AM/PM Skincare Routine: Step-by-Step Order of Application

The AM routine, in order

1. Cleanse — a gentle handmade soap or mild face cleanser removes overnight oil and sweat.

2. Tone — optional; use an alcohol-free toner to rebalance skin after cleansing.

3. Serum — lightweight, water-based serums go before anything thicker.

4. Moisturise — apply while skin is still slightly damp to trap water.

5. Sunscreen — always the final skincare step in the morning, every day, indoors or out.

The PM routine, in order

1. Cleanse — remove sunscreen, pollution and sweat. Double cleanse if you wore heavy sunscreen or makeup.

2. Tone — same optional step, useful if your cleanser leaves skin feeling tight.

3. Treat — this is where actives belong at night: keep it to one active per evening.

4. Moisturise — a slightly richer cream at night supports overnight barrier repair.

5. Face or hair oil — seal everything in, and work oil through hair ends on wash-eve nights.

The rule that decides the order

Apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency. Water-based first, oil-based last.

Give each layer thirty seconds to absorb before the next one — layering too fast causes pilling.

Sunscreen breaks the rule: it always goes last in the morning, whatever its texture.

A starter AM/PM routine with Jul's Skin

AM: natural handmade soap or gentle cleanser, moisturiser, sunscreen.

PM: cleanse, moisturiser, and a natural hair oil massaged into the scalp two evenings a week.

Keep this fixed for four weeks before adding anything new, so you can tell what is working.

FAQ

Should the AM and PM routines use different products?

Mostly the same. The two real differences are sunscreen in the morning and actives or richer creams at night.

Does toner go before or after serum?

Toner goes first, straight after cleansing, then serum.

Can I skip the night routine if I am tired?

Cleansing is the one step not to skip — leaving sunscreen and pollution on overnight is what causes congestion.