Morning vs. Night Skincare Routine: AM vs PM Care for Healthy, Glowing Skin

The most asked question I have seen asked is do we really need different skincare routines for day and night. The simple answer to this question would be a simple - Yes. Our skin has different needs in the morning and at night. Or as people call it these days - AM and PM. During the day, we are out and about, exposed to the sun, pollution and dirt. While at night, our skin gets the time to rejuvenate, repair and recover itself. While AM routine focuses on protecting, PM focuses on healing.

If dealing with pigmentation, dull skin, acne, etc , you do need to understand the difference between AM and PM routine. This will completely transform your results.

Why a Morning Skincare Routine Matters (AM Routine)
The morning routine is your shield against all the impurities that your skin might be exposed to. It acts as your armor. Pollution, UV rays, Environmental stress can damage your skin barrier overtime. To protect your skin, follow these steps to ensure your skin is protected.

AM Skincare Steps

1. Gentle Cleanser
   A gentle cleanser removes oil, sweat buildup and product residue from your night time skincare routine. If you have dry skin, try a crème based cleanser so that it does not dry out your skin. If you have acne prone skin, try out a salicylic acid based facewash. My recommendation for dry skin is Dwash and for acne prone oily skin is Ethiglo.
2. Vitamin C or Niacinamide Serum
   If you face the concern of dull skin, try using a Vitamin C serum to get that glowing skin. If you have a lot of acne or pigmentation try using a niacinamide serum.
3. Light Moisturizer
   Moisturization is the key to healthy skin. To ensure your skins elasticity, do not skip a moisturizer. My recommendation would be a lightweight, non greasy moisturizer so that it gets absorbed instantly. I would recommend Hyalu gel.
4. Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
   You must have read this everywhere, DO NOT SKIP SUNSCREEN. It is the most important step in your AM skincare routine. It helps you protects against tanning, pigmentation, UV rays, and prevents acne marks from darkening. Most importantly, it reduces the chances of early aging. 360 block sunscreen is ideal for all skin types, Ac screen for acne prone skin and hydra sun for dry skin.

Why a Night Skincare Routine Matters (PM Routine)

Your night time skin care routine helps you repair and recover your skin. At night, our skin cell turnover is the highest, which makes it crucial to heal acne scars, pigmentation and repair the skin barrier.

PM Skincare Steps

1. Double Cleanse
   Double cleaning helps you remove the buildup from the day. You should ensure that makeup, dirt and sunscreen residue is removed before you go ahead with your nighttime routine.
2. Treatment Products (Retinol, AHA/BHA, Kojic Acid, Glutathione)
   Targeted treatments work best at night. Whether you want to reduce pigmentation, control acne, or fight fine lines, nighttime is the best time.
   Our Kozilite H Creamwith Kojic Acid works overnight to lighten pigmentation and even out skin tone. Sebogel works best for acne prone skin. If you are above the age of 30, it is the right time to start using retinol in your PM routine.
3. Night Cream or Hydrating Gel
   At night, as the skin is on reset mode, for deep hydration you should be using a heavy moisturizer. It will repair your barrier while you sleep.
   Use Fytocera Cream for deep hydration and skin barrier repairing overnight.
4. Lip balm
   While it is important to take care of your skin, lips equally need the love and moisturization. If you have dry, Chappy lips, I would not recommend you missing out on applying a lip balm. Use Lipz to nourish your lips.

Morning vs. Night Skincare: Key Differences

Pro Tips for a Balanced AM & PM Routine

Pro Tips for a Harmonious AM & PM Regimen

• Sunscreen during AM is not negotiable –it prevents tanning, pigmentation, and acne marks darkening.
• Apply Vitamin C in your AM routine for antioxidant care, and Retinol in your PM routine for skin regeneration.
• Hydration vs Moisturization: Apply light hydration in the morning and heavy moisturization during nighttime.
• Avoid the use of harsh actives such as retinol or exfoliating acids during the daytime, as they enhance sensitivity to the sun.
• Adopt a routine daily skincare regimen for Indian skin to have long-term benefits.
  
  FAQs

1. Can I use Retinol in the morning?
   No — retinol should only be used at night as it makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Stick to Vitamin C serum in the morningand retinol in your PM skincare routine.
2. Which is better – day cream or night cream?
   Both have unique roles. A day cream with SPFprotects against pollution and UV rays, while a night creamfocuses on repair and recovery.
   For day: 360 Block Sunscreen Gel | For night: Fytocera Cream
3. Can I skip sunscreen if I stay indoors?
   No — UV rays penetrate windows too. Always apply sunscreen in your AM routine, even indoors.
4. What is the best skincare routine for acne-prone skin?
   For acne-prone skin, use a gentle cleanser, Vitamin C serum, Hyalugel moisturizer, and 360 Block Sunscreen Gelin the morning. At night, opt for Kozilite H Creamor acne-control actives recommended by your dermatologist.

Conclusion

In conclusion, your AM skincare routine is your protector, your shield. It protects your skin against pollution, UV rays, pigmentation, acne triggers and early signs of anti aging. Your PM skincare routine is your repair and heal agent. It heals, hydrates and ensures your skin recovers overnight. It repairs the damage that happened throughout the day overnight. Together both create a perfect balance for healthy, glowing youthful looking skin.

Explore dermatologist-recommended products for AM & PM routines at E Mega Mart India and give your skin the complete care it deserves.