Skincare routines do not have to be scary or complicated. You also don’t have to feel like glowing skin is not obtainable. It feels that way sometimes doesn’t it? You don’t have to be an esthetician or dermatologist to unmask the secret to radiant skin. We’re diving into the perfect AM and PM skincare routine for glowing skin.
It’s all about mastering your AM and PM skincare routine, and I’m here to guide you through it. Imagine starting your day with a fresh, dewy complexion from a hydrating skincare routine and ending it with skin that’s nourished and rejuvenated while you sleep. Sounds like a dream, right?
It’s as simple as keeping your skin cleansed, hydrated, and protected so you can bolster your skin’s natural radiance.
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This page may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read full disclaimer here.
Contents
Get ready to take notes because we’re about to lay down the ultimate skincare schedule that will have your skin thanking you. And trust me, by the end of this, you’ll be equipped with a powerhouse routine and products for glowing skin that doesn’t quit.
AM Skincare Routine
Cleansing
Kicking off your day with a clean slate is the cornerstone of any stellar AM skincare routine. Think of it as setting the perfect foundation for your skin to absorb all the goodness from your morning beauty ritual. For those with very dry skin, sometimes the gentlest approach is just right—cleansing with only water can be enough to refresh your face without stripping away precious natural oils.
But if you’re reaching for a cleanser, it’s crucial to pick a gentle cleanser that’s tailored to your unique skin type for both your AM and PM skincare routine. Whether your skin is oily, dry, or a combination of both, the right cleanser works in harmony with your skin, clearing away the overnight build-up without overdoing it. It’s not just about cleansing; it’s about prepping your skin to be the perfect canvas for the nourishing products that follow, ensuring you step out with a luminous, healthy glow.
La Roche Posay Toleraine Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser (Dry Skin)
Skin Type: Normal to Dry, Sensitive
As someone who suffers from eczema, La Roche-Posay’s Toleraine Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser has been a gift. Most cleansers tend to make my skin feel dry and tight shortly after using them. But this one provides a gentle cleanse that leaves my combination dry skin hydrated and comfortable. The infusion of ingredients like prebiotic thermal water, niacinamide, and ceramides combine to leave my skin supple. The price point and large bottle are a plus when you want more bang for your buck.
Key Ingredients
Prebiotic Thermal Water, Ceramide-3, Niacinamide, Glycerin
Benefits
- Maintains skin’s natural protective barrier and pH
- Helps retain essential moisture
- Gently removes face and eye makeup, dirt, and impurities
- Non-comedogenic, free of soap, sulfates, oil, fragrances, and parabens
Youth To The People Kale + Green Tea Spinach Vitamins Superfood Cleanser (Oily Skin)
Skin Type: Normal to Oily, Combination Oily
I’m a fan of this cleanser, but I found it to be more beneficial if you have oily skin. Though according to the brand this is a good fit for all skin types, it did leave my skin feeling a little dry and tight. But it also left my skin feeling fresh and the smell was soothing. It does have some hydrating qualities with aloe vera juice, glycerin, and vitamin E as some of its most active ingredients. When paired with Youth To The People’s Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream, it’s the perfect combo to glow this Winter.
Key Ingredients
Aloe Vera Juice, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C Derivative), Youth To The People’s Proprietary Superfoods Blend (Kale / Spinach / Green Tea / Alfalfa / Vitamin C / Vitamin E)
Benefits
- Leaves skin feeling fresh
- Doesn’t leave behind residue
- Gently everyday cleanser
- Vegan and cruelty free
SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser (Acne Prone Skin)
Skin Type: Normal, Oily, Combination
It’s frustrating when breakouts leave behind acne scars. You can treat these scars with fading and brightening serums. But a good cleanser can be even more effective. The main ingredient, glycolic acid, is the most potent AHA that helps to lessen scarring and hyperpigmentation. The inclusion of glycerin is a wonderful protectant from irritation, and increases hydration enhancing a more gentle cleanse. If you have sensitive skin, this may be a little irritating if you have had any sensitivities to AHAs in the past. You may want to stick to a gentle cleanser with no actives.
