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Morning and nighttime skin care routine

Skin care products may work better at certain times of the day. Here's what to know about an AM and a PM routine.

Published: July 25, 2024 |5 minute read

Written by: Melanie Mannarino

A smiling person applies facial moisturizer after washing their face.

A smart system for hydrated and fresh-looking skin uses each product at the right time of day. Why? Some products can work better or have a lesser risk of side effects when used in the evening or at bedtime. Others may be more protective during the daytime. That's why an AM-PM approach could be a real game changer.

Read on for daily schedule suggestions and to learn which products can be used at bedtime and which can be used in the morning.

En este artículo:

Morning skin care routine

In the morning, many people don't feel fully awake unless they wash their face first thing. It feels great, and a proper wash sets up the face for the next products.1

After washing, reach for "morning shift" products. "At its most basic, a solid daytime routine should include a moisturizer and sunscreen," says Jason Miller, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Freehold, NJ.2 A sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is recommended.

Other products, such as serum or eye cream, are optional depending on the skin and skin care goals.3 Let’s take a look at a possible lineup.

Limpiador

When washing the face, it’s important to treat skin with care: Wash with lukewarm water and a mild, nonabrasive limpiador facial. Hot water and harsh bar soaps or fragranced washes can cause dry, irritated skin.4,5 After washing, it’s best to pat dry with a towel rather than rubbing at the skin.6

Sueros

Sueros contain concentrated ingredients that are intended to sink into the skin — which can be useful for those targeting a specific skin concern. If adding a serum to a routine, use it before applying moisturizer. That way it can be best absorbed by clean skin.7

Based on the ingredients, different serums are intended to be used in the morning or at night. Some common serum ingredients that can be applied in the morning include the following:

  • Hyaluronic acid: It draws in water for hydration and can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.8
  • Niacinamide: This B vitamin can help control oil production and help with acne breakouts.9
  • Vitamina C: This antioxidant may help prevent sun damage (when used with a broad-spectrum sunscreen), diminish dark spots and help improve acne.10

Browse options for ácido hialurónico, niacinamide y vitamin C productos.

Hidratante

Smoothing on a hidratante facial in the morning can help trap moisture in the skin, leaving it looking hydrated and reducing the risk of dry, itchy skin.11

Dr. Miller suggests looking for a moisturizer that contains ceramides, which help replenish the skin barrier.12 For best results, apply when skin is still damp from washing.13

Eye cream

Eye creams are generally thicker than all-over facial moisturizers. Like serums, they may contain ingredients to target concerns like puffiness, dark circles and dryness.14

“If you’re concerned with lines or hollowing around the eyes, you may benefit from an eye cream that can draw in hydration,” Dr. Miller says.15 Again look for ingredients like ceramides or ácido hialurónico. When using an eye cream, pat it on with a light touch to avoid pulling or tugging at the delicate skin.16,17

Protector solar

It’s recommended everyone apply a layer of broad-spectrum (ultraviolet A [UVA] and ultraviolet B [UVB] filtering) protector solar with at least SPF 30 to exposed skin before spending time under the sun. (That’s in addition to other sun-protecting measures like wearing a hat and sunglasses with UV protection.)18

Sunscreen should be reapplied according to the directions on the bottle every two hours when outside and after swimming or sweating. Aside from protecting against skin cancer, sunscreen offers other protections as well. "Sunscreen is essential to keep skin looking young," Dr. Miller says. "It has been shown to decrease age spots, wrinkles and sun damage, as well as certain skin cancers."19

Nighttime skin care routine

It's possible to have just one daily skin routine. But there are benefits to having two. "It's a good idea to wash in the evening to remove sweat and dirt from daily activities," Dr. Miller says.20 Beyond that, a nighttime routine may be more or less streamlined than a daytime routine. The ingredients within these products may also change.

Limpiador

The rules for nighttime face washing are the same as in the morning: Use a gentle, nonabrasive facial cleanser with lukewarm water, then pat dry.21 Remember to use products as directed on their labels and to consult a health care provider or dermatologist with questions.

Sueros

Certain serums are best applied at night, often because certain active ingredients can make skin photosensitive. If you're using the following serums for specific skin concerns, they're best applied at night.22

  • Retinol: It can help increase collagen production, help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and help unclog pores.23
  • Glycolic acid: It can act as an exfoliant, helping remove the top layer of dead skin cells.24

Hidratante

There are so many moisturizers to choose from — lotions, creams and even gels — for nighttime use.25 Typically, unless someone has dry skin, a lotion or gel may be sufficient to keep skin hydrated.26

Dr. Miller suggests looking for ingredients like shea butter or hyaluronic acid, both of which have moisturizing properties.27,28,29 If you are looking for extra hydration, thicker formulas for nighttime, such as creams or ointments, can be easier to wear while sleeping than during the daytime.

Eye cream

As with serums, eye creams that contain retinoids or glycolic acid are best used at night, because they can make skin more sensitive to sunlight.30 Always use products as directed on the packaging.

Retinoids

Retinoids can be beneficial for helping reduce the appearance of aging and acne. While prescription formulas are available, there are also many over-the-counter products containing this effective group of ingredients. Because retinoids can make the skin more susceptible to sun damage, it's generally recommended to use these products at night.31

This topical treatment can come in crema, gel, serum, lotion or ointment form.32

Este contenido es solo para fines informativos y no constituye un asesoramiento médico. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.