In short: a night skin care routine has one main job: clean the day off your skin, then give it what it needs while you sleep. In order: remove makeup and sunscreen, cleanse, tone or mist, apply a treatment serum, eye cream, then a night cream or moisturizer.

Night is the usual time for exfoliating serums and spot treatments, and there is no sunscreen step. This guide sets out the night skincare routine steps, with options by skin type.

Why a night routine matters

By evening your skin has collected sunscreen, makeup, sweat, oil and pollution. Removing it properly helps prevent clogged pores and dullness. Night is also when you can use products that are better kept out of the sun, such as many exfoliating acids, and richer creams that would feel heavy under makeup.

Repêchage Opti-Cleanse Oil Free Eye Make-up Remover

Night skincare routine steps

1. Remove makeup and sunscreen

Start with the eyes. Opti-Cleanse Oil Free Eye Make-up Remover is applied on a cotton pad with soft downward and inward strokes over closed eyes. If you wear heavy makeup or water-resistant sunscreen, a first cleanse to lift it helps.

2. Cleanse

Use a cleanser for your skin type and lukewarm water. Your face should feel clean but not tight.

3. Tone or mist

A toner or hydrating mist refreshes skin after cleansing and leaves it ready for the next step.

4. Treatment serum

This is the step to match to your concern: hydration, an uneven-looking tone, the look of fine lines, or blemishes. Exfoliating serums with acids are usually used at night, as the label directs. Our guide on when to apply serum on face covers timing for each type.

5. Eye cream

Tap a small amount around the eye contour with your ring finger. Do not drag the skin.

6. Night cream or moisturizer

Finish with a cream that suits your skin. Night creams are often richer, but a light moisturizer is fine if your skin is oily.

7. Spot treatment, if needed

Dab a spot treatment only onto blemishes, last, so it stays where you want it.

Night routines by skin type

For blemishes, Hydra Medic Clear Complexion Drying Lotion is dabbed onto spots, left overnight and wiped off in the morning. For eyes, Opti-Firm Eye Contour or Hydra Dew Pure Eye Contour Cream are both used morning and night.

Weekly additions

• Exfoliation, once or twice a week, on a night without other active products. See our guide to how to exfoliate your face.
• A mask chosen for your skin: a clay mask for oily areas, a soothing mask for sensitive skin.
• A slow face massage as you apply your night cream. Our guide to face massage at home shows how.

Repêchage Hydra Dew Pure Gentle Foaming Cleanser

Do not forget hands, neck and lips

Take your night cream down onto your neck with downward strokes. Hands get washed often during the day, so a hand cream such as Sea Spa Hand Cream at night helps, and a little balm on dry lips does too.

Common night routine mistakes

• Going to bed with makeup or sunscreen still on.
• Using several strong actives on the same night.
• Exfoliating every night.
• Applying a spot treatment all over the face.
• Changing products every week instead of giving a routine time to work as directed.

Frequently asked questions

What is the correct order for a night skin care routine?

Remove makeup and sunscreen, cleanse, tone or mist, apply serum, eye cream, then night cream or moisturizer. A spot treatment goes last, only on blemishes.

Do I need a night cream?

Not always. A moisturizer that suits your skin is enough. Many people with dry or mature skin prefer a richer night cream.

Can I use the same moisturizer day and night?

Yes, if it suits your skin and the label allows it. In the morning, finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Should I use exfoliating serums at night?

Usually yes. Many acid-based serums are directed for night use. Follow the label, and use sunscreen every morning.

How long should I wait between steps?

Let each layer absorb, usually a minute or two. Some labels give a longer wait, such as Triple Action Peptide Serum, which asks for 10 minutes before a cream.

Is double cleansing necessary at night?

It helps if you wear makeup or water-resistant sunscreen. If not, one gentle cleanse is enough.

What is the best night routine for glowing skin?

A gentle cleanse, a hydrating or brightening serum and a moisturizer every night, with gentle exfoliation once or twice a week. Daily sunscreen in the morning protects the result.

