What Skincare Should You Use in the Morning vs. Evening?
Many of my clients come to me looking for a simple skincare routine with the least amount of steps possible. This is entirely understandable considering the fast-paced lives we live, and I’m sure many of you feel the same. The simpler the better is correct in theory, but it can also lead to a few problems when it comes to skincare. Oversimplified routines usually look like using a cleanser and a moisturizer both morning and night and calling it good. As much as I wish this could be enough on behalf of all of us, unfortunately, our skin has unique needs in the morning and unique needs at night. In this blog, I want to provide education for why you should have a few separate products that you use specifically in your morning or night routine.
Which Products are Necessary for Your Morning Routine?
If you know me or estheticians in general, I am sure you can guess which product is essential for the morning - yes I am referring to SPF. Although it can seem like an extra step or a hassle, SPF is essential to apply as the last step of your daily, morning routine. No matter what skin tone you have, or what you plan on doing each day, an SPF of at least 30 is a must for everyone every single day! Mineral sunblock may be preferable, if you are pregnant, nursing or have known skin sensitivities such as rosacea or melasma. Nowadays there are many mineral sunblock formulations with a tint and a comfortable formula that will minimize white cast and layer comfortably.
Another skincare ingredient that is great for a morning skincare regimen is Vitamin C. This is because Vitamin C is an antioxidant and protects your skin from radical damage from UV rays, which cause signs of aging. A high quality Vitamin C will also enhance the effectiveness of your SPF. In order for Vitamin C products to be effective look for a serum with an adequate concentration of at least 15%.
Which Products are Necessary for Your Night Routine?
Double cleansing is something that I recommend for a nightly skincare routine, specifically if you wear makeup or work a job that leaves you extra sweaty or dirty. One cleanse is a good start, but it will not remove all traces of dirt, debris or makeup from your pores; especially hard to reach areas. Start with a gentle cleanser or makeup removing balm that removes the majority of the makeup or dirt and then follow with a second cleanser that is either active or targeted for your skin type and concerns.
The ingredients that you should use in your nighttime regimen are ingredients that are exfoliating, which include hydroxy acids and retinols. These ingredients resurface the skin, ridding it of dead skin cells. It also photosensitizes your skin, meaning it can make your skin more susceptible to sun damage. Honestly, if you aren’t wearing sunscreen on a daily basis you should not be using exfoliants or anti-aging treatments of any kind. If you are religious about your sun protection, then using these ingredients at night when you won’t be exposed to the sun immediately after is the best route.
If you tend towards dry skin, your night regimen is a great time to use thicker creams or oils. These products are difficult to wear under makeup and may feel too heavy for daytime use. Using a thick replenishing night cream or nourishing oil as your last step before going to bed is the perfect time to give your dry skin that extra boost while you sleep.
Follow these general rules when choosing products for your daily and nightly skincare routines and you will see results! Basic products like a gentle cleanser or moisturizer are fine for any time of day. But if you are still unsure of when to use certain products that you have, consult with a Pomp Esthetician who can help create a skincare regimen that makes sense for you and your skin.
