Are you one of the many people who get confused about how your morning and nighttime skincare routines should differ from each other? If so, this guide is for you! Here are some things you should know about morning and nighttime skincare routines and how to choose which skincare serums and products to include in each.
Does the Order of Your Skincare Routine Matter?
There is a certain product application order you should follow if you want to get the best results from your daytime and nighttime skincare routines.
When you’re getting out your skincare products and determining which order you should use to apply them, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, oil and water don’t mix. What this means for you is that any products that are water-based should generally come before products that are oil-based. Otherwise, your water-based products will sit on top of the oil-based products and won’t be able to absorb as well into your skin.
Although water before oil is the general consensus, it isn’t a hard-and-fast rule. Nothing is totally impenetrable, so even if you apply an oil-based serum before a water-based moisturizer (because serum is generally intended for use before moisturizer), your moisturizer will still be able to absorb at least partially into your skin.
Second, you should allow each product layer you apply to your skin to dry completely before applying the next. This helps ensure optimal absorption. Don’t worry, this shouldn’t take as long as you might think. Most skincare products will dry completely within one to two minutes.
Third, if you have prescription skincare products that your dermatologist recommends you use, those instructions trump all others. For example, if your dermatologist says to use your skincare products in a certain order, follow that order as prescribed (even if it goes against the product application order most beauty experts recommend).
Morning Skincare Routine
Your morning skincare routine will protect your skin from free radical damage and prepare it for the pollutants it will likely face throughout the day. A good morning skincare routine might look like the following:
- Cleanse
- Apply a toner or astringent
- Apply a high-quality serum to the face and neck
- Use spot treatments as needed for blemishes
- Smooth moisturizer onto your face and neck
You may also want to apply an eye cream to the area beneath your eyes because most facial moisturizers aren’t intended for use under the eyes. If you plan to spend time outdoors, don’t forget to apply sunscreen as the final step in your morning skincare routine. This morning skincare routine will energize your skin and help you get your face ready for the day.
Nighttime Skincare Routine
Your nighttime skincare routine helps to nourish your skin and assist with skin cell rejuvenation. It’s all about providing optimal hydration and treating blemishes while you sleep. Here’s what a good nighttime skincare routine might look like:
- Cleanse
- Apply a nourishing serum to the face and neck
- Spot-treat any problem areas
- Smooth a nourishing night cream onto your face and neck
- Apply a hydrating under eye cream to the areas beneath your eyes
This routine will provide your skin with the hydrating and nourishing ingredients it needs to replenish itself through the night. It will also help calm the skin and repair damage done throughout the day.
Now that you know the difference between morning and nighttime skincare routines, it’s time to make sure you have the products you need for both. Find gentle face wash, toner, serums and moisturizers to keep your skin healthy and beautiful 24/7.