Can I skip my night routine sometimes?

Always remove makeup and sunscreen and cleanse. If you are tired, cleanse and moisturize; the full routine can wait for the next night.

Sources and further reading

Further reading from dermatology organizations and published research:

• American Academy of Dermatology: Retinoid or retinol?
• American Academy of Dermatology: Face washing 101
• Goh CL et al. Challenges and real-world solutions for adoption of holistic skincare routine (cleansing, treatment, moisturization, and photoprotection) in acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and sensitive skin: An expert consensus. J Cosmet Dermatol, 2024 (PubMed)

In short: a tan is your skin making extra pigment after sun exposure, and it fades on its own as the outer layer of skin renews. To help a tan fade and stop it coming back, protect your skin from the sun every day, exfoliate gently once or twice a week, and use a routine with brightening ingredients.

Skip lemon juice, baking soda and harsh scrubs: they irritate the skin and can make dark marks worse. This guide explains how to remove tan from face skin safely, how long it takes, and when to see a dermatologist.

What a tan actually is

When ultraviolet (UV) light reaches your skin, pigment cells make more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. The extra melanin moves up into the outer layer, and skin looks darker. A tan is the skin's response to sun damage, not a sign of healthy skin, and repeated tanning is linked with dark spots, uneven tone and early lines.

The outer layer of skin renews itself continuously, so an even tan usually fades over several weeks once you stop adding to it. Patchy tan, dark spots and pigmentation that has built up over years take longer.

Repêchage One-Minute Exfoliating Mask

What works for tan removal

1. Daily sun protection, first and always

Nothing else works well if your skin keeps tanning. Every morning, finish your routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), use enough to cover your face and neck, and reapply when you are outdoors for long. Add shade, a hat and sunglasses in strong sun. Remember that sun through car and office windows can still tan the skin.

2. Gentle, regular exfoliation

Exfoliating removes dead surface cells, which can help a tan fade more evenly and help skin look brighter. Keep it gentle and occasional:

• The One-Minute Exfoliating Mask uses rice bran wax spheres and lactic acid; the directions suggest two to three times a week.
• Rapidex Marine and Alpha Hydroxy Acid Rapid Exfoliator is a single-use swab used after your evening cleanse; the label limits its 14-day program to once a month.

Use one exfoliant at a time, and pause if your skin stings or turns red. Alpha hydroxy acids can leave skin more sensitive to the sun, which makes daily sunscreen even more important. Our guide to how to exfoliate your face covers the options.

3. A routine with brightening ingredients

Brightening products are made to help the look of uneven tone and dark spots fade over time. The Repêchage Biolight collection combines seaweed with licorice root, gotu kola and willow bark. A simple routine is the Brightening Cleanser, Brightening Toner and Skin Correct Serum morning and night, with the Overnight Cream at night. Our Biolight home regimen sets it out step by step.

4. A professional facial

A professional brightening facial, such as the Repêchage Biolight Miracle Facial with its mild glycolic peel, can help skin look brighter and more even. A trained professional chooses the strength for your skin and tells you how to care for it afterwards. See the Signature Facial Treatments and our guide to the enzyme peel vs glycolic peel.

What does not work, or can make things worse

• Lemon juice. It is acidic and can irritate the skin, and citrus on skin in the sun can cause a reaction that leaves dark marks.
• Baking soda and toothpaste. They disturb the skin's natural balance and can cause dryness and irritation.
• Harsh scrubs. Scrubbing hard does not lift a tan faster and can leave irritated, uneven skin.
• Bleaching creams from unknown sources. Some creams sold for quick fairness contain ingredients that should only be used under medical advice. Avoid products without clear ingredient lists.
• Expecting overnight results. No product removes a tan in one use. Steady care over weeks is what helps.

A simple de-tan routine

Repêchage Rapidex Marine and Alpha Hydroxy Acid Rapid Exfoliator

When to see a dermatologist

A tan from a holiday fades. See a dermatologist if dark patches stay for months, appear symmetrically on the cheeks, forehead or upper lip, get darker despite sun protection, or if a spot changes shape, size or color. Some types of pigmentation, such as melasma, need a medical plan.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a tan take to fade from the face?

