Quick answer
Your day routine protects; your night routine repairs. Using the wrong active at the wrong time wastes it — or burns you in the sun. Here is exactly what belongs in your AM vs PM routine.
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Shop verified sunscreens →The simple principle
- Morning = protect. Shield skin from sun, pollution and oxidation for the day.
- Night = repair. Skin renews while you sleep, so this is when the "working" actives go on.
Morning (AM) routine
- Gentle cleanse (or just rinse)
- Antioxidant — vitamin C (protects + brightens by day). See vitamin C.
- Light moisturiser
- Sunscreen SPF50+ — non-negotiable. See the sunscreen guide.
Night (PM) routine
- Cleanse (double-cleanse if you wore SPF/makeup — see double cleansing)
- Treatment actives — this is where retinol or AHA/BHA belong (they increase sun sensitivity, so night only). See retinol and AHA vs BHA.
- A richer moisturiser to repair overnight.
What NOT to mix / mistime
- Retinol + vitamin C + strong acids all at once — irritation. Split: vitamin C (AM), retinol OR acid (PM, alternate nights).
- Actives without daytime sunscreen — the fastest way to dark spots and irritation.
- Full ingredient order: the layering guide.
Minimum version
No time? The non-negotiables are: AM = moisturiser + sunscreen; PM = cleanse + moisturiser. Add actives once that base is a habit. Match to your skin: oily / dry / combination.
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Frequently asked questions
Should oily skin use a heavier moisturiser at night than in the morning?
Yes, a slightly richer, oil-free moisturiser at night can help since skin repairs itself overnight and loses more water while you sleep. In the morning a lighter gel moisturiser under sunscreen is usually enough for oily skin.
How should a night routine change during Dhaka's humid months?
Keep it lighter during humid months by using a gel-based moisturiser instead of a thick cream, and double cleanse on days you wore sunscreen or makeup, skipping that step on days you did not. This helps active ingredients absorb properly instead of sitting on sweaty skin.
Where can I buy original retinol or vitamin C serum in Bangladesh for my night routine?
Buy from a seller who can show the importer's invoice and batch number for that product, since active ingredients like retinol lose effectiveness or cause irritation if the formulation is fake. Checking the batch code against the seller's listing before paying is worth the extra minute.