Timing of your day may be different depending on a number of different elements of your day. You may need to get to work incredibly early in the morning and therefore you may have more time to focus on your skincare routine at night. Some people need to get kids and grand kids off to school in the morning so they may not be in as much of a rush when the alarm goes off and have time to focus on a skincare routine then.
The age old question is, which one is better? A morning skincare routine or one that you do in the evening? The truth to this question is that there is no right or wrong answer. The answer is consistency. If you have time in the morning to do your skincare every morning, then that is the time that works best for you. If you only can get to it before your head hits the pillow at night, then that's the answer for you.
Whatever your schedule allows as long as you remain consistent and thorough with your skincare routine you will be doing just fine in keeping your skin looking and feeling great. With that being said, there are some things you should know about doing your skincare in the morning or doing your skincare in the evening. Here are some things to think about depending on when you are doing your routine.
AM Routine: Focus on Protection and Preparation: Your morning routine is all about shielding your skin from environmental aggressors like UV rays and pollution. Key products include a gentle cleanser, antioxidant serum (like Vitamin C), lightweight moisturizer, and most importantly, a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
PM Routine: Prioritize Repair and Renewal: The evening is when your skin naturally works to repair itself. Your PM routine should focus on cleansing away the day's impurities, using active ingredients like retinoids or exfoliating acids, and applying a richer moisturizer to aid in overnight recovery.
You can see that the process should be different depending on when you are performing your skincare routine, but there are some things that remain true no matter what time of day you are performing your skincare.
Cleansing is Key, But Timing Matters: While cleansing is essential both morning and night, you might opt for a gentler cleanse in the AM to remove any overnight product and sebum buildup, and a more thorough double cleanse in the PM to effectively remove makeup, sunscreen, and pollutants.
Layering Logic: Apply Products Thinest to Thickest: Regardless of whether it's your AM or PM routine, the general rule of thumb for product application is from thinnest to thickest consistency. This ensures each product can properly absorb into the skin.
These are general guidelines, but your skin's needs can vary. Pay attention to how your skin feels and adjust your product choices and routine based on factors like the season, your skin's current condition, and any specific concerns you're addressing.
Whether you're operating your skincare routine in the morning or in the evening, if you are consistently doing your skincare you are going to see results over time. Be patient and make adjustments as needed and before you know it your skin will be glowing and look youthful all-day long.
