While having a proper skincare routine is important, choosing the right timing is equally significant. Most people opt for both, while some people prefer doing it at any time of the day. But is timing really that important? HT Lifestyle spoke to Dr Aisshwarya Panddit, Celebrity Cosmetic Doctor and Founder, Aura Edge Wellness Pvt Ltd., to understand how timing plays a role in skincare.
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“If you are wondering whether your morning skincare routine is as important as your night routine, then you are not alone. This is one of the most common queries patients ask. But the fact remains that it’s not about choosing between the two, but about realizing what your skin requires at a given time,” said Dr Aisshwarya.
Morning skincare routine
Dr Panddit highlighted that your morning skincare routine is actually your skin’s defense system. As soon as you go out, your skin is immediately exposed to the sun and the environment. So, it makes sense that your skincare routine starts with a gentle cleanse and moisturizing your skin.
She also recommends adding an antioxidant like Vitamin C that can help fight free radicals, and sunscreen, which is the real hero here. Not applying it, even on cloudy days, is actually a skincare faux pas. You should ensure to apply sunscreen even if you are not heading out in the sun.
Night skincare routine
According to Dr Panddit, at night, our skin goes into repair mode. You can think of this as your body’s recovery window. This is the time to focus on properly cleansing your skin, especially if you have been wearing makeup or sunscreen all day. Once your skin has been properly cleaned, it becomes much more receptive to active ingredients, whether retinoids or peptides, that can help promote repair and texture improvements over time. She recommends using a richer moisturizer at night to repair your skin.
“What I often tell my patients is this: your morning routine protects, your night routine corrects. Both are important, and skipping either one can slow down your results,” said Dr Aisshwarya.
“That being said, more is not necessarily better, and over-complicating your routine with too many products can irritate your skin rather than help it,” added Dr Panddit.
At the end of the day, good skin care isn’t about trends or 10-step routines; it’s about balance and realizing that what you do in the morning and at night should complement, not compete with, each other.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
