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
1. Gentle cleanse (or just rinse)
2. Antioxidant — vitamin C (protects + brightens by day). See vitamin C.
3. Light moisturiser
4. Sunscreen SPF50+ — non-negotiable. See the sunscreen guide.
Night (PM) routine
1. Cleanse (double-cleanse if you wore SPF/makeup — see double cleansing)
2. Treatment actives — this is where retinol or AHA/BHA belong (they increase sun sensitivity, so night only). See retinol and AHA vs BHA.
3. 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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