am and pm skin care routine

From Sunrise to Sunset: A Comprehensive Guide to Your AM and PM Skincare Routine

To achieve glowing, blooming skin, you need a healthy diet, lifestyle as well as additional minerals from a proper skincare routine. And I have to admit people seem to underestimate the importance of morning skincare and think morning skin care is not necessary. That’s extremely wrong since taking care of your skin in the morning helps you prepare your skin for the day ahead as well as removing leftover product from the previous night which may affect your makeup. 

The morning and evening skincare routines differ in their goals and techniques, and it’s important to understand these differences to get the most out of your products. If you haven’t planned out your AM and PM skincare routine, let us do it for you.

AM Skincare Routine

For a good beginning to a new day, you probably need to refresh yourself with a good skincare routine. In case you don’t know where to start, we’re here to help you.

Cleansing

Cleansing in the morning is important to remove any sweat, oil, or debris that has accumulated on your skin overnight. Choose a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils, and massage it onto your skin using circular motions. Rinse off with lukewarm water.

Toning

Toning helps to balance your skin’s pH level and prepare it for the rest of your skincare routine. You would love to use a toner that is alcohol-free and contains hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid. Apply it to a cotton pad and sweep it over your face, avoiding the eye area. You can also apply it on your bare hands and pat them on your face like how Asian women do. To me, this is the best Korean skincare for 40s technique ever.

Serums

Serums are lightweight formulas that penetrate deep into your skin to deliver active ingredients. Choose a serum that targets your specific skincare concerns, such as hydration, brightening, or anti-aging. Apply a few drops onto your fingertips and gently press it into your skin.

Moisturizing

Moisturizing in the morning is important to keep your skin hydrated and protected throughout the day. Choose a moisturizer that contains SPF to provide sun protection, and make sure it’s suitable for your skin type. Apply it all over your face, neck, and chest.

For those who haven’t found any matte moisturizer with SPF, here are our recommendations:

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid: This lightweight, oil-free sunscreen provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with a matte finish. It’s also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30: This moisturizer is specifically designed for oily skin and helps to control oil production while providing sun protection. It also contains niacinamide to help soothe and calm the skin.

Supergoop! Matte Screen SPF 40: This mattifying sunscreen contains silica to help absorb excess oil and create a smooth, matte finish. It’s also enriched with antioxidant-rich plant extracts to help protect the skin from environmental stressors.

Sun Protection

Sun protection is essential to prevent damage from harmful UV rays. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and apply it generously all over your face, neck, and any other exposed areas. Reapply every two hours if you’re spending time outdoors.

PM Skincare Routine

After a busy day, it’s night time and you can spend some time for yourself now. For relaxation, you might want to start doing your daily PM skincare. 

Cleansing

You should double cleanse at night to take off your makeup and clean dirt, and oil that has accumulated on your skin throughout the day. Start with an oil-based cleanser to break down any makeup or sunscreen, then follow up with a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining impurities. You can also use a clay mask for deeper cleansing.

Toning

Unlike your morning routine, you might want to choose a stronger toner at night. Go for a product that contains gentle exfoliants, such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. Apply it to a cotton pad and sweep it over your face, avoiding the eye area. You can just pat the toner all over your face if the product you’re using is gentle on the skin.

If you’re looking for a cruelty-free, Paraben free and naturally derived toner that has at least 2% of salicylic acid, Azimd skincare the one spray can work well for you.

Treatments

Night time is the best time to apply treatments that target specific skincare concerns as you don’t have to go out for the next 8 hours, giving your skin more time to absorb the product. Choose a treatment that is suitable for your skin type and concerns, and remember to read the instructions before using it. If you want to retain moisture, while providing protection and enhancing the natural repair process of your skin, you should try out Essential Beauty hydrating facial serum.

Eye Cream

To hydrate and protect the delicate skin around your eyes, you might want to use eye cream. This is optional since most people who use eye cream are over 30. Choose a product that contains antioxidants, such as vitamin C or E, to brighten and protect the skin. Gently pat it onto the skin around your eyes, using your ring finger.

Moisturizing

Moisturizing at night helps to hydrate and nourish your skin while you sleep. A moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type and contains hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin is best for a night routine. 

Recommended Skincare Items

Bad Habit Skincare

Bad Habit is a skincare brand from the US that is focused on resetting stressed-out skin. They help people with damaged skin from bad habits recover like dehydration from too much screen time.

The brand ensures that their products do not contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, formaldehyde, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan, triclocarban which might cause irritations and other skin problems.

