Achieving radiant, healthy skin isn’t about expensive products—it’s about consistency, smart ingredient choices, and understanding your skin’s needs. At Dusk and Dawn, we believe skincare is a ritual that empowers you to feel confident from sunrise to sunset.
In this guide, you'll learn:
- The exact steps for an effective skincare routine (morning & night)
- Ingredients dermatologists swear by in 2025
- Common mistakes that sabotage your skin health
Why Your Skincare Routine Might Not Be Working
If you've tried everything—from TikTok hacks to 12-step routines—and you're still not seeing results, you're not alone. According to a 2025 survey by the American Academy of Dermatology, 72% of people unknowingly use products that disrupt their skin barrier.
The truth? Skincare isn’t about more. It’s about better.
The Dusk and Dawn Skincare Ritual
☀️ Morning Routine — DAWN
Keep your AM ritual light and protective. Your skin's goal in the morning is to defend and brighten.
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Water-Only Cleanse
No need to strip your skin first thing in the morning. A simple rinse with cool or lukewarm water helps maintain your skin’s natural oils while refreshing the surface. -
Antioxidant Serum
Apply an antioxident serum, like Vitamin C to fight oxidative stress, even skin tone, and deliver a fresh, natural glow. Vitamin C supports collagen and helps fade hyperpigmentation. -
Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
Never skip SPF. This is a necessary step to shield against UVA/UVB rays, pollution, and blue light, forming your skin’s strongest line of defense against aging.
✅ Simplify your morning: Shop our Dawn Routine for brighter, protected skin in 3 steps.
🌙 Evening Routine — DUSK
Night is when your skin works hardest to repair and renew. Feed it what it needs to restore balance and beauty.
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Cleanse
Use a good cleanser, such as this Purifying Cleanser with Niacinamide to remove the day’s buildup, pollutants, and makeup without disrupting your skin barrier. Niacinamide helps calm redness and reduce breakouts. -
Treatment Serums
Layer your serums starting with the most lightweight. Here are some examples:
Hyaluronic Acid to help replenish moisture and plump fine lines.
Retinol Oil encourages cellular turnover and can improve skin texture overnight. -
Moisturise
Lock it all in with a luxurious moistruiser, such as this Radiance Moisturiser with Chromabright®—a rich formula that evens skin tone, nourishes dry patches, and promotes overnight repair.
✨ Discover our Dusk Routine.
5 Skincare Mistakes That Are Wrecking Your Glow
1. Over‑exfoliating
Dermatologists caution against using strong exfoliants (AHAs/BHAs) more than 1–2 times per week to avoid irritation, barrier damage, and increased sun sensitivity. Read here
2. Mixing conflicting actives
Experts advise not combining exfoliating acids and retinoids in the same routine as this can significantly irritate skin and compromise the barrier. Instead, use them on alternate nights or consult a professional.
3. Skipping SPF—even on cloudy days
Daily application of broad-spectrum SPF is essential, especially when using photosensitizing actives like retinol or acids. SPF helps prevent premature aging and skin damage from UV exposure, even when it's overcast. Read here.
4. Product-hopping
Dermatologists emphasize that skin needs 4–6 weeks on a consistent routine to adapt and show results; frequently switching products can disrupt progress.
5. Neglecting neck and chest
Experts strongly advise applying cleansing, serum, moisturizer, and SPF to the neck and décolletage—these areas age similarly to your face and require the same care.
Trending Skincare Ingredients to Know in 2025
Chromabright® – An Innovative Brightener
Chromabright® is a trademarked molecule known for brightening and evening skin tone with less irritation than traditional lighteners. It has been recommended by dermatology nurse practitioners as a gentler alternative to kojic acid and hydroquinone. You can find Chromabright in Dusk & Dawn's Radiance Moisturiser!
👉 Read the professional breakdown on Dermacare Direct
Retinol – The Gold Standard in Anti-Aging
Retinol remains the most trusted ingredient for smoothing fine lines, fighting acne, and improving texture. Dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman calls it the “gold standard” in skin renewal—but cautions to use it at night and pair it with barrier-supporting moisturizers.
👉 NY Post: Why dermatologists swear by retinol
Niacinamide – Barrier-Boosting & Brightening
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is a multitasker: it strengthens the skin barrier, fades dark spots, calms inflammation, and controls oil. A 2021 review in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology confirms its effectiveness across multiple skin concerns.
👉 NIH Clinical Study: Benefits of Niacinamide
Hyaluronic Acid – Hydration Hero
Hyaluronic acid is a dermatologist-favorite for all skin types. It hydrates deeply by holding 1,000x its weight in water, and pairs well with active ingredients like retinol and vitamin C to help reduce irritation and maintain plump, dewy skin.
👉 Marie Claire: Dermatologists on why hyaluronic acid works
Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) – Brightening + Antioxidant Defense
Vitamin C is essential in any morning skincare routine. Dermatologists widely recommend it for fading pigmentation, protecting against sun damage, and stimulating collagen. For best results, pair it with SPF.
👉 Allure: Dermatologists explain why Vitamin C is essential
Personalise Your Ritual with Dusk & Dawn
Your skincare ritual doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs to be yours. At Dusk and Dawn, we’ve created clean, effective, and easy-to-follow routines that honor both your mornings and your evenings.
If you would like some personalised advice - please get in touch with us by emailing info@duskanddawn.com or you can slide into our DM's on Instagram!
Let’s Collaborate
Are you a skincare blogger, esthetician, or clean beauty advocate? We love working with like-minded voices.
📧 Reach out for collabs, backlinks, or guest content at info@duskanddawn.com