AM and PM Skincare Routines: Answering Your Questions

Formulate user Jen has a few questions about AM and PM skincare:

Hi! What is the purpose of having a skincare routine in the morning and in the evening, and why do they need to be different? How much do you actually need to do in the evening? What's the bare minimum I can get away with? And how can I take care of my skin in the middle of the day?

Thanks for writing, Jen! To answer your questions, we consulted with several experts from within the beauty community. We'll answer each question below.

What's the goal of AM skincare?

The primary goal of morning skincare is to protect your skin from the elements it will encounter throughout the day - this includes UVA and UVB rays as well as pollution, dirt, and makeup. A secondary goal of AM skincare is to improve the appearance of your skin. The morning isn't the best time for a full skincare routine - that's best saved for the evening, when your skin will have time to rest and repair. Try to keep it simple, and always include sunscreen.

Advice from the experts:

Ghanima Abdullah. cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles:

For your AM skincare routine, you're focusing on appearance and protection. So if there's a product that works to get you looking your best quickly, like a caffeine under eye cream to remove puffiness, you want to use it in the morning. Your skin is undergoing a process of trying to protect itself during the day, so you want to aid that by adding antioxidants like vitamin C skincare.

Dr. Alpana Mohta, dermatologist and medical advisor for Better Goods:

Keep your morning skincare routine as simple as possible. Use a gentle pH-balanced cleanser that does not contain harsh chemicals or fragrances and avoid using hot water. Follow up with an antioxidant serum containing vitamin C. Layer it under a light moisturizer that is formulated for your skin type. And always wear sunscreen during the day time, even when you are indoors because your room's windowpane and floor can also reflect the harmful UV rays on your skin.

What's the goal of PM skincare?

PM skincare is a great opportunity to correct any issues you have with your skin. While you rest, your skin is able to repair itself, and is safe from the sun. If you want to do a full skincare routine everyday, this is your time to do it. To learn more, check out this article for a full description of a PM skincare routine.

Advice from the experts:

Carol Evanicky, owner of Kalologie Austin:

This is where you want to correct anything you don't love about your skin. I recommend starting with an oil cleanser or cleansing balm first to properly take off stubborn makeup and sunscreen, and follow with a normal cleanser of your choice. Then for instance if you are trying to correct sun damage, you could incorporate an acid exfoliant or retinol in your routine. Serums are also a great opportunity for correcting skin issues. Then follow with a moisturizer. Extra dry skin? Follow your moisturizer with an oil.

How much should you do during an evening skincare routine?

According to our experts, it depends on what you're willing to put in and what you're hoping to get out of your skincare routine! The maximum and minimum amount of care depends on the individual. Much of skincare is about finding what works for you, and what brings you pleasure and enjoyment. Our experts recommend that at minimum, you cleanse and apply sunscreen in the morning, and cleanse and moisturize at night.

Advice from the experts:

Carol Evanicky:

The sky is the limit with skincare. If someone wants to do masks every night, red light therapy, microcurrent and guasha in addition to their 7 step skincare routine who am I to stop them? Skincare should be fun! However, I encourage people to do their research. You don't want to use a scrub, an acid based exfoliant, a retinol and niacinamide all in the same night. This can cause a lot of irritation and sensitivity in the skin and be way too much.

Ghanima Abdullah:

My maximum routine would be a cleanser to remove makeup, a chemical exfoliant two or three times a week and hyaluronic acid or a complexion smoothing product. Once everything dries, I coat the whole thing with a generous helping of a nighttime moisturizer.

What is the most important part of an AM skincare routine? Why?

The experts we consulted agreed that you can't skip out on cleanser and sunscreen. If you only have time for two things in the morning, wash your face and apply SPF, preferably mineral.

Advice from the experts:

Carol Evanicky:

The sun is the number one cause of skin aging. Anyone that wants to age gracefully needs a solid SPF that is 30 or higher. I recommend physical sunscreens over chemical, unless you're headed for the beach and need waterproof. (In which case a sport sunscreen is a good option for full water submersion)

Dr. Alain Michon, Medical Director at the Ottawa Skin Clinic:

Cleansing is a crucial step in the morning. Bacteria and oils can accumulate on the skin from your hair and pillowcases while you sleep, so you want to ensure all of that is washed away before you start your day. Additionally, washing off any serums or oils that are part of your nighttime routine is essential to ensure your skin has a fresh slate to apply your sunscreen and makeup.

What's the most important product for a PM skincare routine?

Our experts said that you can't skip moisturizing your skin before you go to sleep. Night time is an excellent time to moisturize, since it allows your skin time to soak in all the good ingredients packed inside the formula.

Advice from the experts:

Carol Evanicky:

Moisturizer. Trans epidermal water loss happens as we sleep. Dehydrated skin is more likely to get sun damage, have sensitivities and even get stubborn acne and blackheads. Dry skin simply ages faster.

Ghanima Abdullah:

Moisturizing your skin sometimes feels heavy in the morning, but in the evening you can use a heavy moisturizer and it will be all soaked in by morning. Moisturizing the skin can help you avoid fine lines and it keeps your skin plump and smooth.

What do you need to do to care for your skin between these two routines, like in the middle of the day?

For the most part, you can trust your AM and PM skincare routines to do their jobs. Occasionally reapply sunscreen, even if you're inside, and drink fluids throughout the day. If you're outside, wear a hat and sunglasses to further protect your skin from premature aging.

Advice from the experts:

Carol Evanicky:

In most cases, you should be able to live your life! If you have a good nighttime and morning routine, the middle of the day should just be about reapplying sunscreen when necessary (1.5-2 hours of coverage for 30 or higher) and that's it!

Dr. Alain Michon:

Some moisturizers even have SPF, which are suitable for the winter seasons or when you will not be outside as much. Reapplication of sunscreen in the middle of the day is crucial and can be done easily with a brush-on mineral sunscreen.