My Simple PM Skin Care Routine: Five Steps for Healthy, Glowing Skin

At the end of the day, I want my skin completely clean, comfortable and ready for the products that actually make a difference. What I don’t want is a bathroom counter covered with half-used bottles—or a nighttime routine so complicated that I’m tempted to skip it.

This is the simple five-step PM skin care routine I actually use. Every step has a purpose: remove the day, cleanse gently, dry with a fresh towel, apply my dermatologist-prescribed treatment and finish with moisture.

Step 1: Remove Makeup and Sunscreen

The first cleanse is all about removing makeup, sunscreen and everything else that has accumulated on my skin during the day.

I alternate between:

Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil
A gentle cleansing oil that helps dissolve makeup and sunscreen without leaving my skin feeling stripped.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil
Another gentle option that removes the day while leaving my skin feeling soft and comfortable.

I like to use one of these reusable makeup-remover cloths with my first cleanse. The soft cloth helps remove the last traces of makeup from my face, eyes and lips. It is also a practical, eco-friendlier alternative to constantly buying disposable makeup wipes.

Step 2: Cleanse Again—Gently

After removing my makeup and sunscreen, I follow with a gentle facial cleanser. This second cleanse removes anything the first step may have left behind without turning the process into an aggressive scrub.

My two dependable choices are:

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
A creamy, comfortable cleanser that is especially nice when my skin feels dry.

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
A straightforward, no-fuss option that cleans without unnecessary extras.

Step 3: Pat Dry With a Fresh Face Towel

This is a small change that has made a difference in my routine.

Instead of repeatedly drying my freshly washed face with the same bathroom towel, I use Clean Skin Club Clean Towels XL. Each one gives me a clean, fresh surface, and the towels are biodegradable.

I gently pat rather than rub my face dry. Before discarding the towel, I often use it to wipe down the sink or bathroom counter so it does double duty.

Step 4: Apply My Prescription Tretinoin

My treatment step is prescription tretinoin, which I use exactly as directed by my dermatologist.

Tretinoin is widely considered a gold-standard prescription treatment for healthy-aging skin, but it can also cause dryness, peeling and irritation—especially when you are first adjusting to it.

Because this is a prescription medication, I don’t have an affiliate link for this step. Ask your own dermatologist whether tretinoin is appropriate for your skin, which strength is right for you and how often you should apply it.

More is not better. Use only the amount and frequency recommended by your medical provider.

Step 5: Moisturize and Support the Skin Barrier

My final step is La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5.

This is the comforting finish to my nighttime routine, especially when tretinoin leaves my skin feeling dry or sensitive. It has a rich, soothing texture that helps my skin feel protected without adding another complicated treatment step.

Depending on how my skin feels, I use a light layer over my entire face or concentrate it on the areas that need extra moisture.

PM Skin Care—Done

That’s it: remove makeup, cleanse gently, pat dry with a fresh towel, apply prescription treatment and moisturize.

Five purposeful steps. No crowded counter. No endless rotation of products. Just a nighttime routine that removes what needs to come off and applies what has earned its place.

Disclaimer: This post reflects my personal skin care routine and experience and is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult a qualified health care professional before beginning tretinoin or any other prescription treatment. Use prescription products only as directed by your own medical provider.

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