The AM TO PM Skin Care Routine You Need For Healthy Skin
Having a good am to pm skin care routine is essential for keeping your skin healthy and looking its best. But with so many different products and methods out there, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this simple but effective skin care routine that you can use both morning and night. Just follow these steps and you’ll soon see a noticeable difference in your skin!
For as long as I can remember, skin care has always been important to me even as a teenager. Once I learned about sun damage, skin nourishment, and how to properly care for my skin, I started to develop a habit of taking proper care of it. And it totally was out of habit. I wanted to have good skin always, I loved my skin and so I really did create a habit out of that.
Of course EVERYONE’s skin is different and some of you have skin concerns and conditions that I don’t have, so you should always consult your dermatologist for customized advice if need be. I’m NOT a professional, I’m just sharing my own skin care routine with you in case you’re looking for a regimen to incorporate into your daily routine.
Here is the routine that I follow on a daily basis:
MORNING SKIN CARE ROUTINE
In the morning:
1. Cleanse
Cleansers are meant to remove any excess dirt or makeup that may have been left behind overnight. Use a gentle cleanser that won’t strip the skin of its natural oils. So this is the first step for my morning routine.
I typically use a mild facial cleanser and really have a preference for a foaming face wash. I am also quite literally obsessed with foaming face washes. Even though they may not be the best for your skin. I do find that if I am ever to use a cream cleanser or gentle cleanser, it’s more likely to be in the morning.
2.Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C serums are known for their anti-aging and brightening benefits. They help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, sun spots, and acne scars while evening out skin tone. I use a Vitamin C serum with antioxidants like green tea or pomegranate extract for added benefits.
3.Hyaularonic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid helps to keep skin hydrated and plump by drawing moisture from the environment and locking it in. It can also help protect against environmental stressors like pollutants, wind, and sun exposure. I use a Hyaluronic Acid serum after cleansing my face every morning.
4.Sunscreen
Using sunscreen every day is an absolute must! Sunscreen helps to protect your skin from sun damage, premature aging, and worsening of existing skin conditions. Always make sure to use a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher.
I like to apply a layer of sunscreen with my moisturizer in the morning for added protection against damaging UVA/UVB rays. I typically will use a moisturizer that already contains sunscreen in the morning.
NIGHTTIME SKIN CARE ROUTINE
1. Double Cleanse
Double cleansing means using an oil cleanser to dissolve makeup, oils, and dirt and then following up with a water-based cleanser to get rid of any remaining residue. This ensures that your pores are thoroughly, so I like to use an oil cleanser at times if I wear makeup.
If you’re not really known to use makeup, you might be able to get away with just one cleanse but if you do wear makeup, double cleansing is a must!
Sunscreens can also leave a film however, so it is a good idea to double cleanse. A micellar water will also do the trick beforehand.
I like to start with an oil cleanser and then use a water-based cleanser after. I prefer to use an oil cleanser because it helps to dissolve all of the dirt, makeup, and oils that can build up on the skin throughout the day.
And just a note on cleansers: the evening is when I’ll use any exfoliating cleansers like a glycolic face wash. These types of cleansers are a bit stronger and can leave skin feeling a bit dry, so I only opt for these in the evening because I know i’ll be following with a rich moisturizer at the end of my routine.
2. Toner
Toners help balance out the skin’s pH levels while removing any remaining impurities. It also helps prep your skin for further steps in your routine by softening and hydrating it. For this step, I recommend using an alcohol-free toner without added fragrances or dyes.
Most nights I’ll use a clarifying toner. However, some nights I might opt for a glycolic toner, instead of a face wash when I feel like I need it.
3.Retinol Serum /Lactic Acid / Glycolic Acid
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that helps to reduce wrinkles, acne scarring, and hyperpigmentation while encouraging skin cell turnover. It can be used both morning and night but I prefer to use it at night because it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s rays.
Lactic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that helps to exfoliate the skin and reduce discolorations. It can also help to improve skin texture, boost hydration and firmness, as well as reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Glycolic Acid is another type of alpha hydroxy acid that helps to dissolve dead skin cells from the surface of your skin and unclog pores. It can help to brighten your complexion, even out skin tone, and reduce acne breakouts.
One thing to note is that any form of glycolic acids, retinols, or lactic acids should not be used on the same night! They can be overkill and abrasive on the skin so if you do use a glycolic face wash, use retinol on an alternate night.
4. Eye Cream
I always make sure to put on an eye cream before any rich moisturizer as the skin there is quite thin. Eye creams provide specialized care for the delicate skin around your eyes that can be prone to wrinkles, dryness, and puffiness. I like to use a rich formula that helps to hydrate, plump, and brighten this area of my face.
5. Rich Moisturizer
Moisturizing is essential at the end of any skincare routine! It helps to lock in all the ingredients from your serums as well as replenish moisture levels in the skin. Be sure to choose one that suits your skin type; if you have oily skin look for lighter formulas like gel moisturizers and if you have dry skin opt for heavier creams.
A rich moisturizer will help lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated throughout the night. Making sure you’re well hydrated before bed will help your skin stay healthy looking and glowing! I like moisturizers that contain hyaluronic so I can just skin that step. And on the nights where I might need a little bit more I’ll use an occlusive like a face oil or petrolatum to seal in all the moisture.
There you have it – my morning to nighttime skincare routine! It might seem like a lot, but once you get into the habit it’ll become second nature! And again, your routine might be a little different depending on what your own skin needs to flourish. Always keep in mind that the routine or skin care brands that what may work for me or someone else may not necessarily work for you. And remember if you don’t know where to start with skin care products skin care sets are also a good option for testing out a range from a brand!
Ask your dermatologist or esthetician if you have any questions about what products to use and how often, so that you can get the best results out of your routine! Incorporating regular skincare into your daily life can make all the difference in achieving glowing, healthy skin.
And don’t forget to keep up with your morning routine as well for maximum benefits. What’s your routine, let me know in the comments! Happy glowing skin everyone! 🙂
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