsh on your skin. But if you pair it with a retinol elixir, make sure to cycle. When using a retinol, I like to apply a few drops of serum in my hand and a few drops of elixir in my hand and lightly mix them together and then apply it evenly to my face. This helps the product absorb better into the skin.
Step 4: Nourish with Night Elixirs
On the nights when I use a retinol, this is when I use an elixir with my serum.
Here are some of my favorite serum and elixir pairings:
- F86 Hyaluronic Serum + F87 Corrective Kahai Elixir (retinol)(I use this combo the most!)
- F59 Corrective Face Serum + F65 Corrective Midnight Elixir (retinol)
- 002 Finer Pore Dope Face Elixir + 004 Dope Your Glow Face Oil Serum (retinol)
Step 5: Eye Care for Overnight Repair
I never ever skip this step! I want my under eyes to be hydrated and happy! I apply one small drop of eye elixir under each eye and rub it into my skin. I take any excess and rub it onto my eyelid. Then I lock in the elixir with eye cream.
Step 6: Lock in with Moisture
I finish everything off by applying face cream. I mostly use the Corrective Face Cream, but if my skin is feeling extra dry, then I love the Bioactive Face Balm.
Then I use lip balm to moisturize my lips! And I am done! I love going to bed like a glazed donut!
Why Waterless at Night = Results by Morning
When you use waterless skincare products, they are more potent and powerful. Applying them at night allows the products to absorb beautifully into your skin. When you wake up in the morning, your skin will feel baby smooth!
Shop My Oliveda Night Routine
The thing I love about skincare is that it’s customizable! Skincare isn’t a one size fits all so you can choose what products work best for your skin. These are the products that I personally use for my skin and my skin loves (!), but there might be better options for you!
You can take the Skin Quiz and get instant results on products for your skin type. When you purchase 2 or more of the recommendations, you get a free product! Or, you can fill out my skin questionnaire and I can create a custom skincare routine just for you!
Your nighttime routine isn’t just skincare…it’s self-care, soul-care, and skin reset time. Switching to a night waterless skincare routine with Oliveda has helped me wake up with calmer, glowier, and more balanced skin and the ritual itself is something I look forward to every evening. If you’re curious where to start or want help customizing your own waterless routine, just drop me an email or DM me on Instagram…I’m here to help you glow with purpose.
Here are other blogposts that you might enjoy:
- Unlock Radiant Skin with Oliveda’s Skincare
- The Benefits of Drinking Collagen Every Day
- The Truth About Oliveda — My Honest Review
- How to Fade Sun Damage Fast (Without Harsh Peels or Injections)
- Top 4 Non-Invasive Treatments for Firmer Skin (No Needles Required)
- The Best Skincare Tools for Tightening Skin at Home
- Collagen After 40: Why It Declines—And How to Boost It Naturally
About the Author
JoEllen is a licensed esthetician, certified makeup artist, and certified John Maxwell coach, speaker, and trainer. She works with women helping them look and feel confident. She loves teaching women simple beauty techniques so they can feel empowered to try it at home. Her motto is that when you look and feel good, you do good!
*This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase an item featured in this post, I get a small portion from the sale. Thank you! It does not affect you at all.
