What are AM and PM Skin Care Routines

The Buyt Desk

There are many skin care products to be used and all cannot be used at once. So it is divided into AM and PM skin care routines with the correct layering order.

Newbies to the skin care regime are always confused as to which product should be used when. Have If retinol is to be applied before vitamin C and if both can be used together. The products are many and using it at your will can cause skin damage. To get maximum benefits a proper regime should be followed. Before that a well guided regime should be created.

Building your skincare routine

Everyone has different skin properties, so one size does not fit all. Always inspect what your skin needs. Based on that, introduce products into your skin care. Introduce one product at a time so that skin is not irritated. Maybe apply one in the morning and another in the evening. Start with a basic routine of cleansing, toning and moisturizing with good SPF during day time. Slowly you can add other products both to the morning and evening routine. Advanced skin care routines have 10-12 steps for morning and evening. Now everyone needs this elaborate routine. Even a 5 step routine is more than enough to retain healthy and glowing skin.

The morning regime – AM skincare

There are few products you should be using in the morning and below is the way it should be used and in the same order. Here is a simple basic 5 step AM skincare routine.

1. Cleanser – An essential and first step is to remove dirt, oil and pollutants from your skin. Depending on your skin type you can decide on the type of cleanser you want to use, gentle or foam cleanser. A cleaner skin has better absorption capacity for skincare products compared to skin with deposition on it. Remember to not over do this step, you do not want to take away all the natural oil from your skin. Do what suits your skin the best.

2. Exfoliants – Chemical exfoliants are best to take out the outer dead layer of skin while new glowing and healthy skin replaces it. AHAs and BHAs are good to use twice a week apart from winter. Go for milder exfoliant if your skin is too dry during cold.

3. Actives/Serums – To improve skin quality you need to regularly use some serums as per your skin’s requirement. A good serum followed by SPF will help your skin produce more collagen and keep away the signs of aging. Serums will help skin cope up against the pollution. Few commonly used serums are Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Alpha arbutin, Hyaluronic acid.

4. Moisturizers – Moisturizer is a must if you have dry skin. Applying it after serums will keep skin hydrated. Go for thicker and creamier moisturizer if you feel very dry. Choose the moisturizer based on your skin type and weather conditions.

5. SPF – No matter if you stay indoors or go outdoors, always apply sunscreen. Use sunscreen even if it is cloudy. You can use physical or chemical sunscreen. Stick to that one that you are comfortable wearing everyday even under the makeup.

The Evening Routine – PM Skincare

Not all skin care products can be used in the morning as some react to sun. So it has to be explicitly used after sunset. Here is a simple 4 step PM Skincare routine.

1. Cleanser – Cleaning your face after a tiring day is a must. Remove your makeup and never skip this even if you do not follow further steps on some lazy day. If you have oily skin or have applied makeup in the morning, then double cleansing is a must. Use oil based cleanser followed by water based cleanser for double cleansing.

2. Serums/actives – You can add extra serums or active ingredients as per your skin’s need. Use ingredients that will help your skin recover from the damage caused by the sun during the day and trigger collagen production for the night.

3. Moisturizers – Just like an AM routine do not skip moisturizer if you feel your skin needs hydration. You can use thick ones in the PM as you will be home post application. Skin will be hydrated very well all night. You will wake up with glowing skin. You can use facial oils in place of creams.

4. Retinols – These are the best anti aging skincare products. It increases cell turnover and fades away the signs of aging. Start slowly with least concentration and twice a week. You can gradually increase your concentration. Few may feel skin irritation on application but it is normal. When there is change in weather, you can give a break to use of retinol and give your skin some time to adjust to new weather.