Perfect skincare routine: all the steps for day and night

Building a skincare routine does not mean accumulating products, trying every new launch, and spending time and money to delay aging. At LeLang, we promote a different idea: an approach guided by science while respecting the skin's nature.

Skin operates according to precise rhythms: during the day it defends itself, at night it repairs itself. An effective routine must follow these cycles, using the right active ingredients at the right time. Adapting products to the skin - rather than the skin to the products - is the most sensible way to achieve results, even with just a few steps.

Article written by Elisa Avalle, founder of LeLang Skin Care and specialist in dermocosmetics. Cover image generated with the support of artificial intelligence.

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The philosophy of scientific minimalism

Every day, a new cream promises smooth skin and wrinkle removal. But frequently changing products does not produce results: for a cream or serum to work, consistency and sufficient time are needed.

We have already debunked a common myth: skin does not get used to products; rather, cosmetics may no longer meet needs that have changed in the meantime. The next step is functional minimalism, which prioritizes the quality of active ingredients over the number of steps.

Consistent, targeted routines lead to more lasting improvements than chaotic or overly complex routines. Skin does not need to be bombarded: it needs to be understood.

The skin is a complex structure composed of the hypodermis, dermis and epidermis, which work in synergy. A well-structured routine has a precise physiological function:

• helps the stratum corneum renew itself by removing dead cells;
• supports the function of the barrier against UV rays and pollution;
• supports fibroblasts in the dermis in producing collagen and elastin.

Morning routine: protection goal

Although skin may look cleaner in the morning than in the evening, overnight it has produced sebum and lost water. It is best to start with a gentle cleanse that respects the hydrolipidic film, preferably non-foaming if you have dry skin.

Cleansing Gentle Oil cleanses while protecting the lipid barrier. Harsh cleansing removes the natural lipids needed for skin balance, exposing the skin to unnecessary stress.

The antioxidant serum

This is where science makes the difference. During the day, skin is exposed to free radicals generated by the sun and smog. Active ingredients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid counteract oxidation caused by UV rays, blue light, and pollution.

Using topical antioxidants together with sunscreen strengthens protection against photoaging more than sunscreen alone: it neutralizes what UV filters cannot block.

Alternatively, Lycoglow, which uses mullein to protect against blue light and pollution while brightening the complexion.

Hydration and SPF

If you had to choose just one product for the rest of your life, it should be sunscreen. Exposure to UV rays is the primary cause of collagen breakdown and premature aging.

Your morning routine can therefore be limited to three steps: cleanser, serum, and cream, plus SPF. Choose your cream based on your skin type.

If your skin is dry and prone to redness, choose a soothing formula with thermal water and hazelnut oil.

If it is oily or acne-prone, use a lightweight cream with azeloglycine and niacinamide.

If it is mature and lacks density, choose a formula that works on tone and firmness.

Apply sunscreen over the cream, with encapsulated vitamin C and ferments.

Night routine: the goal is repair

Nighttime is when cellular repair mechanisms work at their peak. But for them to work, the skin must be thoroughly cleansed.

It should be free of makeup, sunscreen, and impurities, ideally with double cleansing. The first step, using the same cleansing oil as in the morning, dissolves everything oily: sebum, makeup, and SPF.

The second step removes residue. It is optional, but thoroughly cleansed skin responds better to subsequent treatments.

The nighttime treatment

At night, you can target specific concerns: wrinkles, dark spots, and texture. This is the time for retinol, or peptides if you have sensitive skin: they act as cellular signals, supporting collagen without the irritation typical of retinoids.

Collagenetic Serum is based on Kudzu, which supports collagen synthesis.

For a more nourishing action, 5 Complex Night is a night oil with a blend of five oils, including rice bran oil.

Finish with hydration

Don't leave skin unprotected after an active treatment: you need a cream with ceramides, lipids, or hyaluronic acid. Don't be afraid of rich textures: transepidermal water loss increases at night, so you need something that seals in hydration during the repair phase.

In conclusion: consistency beats intensity

Skin doesn't stop responding to products, but its needs change. An effective routine isn't one that changes every week, but one that adapts to the seasons and stages of life.

Be patient: cell turnover takes about 28 days. Don't judge a product after three days.

If you feel you need more hydration in winter or lighter textures in summer, adapt your routine while keeping the essential steps. If you're looking for the version designed for men's skin, there's a guide on how often men should do their skincare.