An even tan usually fades over several weeks as the outer layer of skin renews, as long as you stop adding to it with sun exposure. Patchy or long-standing pigmentation takes longer.

What is the fastest way to remove tan from the face?

There is no instant fix. The quickest safe approach is daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, gentle exfoliation once or twice a week and a brightening routine, used consistently.

Can I remove tan at home?

Yes, for a normal sun tan. Protect your skin every day, exfoliate gently and use brightening products. See a dermatologist for patches that do not fade.

Is lemon juice good for tan removal?

No. Lemon juice can irritate the skin, and citrus on skin exposed to the sun can cause dark marks.

Does sunscreen remove tan?

Sunscreen does not remove an existing tan, but it stops you adding to it, which lets the tan fade. It is the most important step.

Can I exfoliate every day to remove tan?

No. Daily exfoliation can irritate the skin and weaken its protective barrier. Once or twice a week is enough for most people.

Does a facial help with tan?

A professional brightening facial can help skin look brighter and more even. Your professional will choose the treatment for your skin and advise on aftercare.

Why does my tan come back?

Usually because of daily sun exposure without enough sunscreen, or not reapplying it when outdoors. Window light and short, unprotected trips outside add up.

Sources and further reading

Further reading from dermatology organizations and published research:

• American Academy of Dermatology: How to select a sunscreen
• American Academy of Dermatology: How to fade dark spots in darker skin tones
• Merin KA et al. A Review on Sun Exposure and Skin Diseases. Indian J Dermatol, 2022 (PubMed)

In short: a good moisturizer for dry skin in winter combines three kinds of ingredients: ones that draw water into the skin, ones that soften it, and ones that help hold that water in. Choose a richer cream than you use in summer, apply it to slightly damp skin straight after cleansing, and add a balm on very dry patches.

Keep washing water lukewarm and keep using sunscreen. This guide explains how to choose a moisturizer for dry skin and which Repêchage options suit which need.

Why skin gets drier in winter

In winter the air holds less moisture, and heaters and hot showers dry it further. Skin loses water to the air more easily, and the outer layer can feel tight, rough or flaky. In much of north India, the drop in humidity between October and February is easy to feel on the face, hands and heels.

Repêchage Hydra Dew Pure Facial Moisturizer

Dry or dehydrated?

• Dry skin makes less oil. It tends to feel tight and rough all year, and it often looks flaky in winter.
• Dehydrated skin lacks water. Any skin type can be dehydrated, including oily skin, and it often shows as dullness and fine, crisscross lines that come and go.

Many people are both in winter. A good winter routine adds water back with a mist or serum, then uses a moisturizer to soften the skin and help keep that water in.

What to look for in a moisturizer for dry skin

• Humectants such as hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, glycerin and sodium PCA draw water into the outer layer of the skin.
• Emollients such as squalane and plant oils soften rough skin and help it feel smooth.
• Richer textures such as creams and balms help reduce water loss from the surface, which matters most in dry air.
• Few irritants. If your skin is dry and sensitive, a fragrance-free formula is a sensible choice.

Cream, lotion or balm?

Repêchage moisturizers for dry skin

• Dry, compromised skin:Hydra Dew Pure Facial Moisturizer is a fragrance-free daily cream with mastic oil, Laminaria digitata seaweed, aloe vera, camellia seed oil and squalane. Use it morning and night, on its own or over a serum. At night you can switch to the Hydra Dew Pure Night Cream, with sodium hyaluronate and camellia japonica seed oil.
• Very dry patches:Hydra Dew Pure Elixir Balm is a rich balm for extra dry areas on the face, neck, elbows, knees and feet. Massage a small amount in wherever needed.
• Dry skin that wants a lighter feel:Hydro-Complex PFS Cream for Dry Skin is a whipped cream built on Repêchage's seaweed filtrate, made to absorb quickly without a heavy feel. It can be layered over C-Serum Seaweed Filtrate.
• Dry, mature skin:Vita Cura Triple Firming Cream is a rich daily cream for mature, dry skin, used on the face and throat twice a day.
• Dry and sensitive skin:Hydra 4 Day Protection Cream for Sensitive Skin is a lightweight, non-greasy cream with seaweed extracts and olive oil.

