AM vs. PM Skincare Routine: Why You Need Both for Healthy, Glowing Skin

When it comes to skincare, one size doesn’t fit all — especially when we’re talking about day and night. Your skin’s needs change throughout the day, and your skincare routine should change with them. An AM routine helps protect your skin from environmental aggressors, while a PM routine focuses on repair and correction.

Let’s break down what your skin needs morning and night, and how to build an effective routine for each.

— AM Skincare Routine —

Your morning routine is all about shielding your skin from pollution, UV rays, and daily stressors. Think of it as your skin’s armour.

1. Cleanser

Start by washing away any oil or sweat that accumulated overnight. Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won’t strip your skin’s natural barrier.

Tip: If you have dry or sensitive skin, a cream or gel cleanser works best. For oily skin, try a foaming cleanser to help control excess sebum.

2. Serum

Morning serums are all about antioxidants. Vitamin C is a favourite — it brightens the skin, evens tone, and protects against free radical damage from UV rays and pollution.

3. Moisturizer

Even if your skin is oily, don’t skip moisturizer! It helps maintain your skin barrier and keeps your skin smooth. Choose a lightweight, non-greasy formula for daytime.

4. Sunscreen (The Non-Negotiable Step)

This is the most important step of your AM routine. Sunscreen protects against premature aging and hyperpigmentation. Use at least SPF 30 daily — even when it’s cloudy or you’re indoors near windows.

Tip: Layer sunscreen after your moisturizer and before makeup. Reapply every 2–3 hours if you’re outside.

— PM Skincare Routine —

At night, your skin goes into repair mode — healing, regenerating, and rebuilding from the day’s stress. This is when you focus on hydration and treatment.

1. Double Cleanse

If you wear makeup or sunscreen, start with a first cleanse to dissolve the buildup. Follow with a second cleanse to remove remaining residue and to deeply cleanse your pores.

2. Exfoliate (2–3 times per week)

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover. Choose between:

• Chemical exfoliants (like AHAs & BHAs,) for smoother, brighter skin.

• Gentle physical exfoliants for a more immediate polish (use sparingly).

3. Treatment Cream

Nighttime is the best time for active ingredients like:

• Retinol (for anti-aging and acne control)

• Peptides (for firmness)

• Niacinamide (for brightening and oil balance)

Tip: Start slow with retinol (2–3 times per week) and use a hydrating moisturizer afterward to minimize irritation.

4. Moisturizer

Seal everything in with a rich moisturizer to lock in hydration and help your skin repair overnight. Look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or squalane.

5. Eye Cream (Optional)

Use a lightweight eye cream to target puffiness, dark circles, or fine lines. Pat gently with your ring finger — no tugging!

Here is a recommended AM & PM routine using Vivier skincare:

AM:

1. Hexam cleanser

2. Any Vivier Vitamin C serum

3. Daily Age Defying Moisturizer

4. Sheer spf 30 mineral tinted sunscreen

PM:

1. Hexam cleanser

2. Illuminating Enzymatic Peel or Vitamin C scrub (2-3 times per week)

3. Retinol

4. Nightly Age Defying moisturizer

5. GrenzCine Eye cream

Consistency is the real secret to glowing skin. You don’t need a complicated routine— just the right steps for your skin type and goals.

• AM = Protect & Prevent

• PM = Repair & Rejuvenate

Listen to your skin, adjust as needed, and remember: skincare is self-care.