Key Ingredients
Glycolic Acid, Glycerin
Benefits
- Foaming gel dissolves dirt and oil for a fresh feeling
- Gentle chemical exfoliation provided by glycolic acid that improves tone and texture
- Won’t strip the skin barrier
- Glycerin helps to hydrate and soften the skin
Toning (AM/PM)
In the realm of skincare, toning is like fine-tuning your complexion’s harmony—optional, but beneficial for many. A morning and evening tone included in your skincare routine can balance your skin’s pH, refine pores, and prep your skin to better absorb serums and moisturizers. When layering, you always apply after cleansing your skin. However, it’s not a must for everyone. If your skin is on the sensitive side, or if you’re already using products that offer similar benefits, you might skip the toner to keep your routine simple and avoid potential overstimulation. Ultimately, whether to include this step in your morning or night skincare routine its more important to listen to your skin’s needs and let that guide your routine.
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
Skin Type: All Skin Types
In the world of Korean skin care, this toner ranks pretty high on the list of must-haves. Its hydrating and gentle formula helps to calm sensitive skin. My daily go-to but it’s also come in handy anytime I’ve damaged my skin barrier. Some even consider it a staple towards their journey to glass skin.
Key Ingredients
Heartleaf 77% Extract, Glycerin
Benefits
- Anti-inflammatory and soothing on skin
- Non-comedogenic
- Slightly acidic between pH 5 and 7
- Non-irritating and gentle for sensitive skin
Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C is a morning glory for your skin, a powerhouse that wards off pesky free radicals and brightens like no other. Applying a vitamin C serum during your morning skincare routine leverages its full potential, working hand-in-hand with your sunscreen to shield against the day’s environmental stressors. If pure vitamin C is too intense for your skin, gentle ascorbic acid derivatives can be your go-to for a similar glow without the sting. But remember, mixing Vitamin C with certain ingredients, like retinol or benzoyl peroxide, can be a no-go, as it may lead to irritation.
SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is the chef’s kiss of vitamin C serums. An antioxidant serum with a formula chased by its competitors but never duplicated. One of those serums where you don’t want to believe the hype, but once you give it a try, you end up its biggest cheerleader. Yep, that’s what this C E Ferulic does to you.
The only ascorbic acid I can apply to my face without a bad reaction. Even with the high percentage of 15% ascorbic acid, it’s surprising how stable it is. That may be because it has a higher pH level that most in the same category. Which is a blessing when you are trying to not disrupt a skin barrier fighting off the elements in the Winter. One of the few that’s worth the splurge, and your budget may never be the same again.
Key Ingredients
15% Pure Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid), 1% Vitamin E, .5% Ferulic Acid
Benefits
- Protects the skin from free radicals caused by the sun and pollution
- Improves appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Evens and brightens skin tone
- Can remain effective for 72 hours once absorbed
- Paraben-free
AM Moisturizer
Moisturizing in the AM is non-negotiable for all skin types—it’s the hydrating hug your skin craves after your morning skincare routine prep. For oily skin, a light, gel-based moisturizer quenches without the grease. Dry skin types should embrace richer, cream-based formulas that lock in moisture. Sensitive types will benefit from soothing, hypoallergenic lotions free from irritants. Even acne-prone skin needs moisturizing to balance oil production and prevent the overdrive that can happen when skin feels too dry. It’s all about creating a soft canvas that’s resilient and ready for whatever the day brings.
Youth To The People Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream
Skin Type: All Skin Types
Hands down this is my absolute favorite Youth To The People moisturizer. I can’t get enough of this stuff. It’s light, hydrating, nourishing, basically liquid gold. On their website they list it being for oily, combination, and normal skin types, but its a savior for dry skin. I’m sensitive to fragrance and there is a light scent, not enough to make a major difference in how it feels on my skin. The best part about this moisturizer is how it leaves your skin with a hydrated glow.
