How Many Hours In Between Skincare Routines?
Written by
May Willis
Published
Sunday, 10 Nov 2024
11 min. read
Why trust us?
1
CottonNow is incubated at the Harvard Innovation Lab.
2
Science & data-based approach to personal care. Numbers don’t lie.
3
With 10+ years struggling with acne & skin conditions, we understand what it’s like.
When it comes to skincare, one question that often pops up is: how many hours should I wait in between morning and nighttime skincare routine? Many of us wonder if the timing between our morning and evening routines plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of our skincare products, and we have been there before. After a discussion at the office here at CottonNow, let me share some insights based on our collective personal experience and research.
Everyone has two skincare routines, one in morning and one before bed. However the question of when they should happen aren't quite clear. Everyone assumes that the morning routine should, obviously, happen in the morning and the night one before bed. However, how many hours should you space them out?
The Timing Myth: Does It Really Matter?
I've spent years tweaking my skincare routine, and one thing I've learned is that the exact hours between your morning and evening skincare shifts don't matter as much as you might think. I have had days where I stayed home until later in the afternoon and got lazy, delaying the morning routine. And during the work week, the routines will be way more consistent. This is very normal, and we all do it. Instead, what's more important is knowing the purpose of each routine. For reference, here's my morning and nighttime routine:
Morning Routine: Prepping Your Skin for the Day
Your morning skincare routine is all about preparing your skin to face the day. This means focusing on hydration, protection, and creating a smooth canvas for makeup (if you wear it). Here's a quick rundown of what my morning routine looks like, for the exact products that I use, check out this blog :
1
Cleanser
A gentle cleanser to remove any overnight build-up.
2
Toner
Balances the skin's pH and preps it for other products.
3
Serum
I usually go for a vitamin C serum for its antioxidant properties.
4
Moisturizer
Hydrates and locks in moisture.
5
Sunscreen
The most crucial step to protect against UV damage throughout the day when you are outside.
Evening Routine: Cleansing and Prepping for Recovery
Your evening routine, on the other hand, is all about cleansing and prepping your skin for its natural nighttime recovery process. Here's what I do in the evening:
1
Double Cleanse
An oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen, followed by a quicker cleanse with a water-based cleanser.
2
Toner
To balance the skin's pH. Especially after a double cleanse.
3
Serum
I opt for a retinol or other treatment serum to address specific concerns. We talked about the SK-II Pitera in a blog before. I absolutely swear by this.
4
Moisturizer
A richer, more nourishing moisturizer to support skin repair. A good moisturizer gives you a great glow in the morning!
Different products in your routine has different purposes. As a whole, they make up a greater purpose that addresses your current skin concerns. Mine right now is about keeping my skin complexion and radiance.
The Answer: Consistency Over Timing
Now that you guys know my routine, let's talk about the main topic. The key to effective skincare is focused consistency. Whether you have 8 hours or 12 hours between your morning and evening routines doesn't really matter. What truly matters is that you stick to your routine daily. Now that I understand the purpose of my routines, I only have to ensure that my routine's goal is achieved. If I am going outside on a sunny day, then I make sure I go through my routine at least 30 minutes before so that my sunscreen is activated. If I had a long day with a lot of workouts and sweat, then when I get home, I do my nighttime routine immediately. Knowing what your routine works for and deciding when to do it is the name of the game.
Important: Listen to Your Skin & Adjust
Your skin's needs can vary day by day. Sometimes, it might feel extra dry and need more hydration; other times, it might be oily and need a lighter touch. Paying attention to how your skin feels and adjusting your routine accordingly is more beneficial than strictly adhering to a set number of hours between routines.
"Paying attention to how your skin feels and adjusting your routine accordingly is more beneficial than strictly adhering to a set number of hours between routines"
Conclusion
In conclusion, the hours between your morning and evening skincare shifts don't matter as much as the consistency and purpose of each routine. Focus on prepping your skin for the day in the morning and aiding its recovery at night. Adjust the timing of your routine to what you plan to do on a certain day, observe how your skin responds, and then readjust.
Don't over think about the timing of the routine! Instead, adjust your routine to how you and your skin is feeling and focus on achieving the greater goals of the routine!
Q&A
There isn't a strict requirement for how much hours in between skincare shift should be. The focus should be on the purpose of your routines: morning for protection and evening for recovery.
The hours in between skincare routines don't significantly impact the effectiveness of products. Consistency and the correct use of products are more important.
While some products can be used in both shifts, it's generally recommended to use lighter, protective products in the morning and more nourishing, reparative products in the evening. The timing between the routines is less critical.
