I will start with what AM PM routine is, followed by a table that you can quickly refer to any time to know the difference between the two and finally conclude by giving a step wise AM and PM skincare routine.
If you are new to skincare, I would suggest you read my article on Simple Skincare Routine for Beginners with Product Suggestions first where I explain basics of skincare.
Table of Contents
What is AM PM skincare routine and why do we need it?
Everyone aspires for healthy, youthful and radiant skin. Needless to say, being consistent is key to better skin. To achieve this, you need a system that is easy to understand and follow. AM PM skincare routine is one such system. It may take time for you to figure out a routine that works for you but once you do, it will become much easier for you to be consistent.
AM & PM skincare routine refers to a daily regimen of skincare products and steps that are performed in the morning and at night to maintain healthy and youthful-looking skin.
What I have tried to do in this article is to give you a basic structure that will act as guideline that you can use to create a routine that works best for you.
Difference between AM and PM skincare routines
| AM | PM | |
| Objective | Protect | Repair and rejuvenate |
| When? | In the morning, before you step out. Combine it with brushing or showering | Ideally two hours before bedtime |
| Sunscreen | Apply | Don’t apply |
| Cleanse | You can skip cleansing if you have dry or normal skin | All skin types |
| Makeup Removal | Not required | Must be removed |
| Treat | Avoid using actives as sun might irritate the skin | Either exfoliate or use retinol |
| Moisturize | Necessary Even if you have oily skin | Necessary Even if you have oily skin |
Stepwise AM Routine
- Cleanse
Using face wash to cleanse your face should be the first step in your skincare routine especially if you have oily skin. You can skip this step in AM routine if your skin feels dry or normal in the morning. As long as it doesn’t feel greasy, you can should avoid washing your face. - Moisturise
This step is important for preventing skin from drying out. Moisturiser helps in hydrating the skin. - Protect
The importance of using sunscreen for protecting your skin can not emphasised enough. Your should use at least SPF 50 and PA+++ sunscreen for complete protection from harmful UV A and UV B rays.
Stepwise PM Routine
- Makeup Removal
You should begin your night routine by first removing makeup. Us can use micellar water or cleansing balm for removal. - Cleanse
During the day, your face gets exposed to impurities, germs and dirt and cleansing your face to get rid of them. It is also important to remove residual makeup and sunscreen. - Treat
Use AHA or BHA exfoliator to get rid of dead skin cells and retinol to increase cell production on alternate days. - Moisturise
End your routine with a moisturiser
Conclusion
Use AM routine to protect your skin and PM to repair and rejuvenate your skin. You should avoid using anything that might be irritating to the skin in the morning. In the evening, do your PM skincare routine at least two hours before your bed time so that products get absorbed.
This routine is a basic structure to be used as a reference. Feel free to play around with products used to figure out routine that works.