Key Ingredients
Kale, Hyaluronic Acid, Green Tea
Benefits
- Instant + 48 hrs of hydration
- Plump, glowing skin
- Non-comedongenic
- Non-greasy
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is your AM shield against the aging and damaging effects of the sun. It’s a non-negotiable for your morning skincare routine. Aim for a minimum SPF of 30 and reapply every two hours, or more if you’re sweating or swimming, to maintain that protective barrier. It’s the ultimate guard for keeping your skin youthful and radiant.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
Skin Type: All Skin Types
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen is weightless, thin, invisible, and everything you need to protect your skin from UV rays. No wonder why it’s a cult favorite. This antioxidant rich sunscreen is a go-to for any skin type. Zero white cast also makes it a must have for darker tones. Plus its packed with red algae and meadowfoam oil complex to increase hydration and add to your morning glow. Doubling as a makeup-gripping primer is a bonus worth stocking up on.
Key Ingredients
Red Algae, Frankincense, Shea Butter, Jojoba Esters
Benefits
- Oil-free and creates a natural finish
- Broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection
- Invisible, weightless, and scentless
Serums (AM/PM)
Serums are the secret agents of skincare, delivering potent active ingredients deep into the skin’s layers. In your AM and PM routine, they’re the game-changers for a hydrated, plump, and radiant complexion. Hyaluronic acid serums draw in moisture, binding it to the skin for that bouncy feel. Vitamin E and ferulic acid serums can brighten and even out skin tone, giving you that lit-from-within glow. But patience is key—give these concentrated potions time to dive deep into your skin before sealing them in with your moisturizer. This pause ensures each serum works its magic to the fullest, leaving your skin quenched and luminous.
When layering these serums in your AM and PM skincare routine, apply them after your treatment and before moisturizing.
SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier
Skin Type: All Skin Types
This serum has ruined my ability to use any other HA serums, and I’m ok with that. Every time I pullout the dropper, I get anxious thinking about when I will run out. It’s got the good stuff, a potent percentage of hyaluronic acid. An intense mix of botanical extracts working with the HA to amplify hydrating the skin. Its quick absorbing formula immediately leaves my skin glowing after I apply it. To say I’m obsessed is an understatement.
Key Ingredients
1.3% Hyaluronic Acid, 2% Licorice Root Extract + .2% Purple Rice Extract, 10% Proxylane
Benefits
- Reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles
- Delivers long lasting hydration
- Amplifies skin’s hyaluronic acid levels by 30%
- Paraben-free / dye-free
Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum
Skin Type: All Skin Types
Sunday Riley’s B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum doesn’t stray from its title. It’s very nice and one of the most effective niacinamide serums I’ve tried. It’s supercharged with trans-resveratrol providing it with more antioxidant and anti-aging benefits. Additionally, its ability to target redness, dark spots, and skin tone make it a necessity in your AM and PM skincare routines.
Key Ingredients
10% Niacinamide, Brightenyl, Trans-Resveratrol, EGCG
Benefits
- Helps minimize pores appearance
- Brightens skin and helps improve post-acne dark spots
- Regulates the look of shiny, oily skin
- Evens out skin tone and improves redness
- B Core certified, sustainable, cruelty-free
Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum
Skin Type: All Skin Types
If you are looking for a hardworking peptide serum, this one is right on time. Its formulation is like an endless list of anti-aging benefits. The maxed out 3% inclusion of growth factors improves skin’s firmness, hydration, and elasticity. The potent peptide complex delays signs of aging and targets expression wrinkles. To add a nice cherry on this milkshake of anti-aging sanctuary, it’s formulated with phospholipids and glycolipids to promote hydration and improve your skin barrier.
Key Ingredients
3% sh-Oligopeptide-1 (Growth Factor) Complex, 9% Lifting Peptide Complex, MSM, Copper Lysinate, Phospholipids & Glycolipids
Benefits
- Firms, lifts, smooths
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines, crows feet, forehead lines
PM Skincare Routine
Oil Cleanser
Double cleansing to start your night skincare routine begins with an oil cleanser, a gentle yet effective method to dissolve the day’s makeup, dirt, and impurities. This initial step attracts excess oils and helps unclog pores, minimizing blackheads, whiteheads, and blemishes. It sets the stage for a deeper clean, ensuring your PM products work their best on a perfectly purified canvas. Always follow up with a cleanser specific to your skin type and it can be the same cleanser from your morning skincare routine.
ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil
Skin Type: All Skin Types
I didn’t realize what I was missing out on until I added this cleansing oil to my routine. This gentle, light, and nourishing oil has worked wonders on my pesky whiteheads. Formulated with argan kernal oil and jojoba oil, it has a thinner consistency. Thin enough to not feel heavy on the skin, but not so thin that it feels watery. It has the consistency of a light oil serum that feels luxurious when applied to your skin. It’s also considered to be the #1 cleansing oil in Korea.
Key Ingredients
Argan Kernal Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Squalane, Phospholipids & Glycolipids
Benefits
- Removes 99.74% of pollution and dust from skin’s surface
- Melts away blackheads and whiteheads without clogging pores
- Balanced pH level
Treatment
In your PM skincare routine, retinoids and chemical exfoliants are your skin’s renovators, targeting issues like fine lines, uneven texture, and dullness. Also increasing skin cell turnover and removing dead skin cells to reveal bright glowing skin. However, they’re a power duo that shouldn’t mingle in the same nightly script—used together, they can lead to irritation and over-exfoliation. To avoid redness and peeling, introduce them slowly into your skincare routine, starting with a few nights a week and never on the same evening. This gradual acquaintance allows your skin to adapt without distress, paving the way for a smoother, more radiant complexion over time.
Retinoids (4-5x a week)
Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination
If you made a commitment to add retinol to your night skincare routine before the end of the year, this is a good place to start. A 6.5% blend of retinoids and related extracts may seem a little intimidating, but this one is surprisingly mild. It looks and feels like most retinoids with it’s off-yellow tone, light texture, and absorbs quickly into the skin. If you are a retinol newbie, I would still take it slow. Start with 1 time a week until you know how your skin responds to it. But the results after a few weeks is smoother skin with less blemishes.
Key Ingredients
5% Retinoid Ester Blend, 1% Liposome-Encapsulated Retinol Blend, .5% Blue-Green Algae, COQ10, Hawaiian White Honey
Benefits
- Fights signs of aging
- Improves the look of congested and UV damaged skin
- Helps the appearance of a smooth even-toned complexion
Exfolliants (1-2x a week)
SkinMedica AHA/BHA Cream
Skin Type: Normal, Oily, Combination
Incorporating an exfoliant into your skincare routine when using retinol is key to radiant skin. This SkinMedica AHA/BHA cream provides a nice combination of hydration and exfoliation in one step. Exfoliating with an AHA/BHA may seem like a lot for your skin to handle, but this one has the perfect balance. It’s not drying, especially if you have acne-prone skin. Even with its slight scent, it’s not too overpowering to be unpleasant.
Key Ingredients
Lactic Acid / Glycolic Acid / Citric Acid / Malic Acid (AHAs), Salicylic Acid (BHA), Vitamin E, Pro-Vitamin B5
Benefits
- Exfoliates Skin
- Reveals a more youthful appearance
- Enhances skin tone and texture
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Gentle Daily Peel
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, Sensitive
These easy to use exfoliating peel pads are unique with their 2-step process, but they get the job done. Made with a more gentle blend of AHAs and BHAs than its peel pad siblings, they couldn’t scare away the most sensitive skin girlie. You swipe the step one all over your face, wait a couple of minutes, then repeat with step 2. I’ve seen less breakouts, dark spots, and a more even texture since I started using these a couple of months ago. It gives my skin a supreme glow, and leaves it soft and supple so my morning routine has less to do.