Browse them together in the Dry and Dehydrated Skin collection.

Repêchage Hydra Dew Pure Night Cream

How to apply moisturizer in winter

1. Cleanse with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser that does not leave skin tight, such as Hydra Dew Pure Gentle Foaming Cleanser.
2. Mist with a hydrating spray such as Algo Mist, so the skin is slightly damp.
3. Apply your serum, if you use one.
4. Apply the moisturizer within a minute or two, while the skin is still slightly damp, with upward and outward strokes on the face and downward strokes on the neck.
5. In the morning, finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Winter sun still causes tanning and dark spots.

Winter habits that help dry skin

• Keep showers short and warm rather than hot.
• Moisturize your hands after washing them; a hand cream such as Sea Spa Hand Cream is easy to keep on your desk.
• Moisturize your body straight after a shower with a cream such as Seaweed Body Cream.
• Exfoliate gently and less often; scrubbing dry, flaky skin can make it more irritated.
• If you use a heater, a bowl of water or a humidifier in the room can make the air less dry.

For a full evening routine, see our night skin care routine, and for dry skin from the Hydra Dew Pure range, our guide to the Hydra Dew Pure home regimen.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best moisturizer for dry skin in winter?

One that combines water-attracting ingredients such as hyaluronic acid with softening ones such as squalane or plant oils, in a cream rich enough for dry air. The right one depends on whether your skin is also sensitive, mature or prone to breakouts.

Should I use a different moisturizer in winter?

Many people with dry or normal skin move to a richer cream in winter, or add a balm at night. If your summer moisturizer still feels comfortable all day, you do not need to change it.

Is it better to apply moisturizer on wet or dry skin?

On slightly damp skin, within a minute or two of cleansing or misting. That helps hold the water in your skin.

How often should I moisturize dry skin in winter?

At least morning and night, and again during the day on any patches that feel tight. Hands usually need it after every wash.

Can oily skin be dry in winter?

Oily skin can become dehydrated in winter. A light, non-greasy moisturizer and a hydrating mist or serum usually help.

Do I need sunscreen in winter?

Yes. Winter sun still causes tanning and dark spots. Finish every morning with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Can I use a balm on my face?

Yes, on very dry patches or as a thin final layer at night. Hydra Dew Pure Elixir Balm is made for extra dry areas, including the face and neck.

Why is my skin still dry after moisturizing?

Common reasons are hot water, a harsh cleanser, applying moisturizer to completely dry skin, or a formula that is too light for winter. Adjust one thing at a time, and ask for a consultation if dryness, itching or redness continues.

Sources and further reading

Further reading from dermatology organizations and published research:

• American Academy of Dermatology: How to pick the right moisturizer for your skin
• American Academy of Dermatology: Your winter skin survival kit
• Draelos ZD et al. The science behind skin care: Moisturizers. J Cosmet Dermatol, 2018 (PubMed)

In short: a face massage at home takes about 10 minutes. Cleanse, apply a serum or cream so your fingers glide, then use light upward and outward strokes on the face and gentle downward strokes on the neck.

Done a few times a week, it is a relaxing ritual that can leave skin looking fresher and helps your products spread evenly. This guide walks through each step, the techniques professionals use, and when to skip it.

What a face massage can and cannot do

Kept gentle and regular, it is a pleasant habit. Pressing hard does not add benefits and can irritate the skin.