Bad Habit is also perfect for people who are vegan since their products are 100% cruelty-free and clean.

This brand is quite popular on social media and many influencers, and even Emma Chamberlain have done a Bad Habit skincare review. Most of the feedback is positive but it’s claimed that this brand is not for people with sensitive skin.

Photo from Cosmetic Businesses

Le Mieux Skincare

Le Mieux is a skincare brand that offers a range of products for various skin concerns, including aging, acne, hyperpigmentation, and sensitivity. The brand combines science and nature to create innovative formulas that use advanced technology and high-quality ingredients.

Le Mieux products contain a variety of active ingredients, such as peptides, stem cells, and antioxidants, to improve the appearance and health of the skin. The brand also offers various types of products, including cleansers, serums, moisturizers, masks, and eye treatments.

The brand claims that their products don’t contain binders, thickeners, fillers, sulfates, or parabens. They are also a proud participant in PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies Program, their products are cruelty-free and not tested on animals.

Many people have used Le Mieux’s products and left a lot of reviews. They said their products were effective, well-formulated and affordable. You can read Le Mieux skincare reviews on social media or online shopping websites like Amazon.

Photo from Create. Play. Travel

For healthy, radiant, youthful skin, you should be doing your skincare properly and frequently as well as knowing your skin and the products you use well. The key for a perfect skincare routine is understanding and being steady as skincare is a form of relaxation and self-love. And don’t be impatient if they don’t work immediately, your skin needs time to absorb. If you’re into skincare but don’t know where to start or just want to try new products, you should check out Bad Habit and Le Mieux, they might have what you need.

THE TATTOO AFTERCARE: WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Getting a tattoo is an exciting experience, but the real work begins after you leave the artist’s chair. Proper tattoo aftercare is crucial for ensuring your new ink heals beautifully and minimizes the risk of infection or complications. This involves a delicate balance of keeping the area clean while allowing it to breathe and heal naturally. 

This guide will provide you with essential tips and information on how to care for your fresh tattoo, from the immediate post-tattoo steps to long-term considerations. By following these guidelines, you can help your tattoo heal optimally and enjoy its vibrant colors and intricate designs for years to come.

TATTOO AFTERCARE: FIRST 30 DAYS AND BEYOND

Healing time varies depending on your tattoo’s size and intricacy. Larger tattoos tend to stay red and swollen for longer as they cause more trauma to the skin.

Day 1

When you leave the tattoo studio, your tattoo will be covered with a dressing. Your artist will tell you when to remove it. Plastic wrap and gauze are typically removed after a few hours, while medical-grade adhesive (known as “second skin”) can stay on for several days. Brands like Dermalize, Flexifix, Saniderm, SecondSkin, Tatu-Derm, and Tegaderm are commonly used.


Fluid, including blood, plasma, and excess ink, may ooze from your tattoo. It will also be red, sore, and warm to the touch. When it’s time to remove the dressing, wash your hands thoroughly before gently peeling it off. Cleanse the area with warm water and fragrance-free soap, rinse well, and then lightly pat dry. Afterward, wait a few minutes before applying the ointment or lotion your artist recommends.

Days 2–3:
Your tattoo will likely have a duller, cloudier appearance as your skin starts healing. Scabs may form.


Continue washing your tattoo once or twice a day, and don’t worry if some ink runs into the sink. This is just excess ink coming up through your skin. Let your skin dry completely before applying the recommended ointment or lotion.

Days 4–6:
By now, the second skin should be removed. Some artists suggest running the area under water while peeling off the adhesive. Make sure your hands are clean before starting.
Gently stretch the adhesive and peel it off slowly. Afterward, cleanse the area, let it dry, and apply the recommended ointment or lotion.


Redness should be fading, and light scabbing may appear. Avoid picking at the scabs, as this can cause scarring. Continue washing your tattoo once or twice daily and applying ointment as needed.

Days 6–14:
Scabs will begin to flake off naturally, but don’t pick at them. Pulling them off prematurely can remove ink and cause scarring. Itching is common during this time. To soothe it, use a fragrance-free, alcohol-free moisturizer several times a day. If the tattoo remains red and swollen, consult your tattoo artist or a healthcare professional for advice on possible infection.

Days 15–30:
By now, most scabs should be gone, and any remaining flakes will fall off. The tattooed area may still look dry and dull, but it should start to feel smoother. Continue moisturizing until the skin appears hydrated again. By the second or third week, the outer skin layers will have healed, but deeper layers may take 3–4 months to fully heal.

