Unveiling the Difference Between Skincare Routines for Day and Night
It is silly to think your skin knows the difference between day and night skincare routines. However, skincare routines should vary since your skin is exposed to different environments, conditions, and stressors during the day and night. It can be overwhelming with all the product options available, compacted by social media influencer plugs and magazine advertising. Dermatologists suggest different skincare routines for day and night, but the best professionals believe everyone can have manageable and affordable routines.
Products for Daytime and Nighttime: Are They Different?
The short answer is yes! Daytime and nighttime skincare products differ in significant ways that should be considered when developing your personal skincare routine.
Daytime skincare products are designed to protect the skin from the sun’s dangerous rays, dirt, pollution, and other environmental agents that would clog pores. Nighttime products and routines are more about hydrating, repairing, and nurturing your skin as you rest. Understanding there is a difference between these two routines, the products, ingredients, and the purpose of each can make a difference in the personal choices you make for your own skincare routines.
Morning Skincare Routine for Protection
Every individual should start their day by preparing their skin for all that the day will have in store. If you work in an office all day and then head to the gym, you need to consider keeping your skin protected in the different environments you will be in and how to manage sweating it out (and products off) at the gym. During the day, skin is exposed to dangerous UV rays from the sun and indoor and outdoor pollutants. One of the best ways to prepare skin for the day is by using a gentle cleanser, moisturizing, and adding SPF protection before applying any make-up. Using an SPF-rated sunscreen can prevent premature aging and skin damage. There are some excellent products that have SPF in the moisturizer.
Don’t Skip Cleansing in Your Morning Routine
Surprisingly, many people skip cleansing in the morning because they may have cleansing in their nighttime routine. Still, starting with a clean slate every morning is best so that your daytime products are not countered by leftover nighttime product residue. Since some nighttime products are thicker, having them under your daytime layers can be worse because it doesn’t allow the skin to breathe freely.
Nighttime Skincare Routines for Regeneration and Restoration
After a long day, a nighttime skincare routine is critical for healthy and beautiful skin. After a day of exposure to environmental elements and the daily dirt and grime that ends up on your skin, cleansing is essential in a nighttime skincare routine. Cleansing does not have to mean exfoliation, and a gentle cleanser will suffice as long as it successfully removes make-up, dirt, and excess oils from your skin. Again, nighttime products work to hydrate and restore your skin, but products will not penetrate through the day’s dirt and grime.
Nighttime is for Masks, Serums, and Creams
The whole purpose of nighttime skincare routines is to replenish lost moisture and nutrients that deplete throughout the day. Nighttime products often contain anti-aging ingredients, which can help reduce wrinkles and fine lines through stimulated collagen production. Using masks, taking the time to relax, and allowing the products to work and seep into your dry, exhausted skin is a no-brainer to start your mind moving into a restful state. Adding these steps to your nighttime routine will increase the skin’s glow and keep it beautiful! You may sleep better just knowing you are taking the best care of your skin while you sleep.
Finding Affordable Daytime and Nighttime Skincare Routines You Can Stick with for Results
Having good skincare routines is the only way to achieve your best skin. If you have any chronic skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, or eczema (dermatitis), a licensed and qualified dermatologist can help diagnose and treat these conditions. There are many products available, and sometimes, it is challenging to know which ones are best for your skin type. A skincare professional can tell you your skin type and what products would be best for sustainable skincare routines. If you choose to go it alone, choose products that protect you during the daytime and products that hydrate during the night.
Masks vary in ingredients designed to achieve different things, but hydrating masks are always great! If you ever have an adverse reaction to any products, stop using them immediately and avoid products with those active ingredients – most stores are happy to refund or offer a store credit if you react to a product you purchased with them.
If you live in Atlanta and would like to get a professional dermatologist to assess your skin for the most effective daytime and nighttime routines, contact Buckhead Dermatology for an appointment today!