Repêchage Sea Cleanse Foaming Seaweed Cleanser

Before you start

• Clean hands and a clean face. Wash your hands, then cleanse with a gentle face wash such as Sea Cleanse Foaming Seaweed Cleanser.
• Hydrate. Mist Algo Mist over the face so the skin is slightly damp.
• Choose a serum or cream for smooth movement. Your fingers should glide, never drag. A serum plus a cream works well: for example C-Serum Seaweed Filtrate followed by Hydro-Complex PFS Cream for Dry Skin or the version for oily and combination skin. Very dry skin can use a richer balm such as Hydra Dew Pure Elixir Balm.
• Tie your hair back and sit comfortably in front of a mirror.

Face massage, step by step (about 10 minutes)

1. Warm and press (30 seconds). Warm the product between your palms and press your palms gently over the face, then the neck.
2. Neck (1 minute). With flat fingers, stroke downward from just under the jaw to the collarbone, one side at a time. Repêchage's Hydro-Complex PFS cream directions use the same pattern: upward and outward on the face, downward on the neck and throat.
3. Jawline (1 minute). Place your fingertips under the chin and glide along the jawline out to the ears. Repeat five to eight times on each side.
4. Cheeks (2 minutes). Starting beside the nose, make small, slow circles outward across the cheekbones toward the ears, then sweep upward and outward with flat fingers.
5. Around the mouth (1 minute). Small circles from the center of the chin up around the corners of the mouth to the sides of the nose.
6. Under the eyes (1 minute). Use your ring finger, the lightest finger, and tap very gently from the inner corner outward along the bone. Never drag this skin. An eye cream such as Opti-Firm Eye Contour is applied with the same light tapping.
7. Forehead (2 minutes). Stroke from the center of the forehead out to the temples, then with alternate hands stroke upward from the brows to the hairline.
8. Temples (30 seconds). Small, slow circles with light pressure.
9. Finish (1 minute). Lightly tap over the whole face with your fingertips, then rest your palms over your face for a few breaths. Follow with your moisturizer if you used a serum alone.

The three techniques professionals use

• Effleurage: long, light, gliding strokes. It opens and closes most massages and is the main stroke at home.
• Petrissage: gentle kneading or rolling of the skin and muscle. At home, keep it very light, along the jaw and cheeks only.
• Tapotement: light, quick tapping with the fingertips, used to finish.

These are the movements a therapist uses in a professional facial. In the Repêchage Four Layer Facial, for example, C-Serum is massaged in with effleurage, petrissage and tapotement before the mask layers. A professional knows how much pressure each area can take; at home, lighter is safer.

Using a gua sha or face roller

Tools are optional. If you use one, keep it clean, always work over a serum or cream so it glides, hold a gua sha flat against the skin, and use the same upward and outward directions with light pressure. Never use a tool over broken or inflamed skin.

Repêchage Algo Mist Hydrating Seaweed and Mineral Water Spray

How often to massage your face

Two to four times a week for 5 to 10 minutes is plenty. Gently applying your products with upward strokes can be part of every routine. If your skin turns red or stings after a massage, use less pressure, shorten it, or massage less often.

When to skip it or be careful

• Active, inflamed breakouts: massaging over them can spread irritation. Work around them or skip that day.
• Red, reactive or sensitive skin flare-ups: keep to light pressing only. A calming product such as Red-Out Serum can be pressed in instead of massaged.
• Sunburn, broken skin or a skin infection.
• Right after a peel or strong exfoliation; see enzyme peel vs glycolic peel for aftercare.
• After a cosmetic procedure, until your doctor says it is fine.

Frequently asked questions

What is the right way to do a face massage at home?

Cleanse, apply a serum or cream so your fingers glide, use light upward and outward strokes on the face and downward strokes on the neck, tap gently under the eyes, and keep the pressure light throughout.

How long should a face massage take?

About 5 to 10 minutes is enough. Longer, harder sessions do not add benefits.

Can I massage my face every day?

Gentle application of your products every day is fine. A full massage two to four times a week suits most skin. Reduce it if your skin gets red or irritated.

Which cream is best for a face massage?

One that suits your skin type and lets your fingers glide smoothly. A serum followed by a moisturizing cream works well, and very dry skin may prefer a richer balm.

Should I massage my face upward or downward?

