Journal / Skincare foundations
Morning and evening skincare: what actually needs to change?
You do not need two separate shelves of products. A few steps differ between the start and the end of the day, and most of the routine can stay the same.
The short answer
In the morning, finish with sunscreen. In the evening, cleanse well enough to remove sunscreen and make-up, then moisturise. Cleanser and moisturiser can be the same at both ends of the day. Some treatments, retinoids in particular, are generally used at night.
01 / The shared base
Most of the routine does not change.
Skin does not need a different philosophy at 7am and 10pm. The base described in a simple skincare routine holds at both ends of the day: a gentle cleanse and a moisturiser you find comfortable.
The American Academy of Dermatology advises washing your face once in the morning, once at night and after heavy sweating.[2] It recommends applying moisturiser to damp skin, which applies whenever you wash.[1]
You can use the same cleanser and the same moisturiser twice a day. Separate “day” and “night” creams are a preference. What differs is what each half of the day asks of your skin.
02 / Start of the day
The morning’s job is protection.
During the day your skin meets sunlight. The morning routine exists to prepare for that.
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Cleanse.
A gentle cleanse with lukewarm water and your fingertips.[2] Whether everyone needs to wash their face in the morning is a fair question; if a morning cleanse leaves your skin tight, look at the cleanser first.
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Moisturise.
Apply while the skin is still slightly damp.[1]
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Protect.
Sunscreen is the step that belongs to the morning. The AAD recommends applying it before going outdoors, because it takes about 15 minutes for the skin to absorb it, and reapplying every two hours when you are outside.[3]
A moisturiser that includes broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher can combine the last two steps.[1] If you wear make-up, it goes on after sunscreen.[4] For the product itself, see choosing a sunscreen you will actually use.
03 / End of the day
The evening’s job is removal.
By evening your skin is carrying sunscreen, possibly make-up, and whatever the day added. The AAD advises cleansing before bed.[1]
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Remove and cleanse.
Take off make-up before you sleep. The AAD notes that even non-comedogenic make-up can cause acne if you sleep in it.[6] One thorough, gentle cleanse is enough for many people; whether you need to double cleanse depends on what you are removing.
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Treat, if you use a treatment.
The AAD’s suggested order places any medication or treatment directly after cleansing.[4]
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Moisturise.
The same moisturiser as the morning is fine.
Sunscreen has no role at night. Nor does the evening routine need to be longer than the morning one; it has a different first step.
04 / Where the extras go
Why some products belong to one half of the day.
A few products have a natural home.
- Retinoids
- Because retinoids can make skin more sensitive to the sun, dermatologists quoted by the AAD advise using them only at night, with sun protection during the day.[5] See starting retinol: questions to ask.
- Prescribed treatments
- Use them when and how your prescriber directed. If the instructions say morning, that overrides general advice.
- Exfoliants
- Used occasionally, and many people prefer the evening. Avoid placing several strong products in the same session; see active ingredients: when more is not better.
- Sunscreen
- Morning, and again during the day when you are outdoors.[3] If you wear make-up, see reapplying sunscreen over make-up.
Everything else, including serums and eye creams, can go wherever it suits you, provided you follow the product’s directions. The sequence is covered in skincare product order.
05 / Days that do not follow the pattern
Exercise, sweat and a third wash.
Morning and evening are not always the only times you wash. The AAD advises washing your face after an activity that makes you sweat, and patting sweat away gently with a clean towel during exercise.[6] It notes that perspiration, especially under a hat or helmet, irritates the skin.[2]
That can mean three cleanses on a gym day. To keep that from becoming drying:
- Use the same gentle cleanser each time.
- Moisturise after each wash.
- Reapply sunscreen if you are going back outdoors.
- Count an evening workout wash as your evening cleanse, then moisturise and stop there.
There is more in skincare around exercise. If frequent washing leaves your face uncomfortable, read why skin feels tight after cleansing.
06 / A practical comparison
Your two routines, side by side.
Write out what you do at each end of the day and compare the lists.
Things to look for
- A morning routine that ends with sun protection.
- An evening routine that starts with proper removal of sunscreen and make-up.
- Strong treatments placed in one session, not both.
- Products doing the same job in both lists for no reason.
- A routine short enough to follow on a tired evening.
If the two lists are nearly identical apart from sunscreen and a treatment, that is how it should be. A routine that fits your life tends to be the one that survives. If you would like help sorting it, Skin Edit reviews what you already use, and a consultation covers wider questions. Skin that is painful or reacting needs medical advice before a routine change.
A few common questions
Frequently asked questions.
Do I need different products for morning and evening?
Not as a rule. The same cleanser and moisturiser can be used twice a day. The morning adds sunscreen, and some treatments are used only at night.
Should I wear sunscreen at night?
No. Sunscreen protects against sunlight and has no purpose overnight. Cleanse it off in the evening.
Can I use retinol in the morning?
Dermatologists quoted by the AAD advise using retinoids only at night, because they can make skin more sensitive to the sun, and using sun protection during the day.[5] Follow your prescriber’s directions if it was prescribed.
Do I have to wash my face in the morning?
The AAD’s general advice is to wash once in the morning and once at night.[2] If morning cleansing leaves your skin tight or uncomfortable, review the cleanser and the water temperature.
Is a night cream necessary?
No. A moisturiser you tolerate works at night as well as in the morning. Some people prefer a richer texture in the evening, which is a matter of comfort.
What if I exercise in the evening?
Wash after sweating, moisturise and treat that as your evening cleanse.[6] There is no need to cleanse again before bed.
Sources & scope
This Journal article offers general skincare education and a comparison of morning and evening routines. It does not provide a diagnosis, prescribe treatment or replace individual medical advice. The points above draw on the following published resources.
- Skin care on a budget (American Academy of Dermatology) — cleansing before bed, moisturising and daily sun protection.
- Face washing 101 (American Academy of Dermatology) — how often to wash and how.
- How to apply sunscreen (American Academy of Dermatology) — when to apply and reapply sunscreen.
- Should I apply my skin care products in a certain order? (American Academy of Dermatology) — the order in which products are applied.
- Retinoid or retinol? (American Academy of Dermatology) — why retinoids are used at night.
- 10 skin care habits that can worsen acne (American Academy of Dermatology) — removing make-up before bed and washing after sweating.
Editorial: Merve Akkaya Journal. Learn more about Merve Akkaya.
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