A skincare routine is not just about cleansing, it also involves taking deep care of your skin and protecting it from harmful elements. At the most basic level, we often assume that a skincare routine consists of cleansing, moisturizing, and sunscreen. However, to get that glow from within, there are certain routines that may be best suited for every stage of the day.
“When it comes to adopting a skincare routine, knowing your skin type and concerns is imperative to achieve optimal results. Each routine has its own distinct purpose and includes additional products to treat your skin conditions – oily, dry, ageing and acne-prone skin. To get that rejuvenated and extra glowing skin, it is recommended to understand the importance of a morning and night skincare routine and formulate products to meet your goals and tackle specific concerns,” says Dr Anandita Sarkar, Medical Director – Ayana Clinic and Clinically. (Also read: Bridal Beauty Guide: 9 Essential Skin Care Tips for a Perfect Wedding Glow ,
Dr Anandita shares the main differences between morning and night skin care routines with HT Lifestyle.
morning skin care routine
Just as you dedicate your morning to preparing for the day, your morning skincare routine works in the same way. It prepares your skin to tackle your daily chores and protects it from dirt and oil accumulated during the night. This is the step when you add extra layers of protection from sunlight (UV rays) and pollution. Your morning routine acts as a safeguard to protect your skin, and it should be completed in a few steps.
Start with cleansing to remove excess dirt and oil that clogs pores. Choose a gentle cleanser and depending on the skin type, you may need an additional hydrating face wash. For healthy-looking skin, toning, which is usually considered optional, should be an essential step to help hydrate the deeper layers of the skin. Morning is considered ideal for applying products to heal many skin conditions. For example, spot or acne treatment creams, antioxidant serums can be used to reduce environmental damage during the day. Also, creams containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid are specially used to seal water content and lock in moisture, keeping the skin supple.
Arguably, the most important step in your morning routine is sunscreen. It acts as a barrier against harmful UV rays that can damage the skin and cause premature aging and hyperpigmentation. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 SPF to prevent UV rays from penetrating your skin.
Nightly skin care routine
While your morning skincare routine is all about preparing the skin for the day and treating conditions, a night care routine focuses more on recovery and rejuvenation. Prepping your skin before going to bed is just as important as cleansing to remove the dirt and oil that has accumulated throughout the day. When you sleep, the skin goes through a deep repair process and we should use products that can enhance the skin’s natural ability to repair itself.
Cleanse your skin twice to remove makeup, sunscreen, and other impurities. After cleansing, use a skin-rejuvenating serum. These contain ingredients like peptides, which help repair the skin barrier, and hyaluronic acid for deep moisture. This is the time to repair the delicate skin around the eyes, which needs special attention at night. Apply an eye cream formulated with ingredients like caffeine to reduce puffiness and dark circles, or peptides to firm and soften skin. Additionally, you can apply a face oil to control oil production, especially on sensitive skin.
Taking photosensitivity as the main consideration
Photosensitivity is an important factor to consider when planning your skincare routine. Certain ingredients, such as retinol, AHAs and BHAs (such as salicylic acid), can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn and hyperpigmentation if not properly protected. This is why these ingredients are typically reserved for nighttime use, allowing them to work effectively without the risk of sun exposure.
During the day, it’s essential to avoid using photosensitive products, unless you use a high-SPF sunscreen and limit sun exposure. At night, these products can work their magic, promoting cell turnover, exfoliation, and collagen production without the threat of UV damage.
“Your skin needs care all the time. Hence, it is very important to maintain a balance between morning and night skincare. In the morning, you can focus on skin protection, while at night, you can prioritise skin repair to maintain skin elasticity. Irrespective of your skin type and concerns, your skin care routine can protect it from the daily hustle and bustle of life,” concludes Dr Anandita.