Expect your tattoo to look bright and vivid again by the end of the third month.

Tips for Long-Term Tattoo Care:
Once your tattoo has healed, it’s important to maintain its appearance.

  • Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to support overall health and keep your skin elastic.
  • Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen to protect your tattoo from UV damage and keep the colors vibrant.
  • Avoid Rapid Weight Fluctuations: Rapid weight gain or loss can stretch and distort your tattoo.

SELECTING THE BEST SKIN CARE PRODUCTS FOR TATTOO AFTERCARE

USE SOAP

Always opt for a mild, fragrance-free soap or a specially formulated tattoo cleanser to clean the tattooed area.

Many tattoo artists recommend:

  • Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Hemp Baby Unscented Pure-Castile Soap
  • Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar
  • Dial Gold Antibacterial Soap (although not fragrance-free, some artists recommend it)

USE OINTMENT


For the first day or two, some artists suggest using A+D Original Ointment. Afterward, you can switch to Aquaphor Healing Ointment or Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Organic Magic Balm.

USE LOTION

After the first week, you can switch to a lotion to keep the skin hydrated. Just ensure it is free of fragrances, ethyl alcohol, and additives like colored dyes that can dry out your skin.

Some recommended lotions are:

  • Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion
  • Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

AVOID 100% PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

It’s best to avoid using products that are 100% petroleum-based, such as original Vaseline, during the initial healing process.

Petroleum products are thick and can trap moisture, preventing proper airflow to the tattoo. This can hinder healing and may even cause the ink to fade. Always choose products that allow your skin to breathe while supporting the healing process.

COMPLICATIONS DURING THE TATTOO HEALING PROCESS

While some discomfort and changes in your tattoo are normal, certain complications can arise. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional.

INFECTION

Improper care of your tattoo can lead to an infection. Signs of infection include:

  • Redness, warmth, and pain around the tattooed area
  • Leaking pus or other unusual fluids

In rare cases, contamination of tattoo equipment or ink can lead to serious bloodborne infections like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tetanus, or HIV. Non-tuberculous mycobacterial skin infections have also been reported.

ALLERGIC REACTION

If you’re allergic to the ink, you may experience a red, itchy reaction at the tattoo site. Red dyes are most likely to cause allergies, although blue and black dyes can also trigger skin reactions like photosensitivity. Always consult your artist or a healthcare professional if you suspect an allergic reaction.

SCARRING

Improper healing, such as picking at scabs or damage from the needle, can lead to scarring. Scar tissue can be permanent, so it’s important to avoid picking or scratching the tattoo while it heals.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. When should you start aftercare for a new tattoo?
Aftercare begins immediately after your tattoo is completed. Your artist will typically apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and cover the tattoo with a bandage or plastic wrap. Follow their aftercare instructions on when to cleanse and what products to use.

2. How long should you keep your tattoo covered after your appointment?
Keep the dressing on for the duration recommended by your artist, typically anywhere from a few hours to a few days. The dressing prevents bacteria from entering, absorbs excess ink and fluid, and shields the tattoo from friction or irritation.

3. What is proper aftercare for a new tattoo?

  • Wash your hands thoroughly before removing the covering.
  • Gently cleanse the tattoo with warm water and fragrance-free soap.
  • Pat the skin dry with a soft cloth.
  • Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free and alcohol-free moisturizer.
  • Let your skin breathe by keeping the dressing off after initial care.
  • Follow this routine for the first few weeks and avoid sun exposure until fully healed.

4. What should you avoid after getting a new tattoo?

  • Avoid scratching or picking at your tattoo. Gently patting the area can relieve itching.
  • Avoid tight clothing that may rub or irritate the tattoo.
  • Stay away from bathtubs, hot tubs, pools, or submerging your tattoo in water.
  • Don’t apply sunblock until the tattoo has fully healed, and avoid direct sun exposure during healing.

5. Can you use Aquaphor on a new tattoo?
Yes, it’s generally safe to use a thin layer of Aquaphor Healing Ointment on a healing tattoo. Unlike pure petroleum jelly (like Vaseline), Aquaphor is more breathable and allows air to circulate, aiding the healing process without suffocating the skin.

CONCLUSION

A tattoo is not only a form of personal expression and art, but also a medical procedure. The artist uses a needle to deposit ink beneath your skin, which creates a wound. Anytime the skin is broken, there’s a risk of scarring and infection. Proper aftercare is essential to minimize these risks and promote healthy healing of your tattoo.