The Skincare Schedule You Have Been Asking For: AM vs. PM Edition
Hello Friends and Enemies,
One thing I get asked all the time is how to apply skincare- it is not a silly question, with all of the information floating around these days it is the smartest one you can ask a skincare professional. Whether it’s dawn or dusk, there’s a method to the madness of applying your products, and yes, it actually matters. Here’s how to layer your skincare like a pro, so you’re glowing all day and night.
Morning Routine: The “Defensive Player”
Your AM skincare is all about protecting your skin from the chaos of the day (read: pollution, sun, stress, and that third cup of coffee).
Cleanse: Start with a gentle cleanser to wash off last night’s product residue and your weird 2 AM dreams.
Toner or Essence (optional): If you’re fancy or just need a little extra hydration, swipe on toner or pat in an essence. It’s like a pregame pep talk for your skin.
Vitamin C Serum: This antioxidant is your skin’s bodyguard, shielding it from free radicals and brightening your complexion. Bonus: It pairs perfectly with SPF.
Targeted Treatments (optional): This is where any extras would be added on (discolouration serums, hyaluronic acids, niacinimide etc.
Moisturizer: Lock in all that goodness with a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer.
SPF (Non-Negotiable): Sunscreen —essential, iconic, and the reason everything else works. Go for SPF 30 or higher and slather it like your life depends on it (because it does).
Nighttime Routine: The “Repair Crew”
PM skincare is where the real magic happens. While you sleep, your skin goes into repair mode—so this is your chance to be a supportive bestie.
Double Cleanse: If you’ve been wearing makeup or SPF (which you better have been), start with an oil-based cleanser to melt it all away. Follow up with a gentle water-based cleanser to finish the job.
Exfoliate (2-3 times a week): Use a chemical exfoliant like glycolic or salicylic acid to slough off dead skin cells. But don’t overdo it—this isn’t the time for a sandpaper approach.
Treatment/Serum: Now’s the time for your heavy-hitters. Retinol, AHAs, or any targeted treatment gets to shine here. Just remember: Retinol and exfoliants don’t play well together, so alternate nights if you use both.
Eye Cream: Dab (don’t rub!) a little eye cream under your eyes because, let’s be real, they’re doing a lot of heavy lifting all day.
Moisturizer: Go richer at night to keep your skin hydrated and happy while it repairs itself.
Quick Tips for Success:
Timing is key: Let each product sink in for 30-60 seconds before layering the next one. Patience, grasshopper.
Less is more: You don’t need a 10-step routine every day. Focus on what your skin actually needs.
Consistency wins: You can’t ghost your skincare routine and expect results. Show up daily—your skin will thank you.
Why It Matters
Layering your products correctly isn’t just about looking cute in your bathroom selfies (though, same). It’s about ensuring that each product works at its full potential. And let’s be honest, if you’re dropping $$ on serums, you want them to perform.
Final Thoughts
Your skincare routine doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to be intentional. Treat your morning routine like a power suit and your nighttime routine like a cashmere blanket. Now, go forth and layer like the skincare savant you were born to be.
And don’t forget: SPF, always and forever.
Besos,
Samm