Explore the nuances of morning and night skincare routines for optimal results and a radiant complexion.

Are you a morning person or a night owl? When it comes to skincare, it turns out that timing matters.

In this article, we will explore the differences between morning vs. night skincare, what each routine should focus on, and some simple ways to ensure wake up fresh-faced and go to bed glowing!

Should there be a difference between your two routines?

For the best results, your morning and nighttime routine should be subtly different. That doesn’t mean you need to invest in a whole different skincare stash for morning and night, but the products you prioritise will differ depending on the time of the day.

That’s because your morning routine is to protect your skin from what lies ahead, whereas your evening routine is to repair your skin from the dirt, pollution, and UV rays that may have damaged it during the day.

Your day and night skincare routine may also differ based on your skin type. If you have oily skin, for example, your evening skincare routine may focus on unclogging pores and removing excess oil, whereas if you have dry skin, you may prioritise a deeply nourishing night cream that repairs any dry and sensitive patches.

By understanding the unique needs of your skin at different times of the day, you can maximize the benefits of your skincare products.

Your morning skincare routine

Although you don’t need to worry too much about deep cleansing in the morning, a quick cleanse can help wake you up and refresh your skin. It also helps remove any germs from your pillowcase from your face.

Next, use a toner and/or essence packed with antioxidants and plant oils.  Our Regenerate + Protect Essence Toner, for example, contains ingredients rich in nicotinic acid, vitamins A, E, and C, to protect the skin from environmental stressors. 

Apply a daily moisturiser, such as our Replenishing Moisturiser, and finish with the most important step: an SPF product. Even if the sky looks cloudy, or you’re spending most of the day inside, you will at some point be exposed to the sun’s UV rays so it’s best to protect your skin to avoid premature aging and unnecessary damage.  

Key steps:

1. Use a light cleanser
2. Apply a toner and/or essence packed with antioxidants
3. Use your daily moisturiser 
4. Finish with SPF for UV protection

Your nighttime skincare routine

Your nighttime skincare routine should focus on undoing the damage from the day. 

Firstly, remove any makeup, grime, and excess oil from the skin. Double cleansing can be beneficial, especially if you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen. Start with an oil-based cleanser to break down makeup and follow up with a gentle water-based cleansing product to ensure a deep clean.

At Mazillo, we like to pair our Gentle Cleansing Oil and Regenerate + Protect Essence Toner for our version of a double cleansing routine. The oil has a deeply cleansing formula that washes away any trace of the day, whilst the essence toner is packed with antibacterial ingredients that provide a deeper cleanse.

One advantage of a nighttime skincare routine is that you don’t have to worry about how silly you look. It’s the perfect time to apply thick serums or other highly concentrated treatments that target specific skin concerns, such as hydration, brightening, or anti-aging. If you have acne-prone skin, now is a good time to apply an acne treatment. It doesn’t matter how shiny you are, or if you have blobs of a product all over your face!

Lastly, apply deeply hydrating products that replenish any lost nutrients, and repair any damage that may have occurred. For example, our facial Facial Oil provides your skin with skin’s daily dose of nutrient-rich oils, and our Replenishing Moisturiser contains innovative plant stem cells that facilitate the skin’s natural regeneration.

Key steps:

1. Remove makeup and daily grime 
2. Deeply cleanse the skin
3. Apply any targeted treatments and serums
4. Massage the face with facial oil
5. Use a restorative moisturiser

Final thoughts: Day vs night skincare

As you can see, both morning and nighttime skincare routines are beneficial, but there are nuanced differences between the two.  

For example, thicker, more targeted treatments are better applied at night, to give the skin time to truly absorb the product and reap the benefits. Another crucial difference is sun protection. You should always incorporate SPF into your morning routine, but (for obvious reasons!) it’s not necessary at night.

While the general steps and products mentioned are a great starting point, it's also important to remember that everyone's skin is unique. Consider your skin’s needs and build on the key steps above to create a personalised skincare routine that targets your concerns and preferences.

Factors like the amount of time you have in the morning vs the evening will impact your routine too - if you’re rushing off to work, we totally get it if you have to skip a step!  

Remember, consistency is key when it comes to skincare. Build a morning and night routine that you can stick to. Give your skin time to adjust and, with patience and dedication, you’ll start to see results!