Am vs pm skincare routine: Everything you need to know

Am vs Pm skincare routine

Having a morning and night skincare routine that you’re consistent with is all you need to maintain healthy glowing skin. But did you know that there is a slight difference between your morning and night skincare routines? Yes, some products should not be used in the mornings at all, and some that are made for your nighttime routine specifically.

In this post, I’m to give you the ultimate am vs pm skincare routine comparison. Let’s get into it.

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Am vs pm skincare routine: products that you should include in both your morning and night routines.

Cleanser

using a cleanser both in the morning and at night is so important and this step can’t be skipped. Cleansing is always the first step of any skincare routine and helps in getting rid of makeup, impurities, and excess oil from the skin. It provides a clean slate for your other products to absorb.

 

Toner/Toner pad

Although using a toner is optional, I highly recommend you use one. A toner is used after cleansing to balance the skin’s pH, remove any remaining traces of dirt, and prepare the skin for subsequent products. Read this toner pads vs toner comparison post if you want to know the difference between the two.

 

Serum(s)

Serums are concentrated skincare products containing active ingredients designed to address specific concerns. They typically have a lighter consistency than creams or lotions, allowing for easy absorption into the skin. Serums are formulated with a higher concentration of active compounds, such as vitamins, antioxidants, or peptides, making them potent and effective in targeting particular skincare issues.

Although you can use serums in your am and pm skincare routine, take your time to learn about the types of serums that should be used in the mornings and those meant for night routines.

For your morning skincare routine, I recommend you go for antioxidant serums such as serums with vitamin C, Niacinamide serums, and serums that are focused on hydration and soothing such as those with hyaluronic acid, propolis, Centella, panthenol, etc

For your night skincare routine, go for serums that are more focused on repairing and rejuvenating the skin. These include retinol serums, peptide serums, serums with glycolic acids, Ahas, and BHAs.

 

Moisturizer

A moisturizer is essential in both your regimen to hydrate and nourish your skin. Even if you have an oily skin, you still need a moisturizer. Just find the right one for your skin type.

 

Am vs pm skincare routine: products that should be used only in the morning

Sunscreen

Using sunscreen every morning as your last step is very important. Sunscreen is a topical product that protects the skin from harmful UV radiation from the sun. It works by absorbing or reflecting UV rays, preventing sunburn, and premature aging, and reducing the risk of skin cancer.

Remember always to use sunscreen even if you’re at home or if it’s cloudy or raining outside. Also, ensure your sunscreen has an SPF of 30 and above. I always go for SPF50 because the higher the SPF, the greater the protection.

Sunsticks are also another get alternative although I will recommend you use them for reapplication only during the day.

Am vs pm skincare routine: products that should be used only in the night.

Cleansing oils

Adding a cleansing oil to my pm skincare routine brought a huge difference to my skin. Cleansing oil is designed to remove impurities, makeup, and excess oil from the skin. It is formulated with oils, which help dissolve and lift away debris without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

This is the first step of my night skincare routine. Always apply a cleansing oil and rub it all over my face to break down any makeup and sunscreen I have on and then add a little water to emulsify it. After, I rinse it and go in a normal cleanser for the second time. This is called double cleansing. It makes sure my skin is all clean and no residue is left.

 

Eye creams

Eye creams should be used at night and I love how using one made my under eyes so much brighter and less puffy.

 

Retinol products

All retinol products should be used at night only. Adding retinol to your night skincare routine can help you get rid of your dark spots faster because retinol promotes cell turnover, reduces fine lines, and helps with collagen production. This should be used just once or twice a week till your skin adjusts.

 

Chemical exfoliants

Any chemical exfoliants whether in the form of a toner or serum should be used at night only. This is because these chemicals increase your skin sensitivity and when used in the morning can damage the skin.

Using them at night has many benefits because they help to remove dead skin cells, improve skin texture, and enhance skin renewal.

Final thoughts on am vs pm skincare routine

I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I did while writing it. I also hope you’ve finally learned the difference between your morning and night skincare routine and won’t mix things up.

Don’t forget to grab my skincare planner if you’re interested in keeping your skincare products organized.