Skincare tips: Why both morning and evening routine matters to keep skin glowing, healthy

Adopting a dedicated morning and night skincare routine not only addresses immediate concerns but also lays the foundation for long-term skin health (Image: Canva)

Your skin works tirelessly around the clock, defending and rejuvenating itself. Just as your body has different needs throughout the day, your skin requires tailored care during morning and night. Neglecting either routine can lead to visible consequences, such as dullness, irritation, and premature ageing.

When you wake up tired, your complexion looks dull, and your skin feels rough to the touch. Perhaps you notice dry patches or persistent breakouts that seem to appear out of nowhere. “These subtle signs often result from an inconsistent skincare routine, where your skin isn’t receiving the specific care it needs at different times of the day,” says Dr Rupika Singh, Dermatologist and Founder of Akiya Aesthetics, New Delhi. “If left unaddressed, these symptoms can escalate into more severe issues like chronic dryness or increased sensitivity,” she adds.

Your skin behaves differently based on the time of day, responding to environmental factors and internal processes, says Dr Singh, adding, “Adopting a dedicated morning and night skincare routine not only addresses immediate concerns but also lays the foundation for long-term skin health."

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Dr Singh suggests you should follow both morning and night skincare routine, along with tips on how to do it:

Morning routine:

A morning skincare routine focuses on protecting your skin from environmental aggressors like UV rays, pollution, and daily stressors. Over time, exposure to these elements can accelerate aging and dullness, making it essential to fortify your skin each day.

• Cleanser: Begin with a gentle cleanser to wash away overnight oils and impurities. A mild face wash rejuvenates your skin without stripping away necessary moisture.

• Antioxidants: After cleansing, apply an antioxidant serum rich in vitamin C. These powerful ingredients neutralise free radicals, helping combat pollution and UV-related damage.

• Moisturiser: Lightweight moisturisers hydrate your skin, providing a protective barrier that keeps it soft and supple throughout the day.

• Sunscreen: This is the most important part of any morning routine. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 shields your skin from harmful UV rays, a primary cause of premature ageing.

Night routine:

At night, your skin enters recovery mode, working to repair the damage incurred during the day. This is the perfect time to implement nurturing products that promote cell turnover and healing.

• Double cleanse: Start with a pre-cleanse oil to dissolve makeup and sunscreen, followed by a gentle cleanser to remove impurities.

• Exfoliate: 2-3 times a week, use a chemical exfoliant or gentle scrub to eliminate dead skin cells, improving texture and revealing a healthy glow.

• Treatment serums: Use retinol at night to support cell turnover, followed by hyaluronic acid for deep hydration.

• Moisturiser/night cream: Choose a richer moisturizer to seal in hydration and nourish your skin as it heals overnight.