Your morning coffee isn’t the only thing that can boost your energy and get you ready to take on the day. A good skincare routine, whether you do it in the morning or before bed, can make a big difference in how your skin looks and feels. A skincare routine goes beyond just cleansing your face. It also involves keeping your skin hydrated, addressing any specific concerns, and protecting it from the environment.
If glowing skin is your goal, you may be wondering whether your routine should change depending on the time of day. The answer is yes—it should!
In this simple guide, we’ll explain the key differences between morning and nighttime skincare routines and show you how to use each to achieve your healthiest, most radiant skin.
Morning Skin Care Routine Steps
Morning skincare routines focus on preventing damage by protecting your skin. Since you will be out in the open, it's important to use moisturiser and sunscreen.
Step 1: Cleanser
Start your day by using a mild cleanser to wash away any dirt or oil that built up on your skin while you sleep. Choose a cleanser with calming ingredients like aloe vera or lavender to help reduce any redness or irritation.
Use warm (not hot) water to apply the cleanser, gently massaging it onto your damp skin in circular motions. Wash your face with lukewarm water, then gently blot it dry using a soft towel.
Step 2: Toner
Toners can either hydrate your skin or help remove any remaining oil and dirt, depending on their ingredients. While toning isn't a must in the morning, it can be helpful for those with dry or acne-prone skin. To use, soak a cotton pad with toner and gently press it onto your face. If you have acne-prone or oily skin, focus on your "T-zone" area (forehead, nose, and chin).
Step 3: Spot Treatment
If you have a blemish, use a treatment that targets it directly. Pick a product that won’t dry out your skin, with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to reduce swelling and speed up healing. Apply a small amount to the area and let it dry before continuing with the next step in your routine.
Step 4: Serum
Serums with vitamin C or E are full of antioxidants that protect your skin from environmental factors like pollution and UV rays. Gently massage a few drops of serum into your face and neck to ensure it is completely absorbed before applying other products. These serums help brighten your skin, giving you a fresh morning glow.
Step 5: Moisturiser
Applying moisturiser to your face and neck helps keep your skin hydrated and protected throughout the day. This step is key to repairing your skin's barrier, the outer layer that protects it. Even people with oily skin need moisture to keep their skin balanced and prevent it from producing too much oil.
Step 6: Eye Serum or Cream
Eye Serum is lightweight and formulated with concentrated active ingredients designed to penetrate deeper into the delicate skin under your eyes. They often target specific concerns like reducing puffiness or diminishing the appearance of fine lines with ingredients such as caffeine, peptides, or hyaluronic acid. Eye creams are not necessary, but they can provide extra moisture and hydration to the skin under your eyes. To apply, gently dab the cream under your eyes using your ring finger.
Step 7: Sunscreen
No morning skincare routine is complete without sunscreen. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to shield your skin from harmful UV rays, which are the main cause of early ageing and skin damage. Apply sunscreen to your face and neck, and be sure to reapply every 2-3 hours if you’re in direct sunlight.
For more targeted eye care tips, check out our blog on Eye Care Routine, which dives into daily habits and products for healthy eyes.
Night Skin Care Routine Steps
A night skincare routine helps remove dirt and impurities from the day while hydrating your skin. It can also address issues like dry skin, acne, dark spots, or fine lines as you sleep. Going to bed with a clean face gives your skin a chance to repair itself, as new skin cells work to fix any damage. Here’s how you can structure your nighttime routine.
Step 1: Cleanser
Cleansing your face before bed helps eliminate the dirt and oils that accumulate throughout the day. You can use the same gentle, oil-based, or acne-fighting cleanser in both the morning and evening. The key difference at night is that you might also need to remove makeup with an oil-free makeup remover or do a double cleanse.
Step 2: Toner
A hydrating mist or toner finishes your nighttime cleansing routine. Choose products with ingredients like lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin to give your skin a boost of moisture. Toners can also help remove any leftover residue and balance your skin’s pH. Be careful not to use toners with too much alcohol, as they can irritate your skin or harm its protective barrier.
Step 3: Spot Treatment
Anti-inflammatory products are perfect for blemishes with visible heads. Afterwards, use a spot treatment to target the area. Spot treatments that dry up visibly work well at night. You can continue using them to treat pimples or fade dark spots while you sleep. For pimples, try a treatment with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. For dark spots or hyperpigmentation, you can use treatments with hydroquinone or kojic acid.
Step 4: Face Serums or Acne Treatments
Using a nighttime serum or all-over acne treatment is optional, but adding one can help with acne and fine lines. Just be sure to choose only one to avoid overloading your skin with too many active ingredients. Some serums also work as chemical exfoliators, removing dead skin cells that can make your skin look dull and clog pores. If you have dry skin, consider a hydrating serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, peptides, or ceramides.
Step 5: Eye Serum or Cream
Using an eye serum or cream at night can help address tired eyes, fine lines, and ageing. Eye serums are lightweight with concentrated ingredients like peptides and caffeine to target puffiness and fine lines, while eye creams are richer, providing deep hydration and promoting collagen production. Choose a formula with antioxidants and peptides for repair and anti-ageing benefits. Apply a small amount with clean hands or an applicator, gently tapping it into the under-eye area to avoid damaging the delicate skin. Leaving it overnight allows for maximum absorption and results.
Step 6: Moisturiser or Night Cream
At night, you can use your regular moisturiser or choose a thicker night cream. Night creams are designed to support your skin's repair process overnight and are usually richer than your daily moisturiser. Either way, moisturising at night is important to replenish the moisture and hydration your skin loses during the day.
Step 7: Face Oil
Face oils are an optional step in your nighttime routine that can provide extra moisture and hydration. After moisturising, gently massage a few drops of face oil onto your face and neck. Oils with fatty acids, like argan or coconut oil, are great for dry skin that needs additional moisture.
A Quick Recap on Skin Care Routine Order Morning and Night
Your morning and evening skincare routines make up the foundation of your beauty care. By learning the purpose of each routine and using products that match your individual goals, you give your skin the best chance to thrive. Consistency is what truly makes a difference. With each routine, you’re not only taking care of your skin but also strengthening your overall sense of self-care and wellness. For a well-rounded approach to addressing under-eye concerns, consider including a Dark Circle Corrector as part of your regimen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a morning or nighttime skincare routine better?
The main difference between morning and nighttime skincare routines is their purpose. Morning routines focus on protecting your skin from daily stress, while nighttime routines are all about repairing damage and encouraging skin regeneration to fight ageing.
Should serums be used in the morning or at night?
It depends on the serum. Serums containing vitamin C, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid deliver the best results in the morning. Others, like retinol, should only be used at night because they make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
In what order should you use your skincare essentials?
At the very least, your skincare routine should include cleansing, moisturising, and sunscreen, in that order. For extra care, add treatments that target issues like acne or fine lines, such as a serum, spot treatment, or retinol.
Can I use toner every day?
It depends on the type of toner. Balancing toners can be used twice daily after cleansing, but astringent toners should be limited to once or twice a week. For dry skin, stick to using toner only once a month to avoid over-exfoliation, which can disrupt your skin’s barrier and cause dehydration.
What’s the best routine for dry skin?
If you have dry skin, prioritise deep hydration and reinforcing your skin’s natural protective barrier. Follow the basic steps of skincare, but choose gentle products that add and lock in moisture instead of those that might be too harsh or drying.
What is a simple skincare routine?
A simple skincare routine has fewer steps but still keeps your skin healthy. It typically involves makeup removal, gentle cleansing, treating any blemishes, applying sunscreen in the morning, and moisturising before bed. Customise the routine to suit your skin type and lifestyle.
