What is an AM & PM skincare routine? Which serum should I use for my AM routine? Which AM & PM routine should you use for a combination skin? These are the frequently asked questions on AM and PM routines. This article will focus on answering all your questions on morning and evening skin care routines.
If you have a skincare routine that not effective perhaps it’s not about the product but a wrong application time.
Just like sunscreen is perfect for daytime routine because it protects your skin from UV rays, there are other products that work better at night and others during the day.
Switch up your application time and voila! your skin starts absorbing the products rewarding you with a glowing skin.
What is an AM & PM skincare routine
The set of skincare products you apply every morning is known as the AM routine while the routine done before bed is the PM skincare routine. There is nothing wrong with repeating your exact morning routine at night if it works for your skin however, some products suit the shine of daytime and others function better at night.
The daytime skincare routine preps the skin for makeup and serves as a protective barrier from sunlight, on the other hand, evening routine focuses on renewal and rejuvenation.
Some products like “toner” works for both routines but you don’t need to wear an SPF moisturizer while preparing for bedtime.
Morning and evening routines for different skin types
Whether you have an oily, dry or combination skin, there are similar everyday products you use in your daily routine such as sunscreen, cleanser, moisturizer etc. These products form the foundation of skincare routines.
Most morning routines consists of cleansers, toners, serum, eye cream, moisturizer and sunscreen while cleanser, serum, night cream, toner and Vitamin C elixir makes up the night time routine.
Individuals with normal (balanced skin) can stick to this routine however, acne-prone skin types or sensitive skin will require extra products like retinol, salicylic acid etc. It’s risky to build an AM & PM routine without understanding your skin type and the kind of product that enhance or affects your skin.
- AM & PM routine for normal skin
If your skin is neither dry or oily, doesn’t react to products, has an even tone with zero to minimal cases of acne, you have a normal skin.
Having a good skin type is great but maintaining it with good care routine is even better. We suggest you keep it light and consistent with your skincare routine.
For morning routine
- Use a cleanser to remove impurities and dead skin cells
- For a consistent even tone, apply your toner
- A good serum contains active ingredients that are beneficial to your skin health, you need one in your AM routine.
- Protect your eye with a good eye cream
- Asides boosting natural glow, Vitamins contain antioxidants that protects your skin from environmental damages, boosts collagen products and reduces aging.
- Lastly your sunscreen is a must.
Night time routine
- Used makeup during the day? Wipe it off using micellar or rose water
- Next, double cleanse your face to remove makeup, AM routine products and other impurities.
- Prep your skin with a suitable toner to receive other incoming products.
- Embellish dark circle or puffiness with your eye cream
- Lock in your PM routine product with a hydrating moisturizer.
- Morning & evening routines for oily skin
If your skin feels greasy, always shine and you experience recurrent cases of blackheads, you have an oily skin. A natural glowing skin is the goal however an oily, greasy skin is the perfect harbour for breakout and other skin irritations.
An oily skin deserves the best hydrating products.
Some individuals with oily skin make the horrible decision of discontinuing their skincare routine but that’s worse. Your skin interprets the lack of product as skin dryness hence producing more natural oil to hydrate the skin.
The perfect AM and PM routine for oily skin is
For AM routine
- Start with cleanser, a good cleanser will remove excess oils, unclog your pores and remove impurities without drying out your skin.
- Don’t skip the toner step, use an exfoliating toner to clear off impurities and prevent excess shine.
- Invest in a serum that contains active ingredients which serves in balancing your oily skin.
- Clear off dark circles and build firmer eyes with your eye cream.
- Use a non-greasy Vitamin C
- Use a lightweight, water-based moisturizer to lock in earlier applications.
For PM routine
- Cleanse! Cleanse!! Cleanse!!!
- Use an exfoliating toner to clear off impurities, extra oil or makeup your cleanser didn’t get off.
- If you have acne or blackheads, apply the specific product to the area that needs an intervention.
- Finish off your routine with your hydrating moisturizer.
- Skincare routine for dry skin
If you have a dry skin, the first rule to remember is “hydration is key”. Use this rule when shopping for products, building a skincare routine or upgrading your product list.
A dry skin is usually rough, flaky and lacks natural moisture, this leads to itchy skin, eczema and other skin irritation. Your morning or evening routine should consist of products that brings balance and retain moisture.
For morning routine
- Use a moisturizing or oil cleanser. The goal is to clear dirt and impurities not dry of the minimal face-oil.
- Toners are not a must, you can completely skip this step but if you must, use a hydrating moisturizer.
- You need serum! Incorporate active serums that contains hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C and B to restore moisture and brighten your skin.
- Eye creams are great for combating dark circles, and they also hydrate dry under-eyes.
- Use a water-based moisturizer to increase your skin water level and minimize dryness.
- Don’t skip your sunscreen.
For evening routine
- Remove makeup, dirt and excess oils with your gentle moisturizer
- After a long dry day, boost your skin moisture with a hydrating serum
- If retinols are part of your night time routine – go light with application or sandwich your application in moisturizer. Retinols can dry out your skin and this not healthy for a dry skin type.
- Don’t skip the eye cream.
- Lock in your night care products with a moisturizer or moisturizing night cream.
- Finish off your routine with facial oil.
Takeaway
Skincare products work better when they are used at the right time.
To perfect your AM and PM skincare routine, we have highlighted skincare practices suited for different skin types. Stop spending money on random trendy products, identify your skin type, choose what works and stick to routines that compliment your skin.
