Does it matter what time of day you do skincare?

Author: Dr. Judson Schneider  |  Last update: Sunday, November 16, 2025

Depending on your skin type, you can use the same product morning and night, or you may choose one that contains SPF in the morning and a creamier, more hydrating product at night.

Does it matter what time I do my skincare routine?

In the evening, it's recommended that you do your routine right before bed because the longer you wait, the more likely you are to touch your face and spread germs.

What is the 4 2 4 rule in skincare?

The 4-2-4 rule is a detailed cleansing routine that involves a four-minute oil massage, a two-minute cleanse with a water-based cleanser and a four-minute rinse with warm and cold water. Read ahead to know about the Japanese double cleanse routine, and what experts have to say about it.

What is the best time to do skincare?

Why wait? After months of trying this out, I can firmly conclude that the best time to start your skincare routine is as soon as you get home from work. Or school. Or wherever—let's say anytime between 6PM and 8PM on weeknights (do as you please on your days off).

Is it better to have a skincare routine at night or morning?

At its simplest, your morning skincare routine should include a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. At night, you can cleanse and moisturize. From there, you can add toners, serums, treatments, retinol, and oils that serve your skin type.

Dermatologist Shares the Best Order to Apply Your Skincare Products (PM Skincare Routine)

Why is skincare better at night?

When you sleep your skin regenerates and repairs itself, so this is the best time to give your skin a little more TLC and apply your key ingredients. Keep reading to discover top tips from our dermatologist, Dr. Nina Desai, on how to build the best nighttime skincare routine for your complexion.

What is the correct order to apply skincare?

  1. Step 1: Cleansing. Start with the basics: skin cleansing. ...
  2. Step 2: Exfoliation. Eliminate impurities and dead cells by carrying out an effective exfoliation. ...
  3. Step 3: Mask. Apply a mask specific for you. ...
  4. Step 4: Toner. ...
  5. Step 5: Serum or concentrate. ...
  6. Step 6: Eye contour. ...
  7. Step 7: Moisturising cream. ...
  8. Step 8: Sun protection!

Is AM or PM skincare more important?

Well, the simplest way to explain it is each time of day has a different role: morning routines are for prevention + protection, while evening routines are for repair + correction.

Is it okay to skip skincare for a night?

Skipping your nighttime skincare routine can have detrimental consequences for your skin's health and appearance.

What is the best time of day to get a facial?

The best time of day to get a facial is typically in the late afternoon or early evening. During these hours, your skin has had time to recover from the morning's environmental stressors, and you are less likely to be exposed to intense sunlight or pollutants afterward.

Can you layer too much skincare?

Chances are, if your skin is becoming oilier, drier, sensitive, red, flaky, or even painful, you might be overdoing it. The products you use may include extremely effective active ingredients, but mixing and matching them incorrectly can cause negative results like irritation and inflammation.

How do Japanese wash their face?

I did some further research and came across the concept of the 4-2-4 method; it's a system where you start with an oil and you massage your skin for four minutes, then you layer your skin with a cream cleanser on top and you massage for two minutes to emulsify the oil, and then you rinse for four minutes—which for some ...

What is the rule of 7 skincare?

In a nutshell, it involves applying up to seven layers of toner in between your cleanser and moisturiser - yes 7 layers! In Korea, toners are commonly referred to as 'skins', so the 7 skin method actually means 7 toner method. It might sound a bit strange to add a product to your skin upto 7 times.

Can I skip my morning skincare routine?

Washing your face in the morning is not bad for your skin. In fact, it's an essential part of any well-rounded skincare routine. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends washing your face in the morning, before bed, and after sweating—regardless of your skin type.

Is toner necessary?

Is toner necessary? Toner is not an essential part of your skincare regime but something of an extra boost that can enhance and enrich your routine. For many skincare enthusiasts, it's a must!

Is it better to do skincare after shower or before bed?

As a general rule, you should always do your skincare routine after shower. With the exception of toners and other alcohol-based products that can be applied to damp skin, applying skincare products while the pores are open is ideal because they absorb better into the skin.

Should you wash your face after waking up?

We say yes! Overnight, skin renews and cell production increases, meaning there's reason to cleanse and refresh in the morning. Cleansing first thing wakes up sleepy skin, removes oil, dead skin cells, impurities from pores, and gives you a balanced base ready for your next skincare steps.

Can I skip moisturizer if I use serums?

In most cases, it's best to use serum after cleansing and before moisturizing. You can also use serum alone without added moisturizer, but this may reduce the power of the serum's active ingredients.

Is it OK to not do skincare everyday?

If you're wondering whether you can do skincare every day, the answer is a resounding yes! In fact, maintaining a daily skincare routine is vital for keeping your skin healthy, radiant, and youthful-looking.

What does toner do to your face?

The primary goal of toner is to help balance the skin's pH level and remove impurities left on the skin after cleansing—including residual dirt, oil, and makeup. “A toner is best used after cleansing the skin,” says Dr. Portela, “to help remove leftover residue and lock in moisture.” According to Dr.

Is it better to treat acne in the morning or at night?

Just a few minutes twice daily will be sufficient. It's important to apply acne treatment as directed by your dermatology provider, whether it's morning, evening, or both, to be effective.

What is the first rule of skincare?

Rule 1: Determine your skin type

To do so, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and don't apply any of your other skincare products. Wait a while after washing and examine your natural skin texture and tone closely. If you look in the mirror and see that your skin is shiny, you have oily skin.

What is the 7 method skincare?

So, what is the '7 Skin Method'? In a nutshell, this is a skincare regimen where 7 layers of your toner are patted on and layered in succession. (Interesting note: 'skin' and 'toner' are the same word in Korean.)

How to get clear skin?

Follow these tips for gentle skin care:
  1. Limit bath time. Some experts say it's ideal to bathe for no longer than five minutes at a time. ...
  2. Don't use strong soaps. Strong soaps and detergents can strip oil from the skin. ...
  3. Shave carefully. ...
  4. Pat dry. ...
  5. Moisturize dry skin.

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