The Game-Changing AM-PM Skincare Routine That Will Transform Your Skin

Our skin is a core part of our identity. We want to wear it proudly. For that to happen, we have to nurture it both inside and out.

When I started my skincare journey, my skincare expert was the internet. I googled and read all sorts of articles to decode what products I needed and how to use them.

Going down that rabbit hole was a commitment in itself but now that I am down drowning in the deep end, I'm going to make life easier for you.

This blog post will cover the ultimate rundown of the AM PM Skincare Routine for you to craft your skincare whether you're a beginner or semi-expert!

Why Is Skincare Important?

There has been a long-standing dispute between skincare and the vanity associated with caring about one's appearance. In truth, skincare goes beyond beautification because our skincare routines create a healthy environment for our skin, just as daily routines help us balance out other areas of life.

The skin is the largest organ, and skincare allows it to be in its best form from the outside. Skin concerns can affect our quality of life. Addressing and soothing these concerns is one of the main goals of skincare. And yes, in the process, you may notice that your skin is clear, supple, and fresh giving you both a beautiful base and a boost in confidence. Skin health + clear skin = win-win!

AM PM Skincare Routine

Basic Skincare Routine

When you're getting started, the last thing you need to do to yourself is go down the ever-so-confusing rabbit hole of every existing step in the skincare routine. Start basic. This means cleansing and moisturizing, and if it's your AM skincare routine, scoop out a little SPF to finish off. If it is your PM routine, well you're done!

Skincare Routine Breakdown

Cleanser - Am and PM

The perfect base starts with cleansed skin. The job of a cleanser is to remove dirt and impurities from the skin without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier. No matter what your skin type, there are products in the market catering to them all. Cleanse your face every day, twice a day. Reduce that down to once a day at night paired with a water cleanse in the morning if you are on the drier side or opt for a gentle cleanser.

Normal to Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser

For a oil-free, matte finish without the over-drying tight feeling, try this one!

Dry Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Exfoliant - AM

When you think of exfoliants, most likely, you think of oily and acne-prone skin. Though it is beneficial for these skin types, exfoliants are universally recommended products because, at the root of it, an exfoliant removes dead skin cells to reveal new and smooth skin. Everyone can benefit from that provided that you pick the correct formula with the correct active ingredient for your skin.

The biggest point to stress here is that exfoliants are not meant to be used as a part of your daily routine, especially when presented in highly concentrated formulas, according to Dr. Idress. Too much can strip the skin of its moisture instead of nourishing it. You know, the super tight uncomfortable feeling skin? Exfoliating once a week or every two weeks if you have sensitive skin, will do.

The ideal time to use physical exfoliants is in the morning so that the mask can remove the oils acquired overnight and rejuvenate dull skin for a perfect base. Chemical exfoliants and peels are best to use in your PM routine to allow the skin to reap the benefits without risking photosensitivity.

Glycolic Acid: L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Face Serum

Lactic Acid: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA

Multi-Acid: Paula's Choice Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA

Mask - AM PM

Masks serve a multitude of purposes, and the timing of their use depends on various factors. If you want a hydration boost, use the mask in the morning after a good cleanse (and exfoliation). This helps the freshly cleaned skin to soak up the ingredients on the mask. If you're on a time crunch or have a potent exfoliating or treatment-based mask, the evening time is perfect. Masks can be used when we need them as per our preference.

You don't have to wear a mask daily. If the mask has active ingredients, you may not need to reapply it later in your skincare routine. They are as flexible in usage as they are by design!

Toner/Essence - AM PM

Toners serve to balance the skin's pH while also gently ridding the skin of dirt or grime left over from the face wash, hydrate, make your pores appear smaller, and assist in prepping the skin to better absorb all the following ingredients in a skincare routine. Follow it up with an essence. Essence comes after toner and is primarily made to deeply hydrate the skin and prep the skin for the following skincare products.

You can choose to use one, the other, both or none as per your preference. In today's age, some toners and essences cross over and do both jobs in one product, so you may not need both. You can use these products in the morning and evening to help your skincare works its best. (If active ingredients are present, be sure to follow product instructions.)

Vitamin C: Murad Environmental Shield Essential-C Toner

Hydration: Peach and Lily Wild Dew Treatment Essence

Serum/Treatment - AM PM

Skincare application works in the order from thinnest to thickest consistency so next up, are the serums and treatments. These products contain hydrating and/or active ingredients with high potency allowing them to deliver effects on a larger scale.

In terms of using it in the morning and night, it varies with the serum. For example, Vitamin C is great to use in the morning due to its antioxidant properties; retinol is best to use at night to avoid photosensitivity; hydrating serums can be used either and both times in the day. From reducing fine lines to boosting collagen production, there are a variety of products to address your specific skin concern.

Vitamin C Serum: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Retinol Serum: Kiehl's Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides and Peptide

Peach & Lily Glass Skin Serum

This serum is a lightweight, concoction of hydrating and antioxidizing ingredients that I love for an AM and PM base.

Eye Cream - AM PM

We all want a hydrated, healthy, line-free eye area which brings us to eye creams. Like serums, these can be used in the morning and/or night depending on the ingredients. If the eye cream is a hydrating formula, it can be used anytime. For products with photosensitive active ingredients, such as retinol, opt for nighttime use.

Starting Eye Cream: CeraVe Eye Repair Cream

Retinol-Based: RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream

Moisturizer - AM PM

Even if you choose to skip everything after cleansing the face, moisturizing is a step to hold on to. It is not only for dry to normal skin but rather for all skin types with products available for each skin type's concerns. Lather one coat both in the morning and another in the evening to lock in moisture and let the skin soak in hydration.

Normal to Oily Skin: First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Coconut Water Cream

For those who love a matte finish, even with the oilest skin, this one is for you.

Dry Skin: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

Lip Balm/Mask - AM PM

Lips are often overlooked in skincare but just like the rest of your face, there will be negative effects if not properly maintained. Use a lip balm (with SPF) during the day for moisturized protection and lip masks are great to wind up your nightly skincare routine.

Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick with Sunscreen

I swear by this for even the driest of lips. This lip balm has gotten me through many a chapped lip crisis.

SPF - AM

While you may follow all the aforementioned steps, neglecting to use sunscreen will undoubtedly haunt you in the future with a vicious cycle of using products to correct the sun damage that is continuously unprotected from. SPF protects the skin from UV rays and increases sunburn protection. Just a layer of your skin routine in the morning will do!

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen - SPF 40

My favorite primer meets sunscreen formula protects the skin and grips makeup.

Conclusion - AM PM Skincare Routine

Skincare is a vast journey that I recommend stepping into one product at a time. There are loads of products in the market which can do amazing things for your skin. If you're new, start with facial cleansers, moisturizers and SPF, if it's your morning skincare routine, to get going. As you grow your routine to incorporate double cleanse and cleansing balm, for example, add steps that work best for you one at a time! Taking care of yourself on the outside is just as important as the inside, so don't sleep on this.