Skincare is an essential part of modern life, particularly in today’s fast-paced world. Environmental stressors, pollution and harsh products can damage skin, leading to premature ageing and other issues. A consistent skincare routine helps maintain healthy, glowing skin while boosting confidence and overall well-being. With the rise of skincare awareness, people are now investing in tailored regimens, seeking expert advice and using high-quality products to achieve optimal skin health and a radiant complexion. In a conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr. Tanushree Biswas, Head Medical Advisor and Consultant dermatologist at Kaya Limited explained whether it is okay to repeat your morning skincare at night.
She said, although consistency is a central aspect of healthy skin, it is not good to use the same steps twice a day. The demands of your skin have also changed dramatically between day and night: the morning is developing a shield to prevent external aggression such as UV or pollution, whereas at night the needs are overnight repair, rest and regeneration. All of this can be unpacked to allow you to streamline your routine to heal and strengthen your skin.
Why Morning And Night Routines Differ?
In the morning, you prime your skin through your daily routine to prepare it to face the day. Use a mild cleanser to wash the build-up, then a toner to restore the pH balance, an anti-oxidant serum to form the barrier against free radicals, hydrate with a moisturising cream, and most importantly, protect with broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 +). This barrier guards against premature ageing and hyperpigmentation.
During the night, it is about recovery. Your skin heals itself when you sleep and therefore, the routine ought to cleanse the daily grit and help with healing. The secret of success is the combination of double cleansing, first, using an oil-based remover substance to remove all of your makeup and SPF, and the second step by using a water-based cleanser which gets rid of any additional substance. It should be followed by treating serums such as an anti-ageing retinol (which increases collagen but is photo-reactive, thus not an option during the daytime), hydrating additions such as hyaluronic acids or ceramide, and a denser moisturiser or night cream to seal the gains. To go deeper into the renewal, exfoliants or masks may be added 2-3 times per week.
Such variations correspond to the circadian rhythm of your skin: during the day, there is defence; at night, there is regeneration.
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Potential Drawbacks Of Repeating Same Skincare Routine
It may feel good when you apply your morning products at night but it is cheating your skin. As an example, poor cleansing results in the buildup of product in the pores that may result in a breakout or dullness. Using sunscreen at night is unnecessary and can be greasy and not applying actives such as retinol means forgoing anti-ageing repair, with the result that fine lines or blotchiness appear with time. Some morning serums contain photosensitive ingredients that when used at the wrong time, become irritating, and dry or ageing skin may not receive full hydration to heal, making the problem of dehydrated skin or acne scars even worse.
Essentially, a one-size-fits-all solution does not consider the dynamic needs of your skin, thereby lessening the overall effectiveness or causing long-term damage to your health.
Are There Any Benefits?
Positively, the reduced routine encourages compliance, particularly among novice or busy people. Your morning routine can be minimal cleanser, anti-wrinkle moisturiser and SPF-but then some of it will be redundant with evening basics in which there is always a degree of consistency. The pros are however, limited faced with the cons; customisation gives much better results.
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Recommended Suggestions By A Dermatologist
Based on your skin type (oily/acne-prone, dry or maturing skin), plan your routine accordingly: use salicylic acid to regulate your skin; use creams containing more peptides on dry skin; retinol and collagen boosters on maturing skin. Always introducing the products, from thinnest to thickest to maximise absorbency and actives should be introduced slowly to prevent irritation. Supplement with healthy lifestyles such as good sleep and healthy diets.
You do not have to feel bad about doubling up your daytime skincare routine during the night when you are in a bind; it is not ideal when it comes to glowing skin. Adopt different habits to defend during the day and heal at night because your skin will appreciate it.