Have you ever wondered about the real purpose of different night and day skincare routines? Though it can sound excessive at first, there are real motives and explanations behind having designated products for different times of the day.

Just like our other organs, our skin performs different functions that are timed by our biological clocks. Distinct processes during the day and when we are asleep help our skin fulfil all of its duties at the most effective time. If you’re still confused, don’t worry – let’s dive a little deeper. 

What Goes on Behind the Scenes?

Generally, during the day, a regenerative process will take place in our skin. This kind of activity works to protect us from external and environmental factors, such as exposure to the sun and some chemicals. The daytime skin functions are also said to involve other essential processes such as DNA repair, which help keep us safe from UV radiation damage and pollution. 

On the other hand, nighttime brings along “repair mode” for our skin. The majority of new cells are produced overnight – this process, which is an essential part of cell turnover, can diminish apparent signs of ageing and heal blemishes.

Adapting our Skincare

While these processes are complex, having a general idea about our skin’s functions is a valuable way to learn how to adapt your skincare routine effectively. In other words, by understanding these changes and how they affect us, we can then work with our skin during its protective and repair processes rather than against it. By using products to supplement the procedures that are already happening naturally, we can then maximize the efficacy of our skincare routines. 

A prime example of this can be seen in moisturizers, one of the foundational steps of skincare. Naturally, more sebum is produced throughout the day, which is why you may often find yourself blotting away excess oil that has built up in your t-zone. As nighttime approaches, oil production decreases drastically. Because of this, we can benefit from heavier, ultra-hydrating nighttime moisturizers that can compensate for the shift while we sleep. 

Other things might come into play when deciding whether products should be used overnight or throughout your day. If you have products in your routine that can increase sun sensitivity but you are not particularly diligent with your SPF, it might make sense for you to use it at night instead! The same goes for mixing ingredients that affect each other’s performance – keeping them 12 hours apart should do the trick! 

Finding out the perfect daytime and nighttime skincare routines can involve a lot of research and time to perfect. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any specific questions about your products and routines; I’ll be here to guide you through it!