Morning vs. Night Skincare Routine: What to Use and When

I’ve learned over the years that your skin has very different needs depending on the time of day. Morning routines are all about protection and prep, while nighttime routines focus on repair and renewal. Using the right products at the right time can make a noticeable difference—and Dubois Beauty makes it easy with thoughtfully formulated, effective ingredients.  We believe in keeping it simple.   Skin care should never be complicated.  

Why Morning and Night Routines Differ

Morning: Protection Against the Environment

During the day, my skin is exposed to sun, pollution, and blue light from screens. My morning routine is about shielding and hydrating, using antioxidants, moisturizers, and of course, sunscreen.

Night: Repair and Renewal

At night, my skin is in repair mode. This is when I focus on treatments that support cell turnover, collagen production, and barrier repair. Nighttime is all about nourishing and letting the skin do its natural restorative work.

My Morning Skincare Routine

1. Cleanser – AHA Cleansing Milk
   I actually apply this before stepping into the shower, letting the lactic acid sit on my skin for a few minutes. It gently exfoliates, smooths, and brightens, and when I rinse it off, my skin feels refreshed and ready for the day.
2. Toner – Clarity AHA Toner
   This helps refine pores and maintain gentle exfoliation without stripping moisture. It keeps my skin feeling balanced and prepped for the next steps.
3. Serum – Defend Antioxidant Serum
   This is one of my favorite steps. It contains Ascorbyl Glucoside, Kakadu Plum, and Phloretin, a trio of powerful antioxidants. They protect against free radicals, pollution, and blue light while brightening the skin and supporting collagen production. I feel like my skin is wearing an invisible shield all day.
4. Moisturizer – Protecting Day Cream
   Lightweight but packed with benefits, this cream hydrates and protects against pollution and blue light, keeping my skin comfortable and smooth under makeup.
5. Sunscreen – Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+
   I never skip this step. It’s essential for preventing premature aging and protecting my skin from UV damage.  I prefer to use mineral based sun protection.   It's safe for you and the environment.

My Night Skincare Routine

1. Cleanser – Marula Bloom Cleansing Oil
   In the evening, I start with this beautiful oil cleanser. When massaged onto dry skin, it melts makeup and impurities. Add water, and it emulsifies into a creamy lotion, leaving skin clean, soft, and hydrated.
2. Mist – Calm Hydrating Mist
   Next, I spritz the Calm Hydrating Mist, enriched with omega-3-rich Sacha Inchi. It soothes, hydrates, and strengthens my skin barrier—perfect prep for treatment products.
3. Serum – Vital A Serum
   This serum combines 1% retinol with Bakuchiol, delivering the benefits of retinol without irritation. It smooths texture, supports collagen production, and helps my skin look radiant by morning.
4. Moisturizer – Restorative Night Cream
   I finish with the Restorative Night Cream, packed with ceramides and Matrixyl® Synthe’6®, a plant-derived peptide that stimulates collagen. It leaves my skin firm, nourished, and renewed overnight.

How to Customize by Skin Type

• Oily/Acne-Prone: Try the Charcoal Cleanser and Willow Herb Serum to control oil and keep skin clear without over-drying.
• Dry/Dehydrated: Blend Dew Drops with the Defend Antioxidant Serum in the morning, and layer under Vital A Serum at night for extra hydration.
• Sensitive/Rosacea-Prone: Add the Balance Willow Herb Serum and Calm Mineral Mist for soothing, barrier-supportive care.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-exfoliating or layering too many active ingredients at once.
• Skipping sunscreen in the morning.
• Using the same products day and night without adjusting for your skin’s needs.
• Using Vitamin A during the Day. It is a sensitive ingredient to sun light so it should be used at night.

7-Day AM/PM Routine Planner

Understanding the difference between your morning vs. night skincare routine helps you give your skin exactly what it needs: protection and glow during the day, and repair and renewal at night. Using products with thoughtful, effective ingredients like those in Dubois Beauty makes it simple to keep your skin healthy, radiant, and youthful.