Upward and outward on the face, and downward on the neck. Always gently.

Does face massage reduce wrinkles?

It cannot remove wrinkles. It can help the face feel relaxed and look fresher for a while, and it helps your skin care spread evenly.

Can I do a face massage if I have acne?

Avoid massaging over active, inflamed breakouts. Use light pressing movements on clear areas, and ask a dermatologist if your acne is frequent or painful.

Is a professional facial massage different?

Yes. A trained therapist uses set techniques and pressure for each area as part of a full facial, such as the Repêchage Four Layer Facial, usually recommended about once a month.

Sources and further reading

Further reading from dermatology organizations and published research:

• Hamp A et al. Gua-sha, Jade Roller, and Facial Massage: Are there benefits within dermatology? J Cosmet Dermatol, 2023 (PubMed)
• American Academy of Dermatology: 10 skin care secrets for healthier-looking skin

In short: apply serum after cleansing and toning and before moisturizer. Whether you use it in the morning, at night or both depends on the serum: hydrating, brightening and soothing serums usually work morning and night, while exfoliating serums with acids are usually kept for the evening. In the morning, finish with sunscreen.

This guide explains when to apply serum on face for each type, how much to use and how to layer it, with the Repêchage serums that JB Skincare, the exclusive authorized importer and distributor, brings to India.

Where serum goes in your routine

A serum is a concentrated skincare product that is generally applied after cleansing and toning, before moisturizer. This order helps you layer products according to their texture and intended use. The order is the same morning and night:

1. Cleanse. A gentle face wash such as Sea Cleanse Foaming Seaweed Cleanser removes dirt, makeup and excess oil without leaving skin tight.
2. Tone or mist. A toner or a hydrating mist such as Algo Mist refreshes the skin and leaves it slightly damp.
3. Serum. Apply it now, while the skin is clean.
4. Eye cream, if you use one.
5. Moisturizer. It seals the serum in.
6. Sunscreen, in the morning only, as the last skin care step before makeup.

Repêchage Sea Cleanse Foaming Seaweed Cleanser

When to use serum: day or night?

A common question is when to use serum day or night, and the answer depends on what the serum is designed to do. When to use face serum is set by its job: hydrating at any time, acids at night. Always follow the directions on the label, because they reflect how the formula was tested. As a general guide:

The Repêchage serums and when to use each

• Dull skin, uneven tone and dark spots:Biolight Brightening Skin Correct Serum, with the Laminaria Complex of seaweeds, licorice root, Bellis daisy, gotu kola and willow bark. The label recommends it twice daily, morning and before bed, layered under the Biolight Daytime Protection Cream in the morning.
• Dehydrated skin and fine lines:C-Serum Seaweed Filtrate, a lightweight, oil-free serum with Laminaria digitata seaweed and hyaluronic acid. Use it twice daily, alone or under a Hydro-Complex PFS cream.
• Firmness and fine lines:Vita Cura B3 Serum Complex (niacinamide, seaweed and hyaluronic acid), Triple Action Peptide Serum (twice daily) and Vita Cura Cell Renewal Serum. For the eye area and other targeted spots, Vita Cura Opti-Lift Serum can be used in the morning or at night.
• Dry, compromised skin:Hydra Dew Pure Moisturizing Lift Serum, followed by the Hydra Dew Pure Facial Moisturizer or Night Cream.
• Redness and sensitive skin:Red-Out Serum, suitable for both day and night, over the whole face or just the areas of concern.
• Oily, blemish-prone skin:Hydra Medic Beta Hydroxy Serum, an exfoliating serum with alpha and beta hydroxy acids. The label recommends a thin layer at night.

Before or after moisturizer?

Apply serum before moisturizer in most skincare routines. Serums are generally lightweight products, while moisturizers help hydrate the skin and reduce moisture loss. Allow the serum to absorb before applying moisturizer, and follow any specific layering instructions on the product label. A few Repêchage labels give a specific wait: the Triple Action Peptide Serum, for example, is massaged in and allowed to absorb for 10 minutes before a cream. For the dry skin and oily skin versions of a moisturizer to follow your serum, see Hydro-Complex PFS Cream for Dry Skin and Hydro-Complex PFS Cream for Oily and Combination Skin.

