Natural Skincare Routine: Morning vs. Nighttime – What's the Difference?

The Importance of a Skincare Routine

Why is a skincare routine so important? Why is there so much fanfare about it? 
Did you know that your skin is your body's largest organ and is often neglected, too? 

A skincare routine is a daily commitment to nourishing and protecting it. The primary goals of a skincare routine are

Hydration and Nourishment

Your skin also needs hydration and water. A well-moisturised skin is less prone to irritation and ageing. Using the right ingredients for your skin's nourishment can improve its resilience.

Cleansing and Refreshing

Our skin is exposed to pollutants and impurities daily. Cleansing your skin is essential to remove these contaminants from your skin. 

Protection

Your skin acts as a barrier against external factors like UV radiation and pollution. To prevent skin from sun damage, one must consider using sunscreen as a part of the skincare routine. 

Caring for Skin Concerns

Acne, fine lines, dark spots, or dryness - skin has umpteen such issues. A skincare routine can be tailored to address these. 

Rise and Shine - Morning Skincare Routine

Everyone has different kinds of skin. What may work for one may not work for another, but here is a morning skincare routine that mostly works for all. 

You can customise the products you use to adjust to your skin type. 

Cleanse

To rise and shine, you must cleanse your face first thing in the morning. Cleansing rids your face of excessive oil, sweat, dirt and other impurities that could have accumulated overnight. You can use a mild, cleansing face wash packed with vitamins to nourish your skin. Ensure that it doesn't strip your face of its natural oils. Keep your skin type in mind while choosing your face wash. 

Exfoliate

While cleansers remove a lot of dirt and oil secretions, the skin, over a period of time, builds up dead skin, which tends to clog pores and cause acne. These need to be removed periodically. Exfoliation, when done occasionally (3 times a week), helps remove the dead skin by deep cleaning and gives softer and refreshed skin. Use exfoliants the same way you would a cleanser on days you choose to exfoliate.

Tone

Toning is an often neglected part of the skincare routine. It helps in tightening pores, removing impurities and balancing the skin's pH and oil production. Soon after cleansing, apply a few drops of your toner on a cotton ball and dab it all over your face before you move to the next step.

Apply a Serum

Serums usually have a high concentration of active ingredients that go deeper into the layers of the skin and are used to address specific skin concerns, such as hydration, brightening or anti-ageing. 

Moisturise

Moisturing is an essential part of the skincare routine. Skin needs hydration the same way as the rest of the body. It's important to note that a moisturiser helps lock in moisture or water content. So, use a moisturiser soon after washing your face. Look for natural ingredients in your moisturiser. 

Protect from Sun

Regardless of the weather, it is essential to apply sunscreen on the skin. It protects you from sun damage and the risk of skin cancer and shields your skin from harmful UV rays. 

Makeup (if desired)

If you wear makeup, choose the ones with natural ingredients. Always apply makeup after all the above steps have been completed.

The Nighttime Skin Care Routine

Here is all you need to do to your skin before you catch up on your beauty sleep.

Most of the routine stays the same as the morning except for sunscreen. However, let's go through the drill quickly.

Cleanse

Use a gentle and natural face wash to wash off all the dirt and impurities that have accumulated on your face over the course of the day. Thoroughly clean to remove all makeup, too. 

Exfoliate (Occasionally)

You should exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells 1 - 3 times a week. Depending on time availability and convenience, you can include this in your morning or night routine. 

Tone

Similar to the morning routine, you must use a toner at night, too. It helps remove impurities, tightens pores and prepares the skin for the next steps to follow. Opt for a natural toner that will suit your skin type too. 

Treat

The night is the best time for any targeted treatment for the skin. Apply serums or any other item to address your skin concerns. These can penetrate the skin deeply and work their magic while you sleep.

Applying an Eye Cream or Balm

The skin around the eyes is susceptible and needs extra care. A natural eye cream can help treat dark circles, puffiness and tired eyes. 

Moisturise

Use a heavy night cream for extra moisturising and hydration for your skin while it regenerates at night. 

Face Oil (optional)

For added hydration, especially in the deeper layers of your skin, and if you have dry skin, consider using a natural face oil like jojoba oil, coconut oil, or almond oil. 

Morning v/s Nighttime Skincare Routine

While most of the routine stays the same, what matters most is the ingredients and the nature of the products you use.

Your morning skincare routine should focus on protecting your skin as you go along your day while your nighttime skincare routine focuses on healing, restoration and skin recovery. 

Not just that, there are some parts of your skincare routine that you can choose to follow depending on how much time you have at hand. For example, exfoliation or applying a face mask can be done at night - however, this can vary from person to person. 

Wrapping Up

Your morning and nighttime skincare routines play distinct but complementary roles in maintaining your skin's health and appearance.

By following a natural skincare routine that adapts to your skin's unique needs in the morning and at night, you can nurture your skin to achieve a radiant, healthy glow. Remember, consistency and patience are essential, and the journey to beautiful skin begins with caring for it naturally.