Nighttime is when most of us unwind and relax before we turn in for the night, hoping to clock in a much-needed beauty sleep. Of all the nightly rituals, a PM skincare routine is a major contributor to keeping our skin glowing and healthy. However, following the right PM skincare routine order is important if you want to see effective results, whether it’s as simple as cleansing, toning, moisturising or the whole nine yards. Here are all the important PM skincare steps to follow in the right order for every skin type.
Step 1: Makeup Remover
The first step, which is part of the double-cleansing routine, is using a makeup remover. Makeup products and sunscreens are often heavy, oil-based formulations which can’t be easily broken down by face wash alone. A makeup remover is formulated to break down and dissolve heavy-duty makeup and sunscreen to prep your skin for the second step of the double-cleansing regimen.
Nykaa Recommends:
Dry Skin
Oily Skin
Sensitive Skin
Step 2: Cleanser
Though this is a part of the double-cleansing regimen, a cleanser is still a stand-alone, non-negotiable product whether you wear makeup or not. It deeply works into the skin to remove every trace of makeup, pollution, grime, and residual makeup removing product. It’s a surefire way to leave your skin clean and refreshed.
Nykaa Recommends:
Dry Skin
Oily Skin
Sensitive Skin
Step 3: Toner
Though toner may not be everyone’s cup of tea, its gentle, hydrating ingredients can balance the pH levels of the skin and relieve it from any tightness. Toners also help absorb thicker skin care products like moisturisers and eye creams.
Nykaa Recommends:
Dry Skin
Oily Skin
Sensitive Skin
Step 4: Serums
Serums are concentrated formulas of actives that deeply penetrate the skin thanks to their small molecular structure and thin consistency. They’re great to use as targeted treatments for hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and skin ageing. There are several serums to pick from. Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid serums can be used for daily wear (both AM and PM) to retain hydration, strengthen the skin barrier and prevent sun spots. Retinol is a potent anti-ageing agent which accelerates cell turnover, gently exfoliates, and boosts collagen. Therefore, it’s recommended to use this at nighttime when your skin isn’t photosensitive and exposed to the sun to let the ingredient repair the skin without environmental interruption.
Nykaa Recommends:
Dry Skin
Oily Skin
Sensitive Skin
Step 5: Under-Eye Treatment
Under-eye treatments are best suited to people who struggle with dark circles, puffiness, and/or wrinkles. While active ingredients do their due diligence to fight these woes, you want to look for under-eye treatments that are gentle as the skin around the eyes is delicate. Caffeine is a common ingredient in many eye creams and under-eye patches as it reduces puffiness and boosts oxygen circulation. Peptides, ceramides and hyaluronic acid are other ingredients to improve appearance, reduce fine lines and provide hydration.
Nykaa Recommends:
Dry Skin
Oily Skin
Sensitive Skin
Step 6: Moisturiser
A skincare conversation would be incomplete without moisturiser. It’s the most important skincare step after a face wash. It has hordes of benefits from soothing, and softening to healing and repairing. No matter your skin type, a moisturiser is a must-have. However, it does help to choose one based on your skin type. Creams and lotions are great options for those who naturally have dry and/or sensitive skin. People with oily skin are better off using gel-based or water-based moisturiser for lightweight hydration that won’t clog the pores. If your skin feels overly compromised due to potent active ingredients or harsh weather, add an extra layer of moisturiser to soothe and heal the skin overnight.
Nykaa Recommends:
Dry Skin
Oily Skin
Sensitive Skin
Additional Things To Keep In Mind
- Double-cleansing is one of the crucial PM skincare steps to eradicate every bit of makeup, sunscreen, and impurities. This routine consists of two steps – a makeup remover which is followed by a face wash. While makeup remover dissolves makeup and sunscreen, face wash removes any residual impurities and gives you fresh, clean skin.
- A PM skincare routine can also include face masks. Unlike the above daily nighttime routine, a face mask must be used once to twice a week to deeply cleanse the pores, exfoliate dead skin cells and restore a natural glow.
- In case you’re unsure of how to layer your nighttime skincare products, follow the thinnest-to-thickest order. Apply products like serum and toner that have a thin, watery consistency first to let the skin properly absorb them and move on to thicker products like eye cream and moisturiser as the final steps.
- Nighttime is ideal for applying potent ingredients like bakuchiol and retinol to reap their benefits without your skin being exposed to environmental factors like harsh sun rays or pollutants. If you’re applying retinol on sensitive skin, follow the ‘sandwich’ method. This involves applying moisturiser as the first layer, then applying no more than two to three drops of retinol serum and sealing it with a third and final layer of moisturiser. This will help the skin withstand the potency of the ingredient
Though these steps constitute an in-depth PM skincare routine order, if you’re starting out with skincare, keep it simple by double-cleansing, toning and moisturising and gradually work your way up. Don’t forget to share this blog with that friend who just started their skincare journey! And bookmark it for yourself, too.