Key Ingredients
Step 1 – Lactic Acid / Mandelic Acid / Citric Acid / Chamomile / Green Tea Extract, Step 2 – Tiger Grass / Colloidal Oatmeal / Hyaluronic Acid / Resveratrol
Benefits
- Help accelerate cell turnover and promote healthy, radiant skin
- Evens out tone & texture
- Diminishes fine lines & wrinkles
- Hydrates & repairs skin
Eye Cream
Eye creams are specialized allies in your skincare arsenal, targeting delicate under-eye concerns like dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines. While they’re beneficial, remember, ample sleep and a nutritious diet are paramount for optimal eye health, providing the foundation for these creams to work their magic effectively.
Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye Complex
Skin Type: All Skin Types
This popular powerhouse eye cream is a fan favorite that addresses everything. Get your anti-aging checklist ready because it’s treating fine lines and wrinkles, dryness, dullness, dark circles, and puffiness. It uses some of our favorite ingredients like retinol, vitamin c, and niacinamide. But it comes in a small tube, so it leaves you wanting more. When you finally get a good all-in-one cream, it’s hard not to.
Key Ingredients
Glycerin, Apricot Kernel Oil, Retinol, Peptides, Niacinamide, Vitamin C
Benefits
- Eye cream targets the signs of skin aging
- Reverses signs of skin aging around the eye area
- Delivers potent age-fighting actives deep into the skin
- Improves dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles, puffiness
Night Creams
Night creams are the PM warriors, working overtime while you rest. They’re typically richer than your daytime moisturizers, designed to support skin’s natural repair process as you sleep. Packed with active ingredients, night creams deeply hydrate and target specific concerns like wrinkles and elasticity, making them a crucial step in your nighttime regimen for waking up to rejuvenated, supple skin.
Caudalie Premiere Cru The Rich Creme
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, Sensitive
Dealing with my dry skin in the Winter is exhausting. The irritation, peeling, and dryness seems endless. Caudalie’s Premier Cru The Rich Cream is the nourishment gift that keeps giving. On top of providing intense moisture, it has viniferin, a natural extract that studies have shown it’s more effective than vitamin C. As well as their own patented technology associated with resveratrol and honokoil to visibly improve the look of aging. I love waking up in the morning after applying this cream to smoother, hydrated, and more youthful skin. Its especially calming after an exfoliation night when your skin may be a little more sensitive.
Key Ingredients
Biotech Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Glycerin, Grapeseed Oil, Shea Butter Extract
Benefits
- Helps reduce wrinkles
- Plumper skin
- Non-comedogenic
- Vegan
Skinceuticals Daily Moisture
Skin Type: Normal, Oily, Combination, Sensitive
You can never go wrong with Skinceauticals. They make the simplicity of a moisturizer impressive. Their Skinceuticals Daily Moisture continues to deliver that message with its perfect formulation for oily skin. Its hydrating, soothing, reduces the appearance of pores, and reduces excess oil. Its light texture works well layering over serums and suitable for you AM and PM skincare routine.
Key Ingredients
Algae Extracts, Purifying Botanical Extracts, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E
Benefits
- Restores and maintains moisture
- Helps reduce appearance of pores
- Non-greasy finish that leaves skin smooth
- Lightweight
Final Thoughts
A consistent AM and PM skincare routine is essential for preserving your skin health and developing the perfect glow. From gentle cleansers such as La Roche Posay Toleraine Hyrating Gentle Face Cleanser to nourishing night creams such as Caudalie Premier Cru The Rich Creme, these products work tirelessly for your skin’s benefit. Not forgetting the powerhouse exfoliants, SkinMedica AHA/BHA Cream and Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Gentle Daily Peel, which are instrumental in removing dead skin cells and promoting a radiant complexion. And let’s remember Skinceuticals Daily Moisture, a lightweight, non-greasy marvel that leaves your skin refreshed and supple.
These products, combined with a well-balanced diet and ample sleep, form the foundation of a comprehensive skincare regimen that will help your skin to glow. Ultimately, the key to achieving and maintaining glowing skin lies in a consistent, properly tailored skincare routine that caters to your skin’s individual needs. So, here’s to glowing skin, AM and PM, every day!
