Is it better to have a day skin routine or night skin routine?

Author: Hettie Heller  |  Last update: Tuesday, November 11, 2025

After the whole day, having a nighttime skincare routine is essential for maintaining healthy and beautiful skin. As the morning routine should focus on preparing the skin for the day, a night routine should focus on nourishing the skin with hydrating and restorative products. This should always start with cleansing.

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

While some skincare products can be used both day and night, there are key differences. In the morning, it's crucial to apply sunscreen, whereas at night, your skin may benefit from richer, hydrating products and treatments like retinol, which works best while you sleep.

What is the best time for a skin care routine?

The best time to apply skincare is typically after cleansing your face, both in the morning and before bedtime. In the morning, your skin is clean from overnight, and applying products helps protect it from environmental stressors throughout the day.

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.

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 Perfect Nighttime Skin Care Routine? - Dr. Anthony Youn

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 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!

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.

What is the most important skincare routine?

How to find the most effective skincare routine
  1. Step 1: Cleanser. Use a cleanser morning and evening to remove debris, oil and make up. ...
  2. Step 2: Exfoliant (AHA or BHA) Exfoliants remove dead skin and clean out pores for a healthier and more radiant skin. ...
  3. Step 3 AM: Moisturiser with SPF. ...
  4. Step 3 PM: Moisturiser (without SPF)

Is hyaluronic acid better for AM or PM?

If you have dehydrated skin, use hyaluronic acid serum both in the morning and at night. In the morning, it might help hydrate your skin and prepare it for the day ahead. At night, it might help repair and rejuvenate your skin while you sleep. Be sure to follow up with a moisturizer to lock in the hydration.

Should I do skincare immediately 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.

How to get glass skin?

Here are a few clear skin tips to help you on your journey toward healthy-looking glass skin.
  1. Double cleanse. ...
  2. Use an exfoliator. ...
  3. Apply a hydrating serum. ...
  4. Reach for a sheet mask. ...
  5. Layer on a lightweight moisturizer. ...
  6. Always finish with sunscreen.

How do I know if my skin care routine is good?

How to Know Skin Care Is Working
  1. You Have Even-Toned Skin. The most apparent sign that your skincare routine is working is a uniform skin tone. ...
  2. You Have Less Acne. ...
  3. Your Skin Feels Smooth to the Touch. ...
  4. Your Skin Is Hydrated. ...
  5. Your Skin Itches Less Frequently. ...
  6. Your Skin Heals Faster.

What are the 5 basics of skin care?

Skin care: 5 tips for healthy skin
  • Protect yourself from the sun. One of the most important ways to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. ...
  • Don't smoke. Smoking makes skin look older and plays a part in wrinkles forming. ...
  • Treat your skin gently. ...
  • Eat a healthy diet. ...
  • Manage stress.

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!

How much times a day should I do my skincare routine?

Twice per day, morning and night.

Cleansing and toning work together like shampoo and conditioner: Both steps help keep the skin as healthy as possible.

What is scientifically the best skincare routine?

The Best Skincare Routine, According To An Expert
  1. Step 1: Start With A Cleanser Specific To Your Skin Type. ...
  2. Step 2: Add Brightening Pads To Your Routine. ...
  3. Step 3: Use An Antioxidant Serum. ...
  4. Step 4: Incorporate A Retinol. ...
  5. Step 5: Use A Moisturizer With Niacinamide. ...
  6. Step 6: Apply Sunscreen. ...
  7. Step 7: Make An Annual In-Office Plan.

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.

How to get clear skin?

Say yes to a healthy and spot-less complexion by following these 7 clear skin tips:
  1. Always wear sunscreen. ...
  2. Don't skip exfoliation. ...
  3. Use face serum and apply a moisturiser daily. ...
  4. Always remove makeup before bed. ...
  5. Indulge in face steam session. ...
  6. Popping pimples is a big NO. ...
  7. Manage stress, stay hydrated & eat a balanced diet.

Why not wash your face in the morning?

Dry skin types typically lack sufficient natural oils, and over-washing can further weaken the skin's already fragile barrier. By not washing your face in the morning, you allow your skin to retain its natural moisture, especially if you've applied hydrating serums or creams the night before.

What is the correct order of skin care?

How to Layer Your Skincare Products in the Right Order
  1. Step 1: Cleanser.
  2. Step 2: Toner.
  3. Step 3: Spot Treatment.
  4. Step 4: Serums.
  5. Step 5: Retinol.
  6. Step 6: Eye Cream.
  7. Step 7: Moisturizer.
  8. Step 8: Face Oils.

How do I know my skin type?

To start, wash your face with a gentle cleanser, then pat it dry using a soft towel. Next, wait for 30 minutes and take a close look at your skin in the mirror. If your skin appears shiny all over, you likely have oily skin. Flaky, rough, or tight-feeling skin signals that you have dry skin.

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 to put on face overnight?

Hydrate with a nourishing moisturizer: To achieve a glowing complexion, moisturizing is essential. Choose a hydrating moisturizer that suits your skin type and contains nourishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, or aloe vera. Apply it to your face and neck, massaging it gently until fully absorbed.

Do you put retinol or hyaluronic acid first?

HA provides hydration, which can counteract the potential drying effects of retinoids. Since Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a water-based serum, it would be applied first and then after, you would apply retinoids, such as Retinol 1% in Squalane, as it's an anhydrous formulation.

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