How much serum to use

The amount differs by formula, so check the label. Some serums need only a few drops: the Hydra Dew Pure Moisturizing Lift Serum suggests three or more. Others are made to cover the face, neck and chest: the Triple Action Peptide Serum and the Vita Cura Cell Renewal Serum suggest 10 drops. Using more than the label suggests does not work faster and can leave a sticky layer under your moisturizer.

Repêchage Algo Mist Hydrating Seaweed and Mineral Water Spray

How to apply serum on the face

Knowing when to use serum on face is half of it; the other half is technique.

1. Start on clean, slightly damp skin after your toner or mist.
2. Put the serum on your fingertips and dot it over the forehead, cheeks, chin and neck.
3. Spread it with light upward and outward strokes, then press it in. Several Repêchage labels ask for upward motions.
4. Keep general serums away from the eyes. Use an eye-area product, such as the Opti-Lift Serum, for that zone.
5. Let it absorb before your moisturizer.

Using more than one serum

You can use two serums, either layered (thinnest first, letting each absorb) or split between morning and night. A simple split: a hydrating or brightening serum in the morning under sunscreen, and an exfoliating or firming serum at night. Do not combine several strong actives at once, introduce one new serum at a time, and patch test first if your skin is sensitive. If you have just had a peel or exfoliating treatment, keep the routine simple for a few days; our guide to exfoliating with peels, scrubs and masks explains why.

Common mistakes

• Moisturizer before serum. In most routines serum goes on first, then moisturizer. Follow any layering instructions on the product label.
• Using exfoliating acids without following the recommended sun protection instructions. Apply sunscreen every morning, and follow the serum label for daytime use.
• Skipping sunscreen after a morning brightening serum. Sun exposure works against an even tone.
• Expecting immediate results. Give a product time to work as directed, while watching for irritation or other unwanted reactions.
• Too many layers. One or two serums are plenty.

Frequently asked questions

When should I apply serum on my face?

After cleansing and toning, and before moisturizer. In the morning, finish with sunscreen. Whether you use it in the morning, at night or both depends on the serum, so follow the label.

When to use serum: day or night?

Hydrating, brightening and soothing serums are usually suitable for both. Exfoliating serums with acids are usually used at night. Firming serums vary, so check the label.

Do I apply face serum before or after moisturizer?

Before, in most routines. Apply serum to clean skin, let it absorb, then apply moisturizer to help hydrate the skin and reduce moisture loss.

How long should I wait between serum and moisturizer?

Until the serum has absorbed, usually a minute or two. Some labels give a longer time; the Triple Action Peptide Serum asks for 10 minutes.

Should I use serum before or after toner?

After toner. Toner or mist comes straight after cleansing and leaves skin ready for the serum.

Can I use two serums together?

Yes. Apply the thinner one first and let it absorb, or use one in the morning and one at night. Avoid combining several strong actives at once.

Can I use serum every day?

Most serums are made for daily use, and many Repêchage serums are labeled for twice-daily use. Exfoliating serums are usually used at night; follow the label.

Do I need sunscreen after a morning serum?

Yes. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning as the last skin care step, especially with brightening or exfoliating products.

Where can I buy genuine Repêchage serums in India?

JB Skincare is the exclusive authorized importer and distributor of Repêchage in India, and the serums on jbskincare.in are imported directly from the manufacturer.

Sources and further reading

Further reading from dermatology organizations and published research:

• American Academy of Dermatology: How to maximize results from anti-aging skin care products
• American Academy of Dermatology: How to select anti-aging skin care products
• Goh CL et al. Challenges and real-world solutions for adoption of holistic skincare routine (cleansing, treatment, moisturization, and photoprotection) in acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and sensitive skin: An expert consensus. J Cosmet Dermatol, 2024 (PubMed)