By Shweta Tanwar Mukherjee | Founder, Shvtas

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After a long day of motherhood, work, screens, school pickups, and a million decisions…
your skin (and your mind) craves a reset.

My evening skincare ritual is not about “perfect skin” — it’s about slowing down, cleansing away the day, and telling my body: You’re safe. You did enough. Let’s rest.

Here’s my realistic, calming, oily-skin-friendly PM skincare routine — rooted in Ayurveda, clean beauty, and a bit of soul-care.

 

Step 1: Double Cleanse — Remove Makeup, Sunscreen & Pollution

I start with a gentle oil-based cleanser or micellar water to melt away sunscreen and pollution.
I alternate between:

• Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water

• Or a cleansing balm with neem or vetiver (try Forest Essentials or Earth Rhythm)

Followed by my trusted Tea Tree Face Wash (The Body Shop) to deep-clean without drying.

Ayurveda Insight: Removing ama (impurities) daily is essential to prevent skin disorders. Think of cleansing as a way to balance kapha and pitta doshas.

 

Step 2: Skin Soothing Tonic or Rosewater Splash

I mist my face with pure rosewater (like Kama Ayurveda or Juicy Chemistry) to tone and cool the skin.

• It calms inflammation

• Preps the skin for better absorption of serums

Bonus: The scent of rose calms the nervous system and heart chakra — perfect for winding down.

 

Step 3: Targeted Serum — Niacinamide or BHA (Alternating Nights)

Depending on how my skin feels:

• Niacinamide if I want glow and hydration

• Salicylic acid/BHA toner (Minimalist or Paula’s Choice) if I’ve had a sweaty, oily day

I never mix actives. Less is more. Just 2-3 drops, gently pressed in.

Modern Wisdom: Keep your skin barrier happy. Don’t overload — rotate actives thoughtfully.

 

Step 4: Face Massage with Lightweight Gel or Kumkumadi Oil (1–2x/week)

Most nights, I use a gel-based moisturizer (like ClayCo Night Gel )
But once or twice a week, I indulge in a slow Ayurvedic facial massage with Kumkumadi Tailam — only a drop or two.

• Promotes collagen

• Reduces pigmentation

• Aids lymphatic flow and better sleep

Ritual Tip: Use your ring finger for pressure points around eyes, jaw, and temples. Think of it as skincare + therapy.

 

Step 5: Lip + Eye Care

• A drop of cold-pressed almond oil or ghee on the lips

• Pure aloe vera gel dabbed gently around the eyes

Then I tie my hair in a loose braid, dim the lights, and sip warm tulsi Tea. My nervous system gets the message: time to switch off.

 

My PM Skincare Mantra:

“Release the day. Let the skin breathe. Let the mind soften.”

 

Evening Routine Recap:

1. Oil-based cleanse + Tea Tree Wash

2. Rosewater mist

3. Niacinamide OR BHA (alternate nights)

4. Moisturizer OR Kumkumadi face massage (1–2x/week)

5. Lip + eye care

6. Tea + breath + no screens after 10 PM (non-negotiable!)

 

The Shvtas Way:

I believe beauty isn’t just about clear skin — it’s about energy, presence, rest, and nourishment.

So if you’re too tired for the whole routine?
Just cleanse, moisturize, and breathe. That’s enough.
You’re enough.

Do you have an evening ritual that helps you sleep better — skincare or otherwise?
Share your night-time sacred secrets with me in the comments