The difference between nighttime and daytime skincare and why you need both
Did you know that our skin functions differently while we sleep than it does while we’re awake? It’s important for us to treat our skin properly, meaning we need to fuel it with the right products at the right time of day. This will maximise the effectiveness of your skincare products and ensure your skin is the healthiest it can be. We’ve outlined the difference between nighttime and daytime skincare, why you need both, and our top products recommendations...
What’s the difference between nighttime and daytime skincare?
Essentially, our skin serves different purposes at night and in the day. Throughout the day, our skin’s focus is on protecting itself from environmental factors: direct sunlight, nasties in the air, the dirt on your hands rubbing off onto your face, the air conditioner in your office that’s drying out your skin—that kind of thing. It is also working to preserve the good stuff you’ve given it that morning: SPF, moisturiser, any serums or toners you use.
On the other hand, nighttime is when your skin does the hard work to rejuvenate and regenerate. It finally has time to slow down and focus on deeper skin issues while you sleep.
Before we delve into the specifics of nighttime vs. daytime skincare, it’s also important to remember that you need to use your products in the correct order. There’s no point in applying a moisturiser or sunscreen if you wash it off with a cleanser a minute later! The general rule of thumb is to cleanse first, then go in with any serums or oils you use, dab on an eye cream, apply moisturiser to lock in all that hydration, then apply your SPF.
Daytime skincare
Your goal in the morning is to set up your skin to protect you from outside factors. Your morning skincare products should work with your skin, rather than trying to fight against any skin issues. Gentle products are key for the morning. Of course, your specific products will differ depending on your skin type, but antioxidants like vitamin C are a safe bet across the board. Use thinner, lighter products for the morning since your skin doesn’t have to work too hard to absorb them. And always, always apply SPF in the morning!
We recommend:
- Aspect’s Extreme C 20
- Aspect’s Envirostat Face SPF50
Nighttime skincare
At night after you’ve removed your makeup (this is a non-negotiable!), you can reach for your richer, thicker products. This is when ingredients like hyaluronic acid and retinoids come into play. You want to nourish and restore your skin at night and target concerns like acne, dryness, rosacea, etc. A good rule is to use ingredients that your body already produces: collagen, hyaluronic acid, lipids, fatty acids, and proteins. This will help restore your skin overnight.
We recommend:
- La Prairie Skin Caviar Moisturiser
- Cosmedix Surge Hyaluronic Acid Booster
- Cosmedix Serum 24 - Retinol Treatment
Wait! You’re not done yet…
Of course, nothing is ever quite as simple as A-B-C. Don’t forget that there are products and treatments you should use less often than everyday, but still regularly. Face masks, stronger ingredients, exfoliants, and in-clinic treatments should also be staples of your routine.
Exfoliators should be used 1-2 times per week (we recommend chemical ones, but physical exfoliant works too!). Try a nourishing mask or at-home treatment before bed once a week or every couple of weeks as a treat for your skin. Stronger ingredients like heavier retinoids should be used according to the advice of a skincare professional.
And, of course, consistent clinical treatments are key for targeting your skin concerns and increasing the efficacy of your products. Head into the salon or book your appointment online by clicking here.