How to transform your nighttime skin care routine into a luxurious wind-down ritual

Big Night In is a series where Canadian experts and creatives share advice on how to spend a magical night at home. It's the ultimate guide to staying in — whether solo or with friends — featuring thoughtfully curated ideas that are anything but routine.

You might have a consistent skincare routine that you rush through every morning and night just to get it done. But have you ever slowed down and dedicated an entire evening to a full wind-down ritual of skincare and sleep prep? It's a chance to go beyond the basics and blend beauty with serious relaxation. 

"Intentionally setting aside time for yourself is what makes this night so special; it's a lovely way to practise self-love," said Calysa Stewart, an esthetician and massage therapist who specializes in face massage. 

She recommends setting the tone for a restorative evening by saying a few words of gratitude — an easy but meaningful way to shift into a more mindful state. From there, she suggests grabbing a cleansing balm or oil and doing some lymphatic massage, which may help to reduce puffiness and improve circulation to the skin. (Just make sure this type of massage is safe for you, as people with certain health conditions should avoid it.)

If you don't have a gua sha stone, use the pads of your fingers and the palms of your hands to apply pressure to key areas such as the neck and collarbones. "Light, circular motions, pumping motions and long strokes are key when performing lymphatic facial massages on yourself," she said. "Always work in the direction of lymph flow — from the extremities toward the heart."

Intentionally setting aside time for yourself is what makes this night so special; it's a lovely way to practise self-love.

Another practice you might want to include in your special night could be indulging in a warm Epsom salt bath with lavender while wearing a face mask, she says. There are plenty of masks that are good for all skin types, but some of Stewart's favourites focus on hydration and brightening, and include ingredients like snail mucin and centella asiatica extract.

Skincare is only part of the nighttime ritual as you close down for the day. After placing your phone outside the bedroom to minimize distraction, Stewart suggests doing some light stretching and focusing on mindful breathing, which she says allows her to "reduce stress, lower anxiety and improve focus." Then, prime yourself a restful sleep with a few sips of a soothing tea. 

"A cooler room can [also] promote deeper, more restorative sleep by encouraging the production of melatonin," Stewart said, so go ahead and dial down the thermostat before you drift off.