When it comes to your daily skincare routine, timing is everything. Using the right products at the right times can make a world of difference in how your skin looks and feels. It’s essential to understand what your skin needs in the morning versus what it needs at night to maximize the effectiveness of your skincare regimen.
Tracy Hudson, a renowned skincare expert, recently shared valuable insights in a viral TikTok video, shedding light on the best practices for both morning and nighttime skincare.
Morning Routine: Think Protection
Hudson emphasizes that the morning skincare routine should focus on protection. The goal is to shield your skin from the environmental stressors you’ll encounter throughout the day.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor)
This is non-negotiable. Sunscreen is crucial to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, which can lead to premature aging and dark spots. Make sure to use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning, regardless of the weather.
Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect your skin from free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage your skin cells. Applying a vitamin C serum in the morning can brighten your complexion and provide an extra layer of protection against environmental damage.
Nighttime Routine: Think Correction
The nighttime is the perfect time to focus on correcting any skin issues and helping your skin recover from the day’s stress.
Retinols
These are vitamin A derivatives that can help with cell turnover, improving skin texture, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinols are best used at night because they can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Hydroquinone
This is a skin-lightening agent that can help to reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Using hydroquinone at night ensures that your skin isn’t exposed to the sun, which can exacerbate pigmentation issues.
Peptides
These are short chains of amino acids that can help to stimulate collagen production, leading to firmer, more youthful-looking skin. Incorporating peptides into your nighttime routine can enhance your skin’s repair processes while you sleep.
The Importance of Timing
Hudson’s expert advice boils down to using the right products at the right time. This can significantly enhance their effectiveness and protect your skin. During the day, your skin needs a protective barrier against environmental damage. At night, your skin enters a regenerative phase, making it the ideal time for corrective treatments.
Avoid using harsh acids or potent actives, like retinols during the day. This can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, leading to more harm than good.
“You don’t want to be going around in the daytime with a bunch of acids on your face in the sun, that’s nighttime work,” Hudson said.
Remember, in the morning, think protection with SPF and vitamin C. At night, focus on correction with retinols, hydroquinone, and peptides. Tailoring your routine to the specific needs of your skin at different times of the day will help you achieve a healthier, more radiant complexion.