The Difference Between a Morning and Night Skincare Routine
Whilst many assume that a skincare routine only has one purpose, implementing a morning and night skincare routine will keep the skin nourished and protected. A morning skincare routine should focus on cleansing and protecting the skin from anything it may be exposed to during the day. Your night skincare routine should focus on cleansing and restoring hydration to any damaging affects the skin has been exposed to and products such as makeup. A morning skincare routine will cleanse the build-up of oils and possible dirt obtained during the night whilst a night skincare routine aims to cleanse and nourish the skin after a busy day in harsh environments, or a bodily build-up from activities such as exercise [1].
It is important to have a morning and night skincare routine as each routine addresses the different needs of the skin. Whilst a morning routine's main benefit is to protect, pressure and nourish the skin, your night skincare routine should assist the specific needs of the skin such as dryness, signs of aging, acne and oil levels.
To help you understand what should be included in your morning and night skincare routine, we have created a guide to help you get started. Whilst everyone's skin has different needs, the generalised guide will instruct you on what needs to be included in your routine.
Morning Skincare Routine
Your morning skincare routine should focus on nourishing, hydrating and protecting the skin. The following steps should be implemented when following a morning skincare routine.
Cleanser
The first step in your morning skincare routine should be to cleanse. Cleansing the skin removes elements such as oils and dirt that build up on the skin. With Cetaphil’s Gentle Foaming Cleanser ™, it cleanses the skin without stripping the natural moisture balance away. Formulated with glycerin, pro-vitamin B5 and essential vitamin E, feel the skin soften and cleanse with the dermatologist-tested safe-for-sensitive skin formula.
Toner
By applying toner you are helping your skin stay hydrated, balance oils and care for sensitive skin. Toner helps freshen the skin after cleansing, furthermore it removes any excess elements before continuing with the protective elements of your skincare routine.
Serum
Serums aim to hydrate the skin and deliver it minerals and antioxidants. With Cetaphil’s Optimal Hydration 48 Hour Activation Serum ™ enjoy 48-hour hydration for improved skin moisture. Dermatologist tested to be gentle on sensitive skin, the HydroSensitiv ™ complex soothes the skin with blue daisy, for dynamic hydration. With hyaluronic acid and sunflower seed oil within the formula, watch the skin immediately smooth and become more hydrated for a more radiant appearance.
Moisturiser
Moisturising is a crucial element to include in your morning skincare routine, by moisturising you are helping the skin stay healthy, hydrated and youthful. With Cetaphil’s Daily Facial Moisturiser ™, enjoy UVA/UVB protection whilst the skin is nourished and hydrated. Clinically proven to be gentle on sensitive skin, the lightweight and non-greasy formula won't clog pores. For those who suffer from sensitive skin, enjoy the fragrance-free and paraben-free formula that defends against the 5 signs of skin sensitivity.
Eye cream
Eye cream is important to add to your morning skincare routine, this is because the skin around the eyes is more sensitive. An eye cream can help minimise the possibility of wrinkle development, as well as hydrate the delicate skin around the eye area. With Cetaphil’s Hydrating Eye Cream Serum With Hyaluronic Acid ™, enjoy instant hydration from a lightweight formula. The dermatologically tested and clinically proven formula is gentle on sensitive skin and helps visibly reduce dark circles.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is crucial to include in your morning skincare routine no matter the time of year. Sunscreen protects the skin from UVA/UVB rays which can cause premature aging and of course some skin cancers. With Cetaphil’s range of sunscreens, protect your skin with SPF50+. Suitable for oily skin, enjoy broad spectrum protection with Sun SPF50+ Ultra-Light Lotion ™. With essential Vitamin E to nourish the skin, the oil-free, fragrance-free, non-greasy formula won't block pores. For sun protection that absorbs into the skin, apply Sun SPF50+ Kids Liposomal Lotion ™. Suitable for sensitive skin, enjoy a non-irritating formula that won't clog pores.
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Limit sun exposure and use protective clothing, hats and eye wear. Keep out of eyes. Reapply sunscreen regularly.
Night Skincare Routine
Your night skincare routine should aim to address the skin's needs in regard to dryness, oily skin, and signs of skin sensitivity. It is also important, as your night skincare routine will cleanse your skin from the harsh environments it has been exposed to throughout the day.
Double cleanse
To clear your skin from impurities, double cleansing is important and the first major difference between your morning and night skincare routine. Double cleansing helps remove products applied to the skin such as makeup or sunscreen. Double cleansing also helps remove sweat and bacteria that builds up as you go about your daily activities. With Cetpahil’s Cleansing range, double cleanse using Gentle Skin Cleansing Wipes ™ or a Gentle Foaming Cleanser ™. Both dermatologist tested for sensitive skin, cleanse your skin from dirt, oil and makeup without stripping away the skin's natural moisture balance.
Toner
Just as you apply toner after cleansing in your morning skincare routine, it is also applicable in your night skincare routine. By applying toner to the skin, you are helping your skin stay hydrated whilst removing excess elements that may be on the surface of the skin.
Serum
Applying serum as a part of your night's skincare routine can help boost the skin's overall moisture content whilst you sleep. With Cetaphil’s Optimal Hydration 48 Hour Activation Serum ™, enjoy instant hydration for 48 hours. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and sunflower seed oil, feel the skin smoothen as it replenishes for a more radiant appearance. Dermatologist tested and clinically proven to be gentle on sensitive skin, enjoy nourishment and hydration without irritation.
Moisturiser
Just as included in your morning skincare routine, moisturising keeps the skin hydrated and nourished. Whilst you can use the same moisturiser included in your morning skincare routine, opting for a Rich Night Cream ™, can provide immediate, continuous and intense hydration. The fragrance-free, paraben-free formula won't clog pores and defends against the 5 signs of skin sensitivity. Dermatologically tested and clinically proven to be gentle on sensitive skin; it rehydrates and gently nourishes the skin overnight.
Eye cream
Just as you apply eye cream in your morning skincare routine, it is important also to include this in your night skincare routine. There is no need to use two different products for the morning and night. This step can be repeated exactly as you apply the product in the morning.
[1] pubmed.gov Skincare Bootcamp: The Evolving Role of Skincare
