Seen At 11: When It Comes To Your Beauty Routine, Timing Is Everything

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Did you know there is a best time of day to get a manicure, a massage, or even wash your hair? Experts say timing is everything, especially when it comes to vanity.

As CBS2's Kristine Johnson explained, applying self-tanner before bed may not seem like such a good idea, but as experts say the most ideal time to slather it on is one hour before closing your eyes.

"Your temperature rises in the evening, so it penetrates your skin better," beauty expert Jeanette Zinno explained.

That's not the only beauty regimen you should schedule at a specific time of day.

"Your skin is your armor. There is a lot of science that goes into what can penetrate that shell," Dr. Kavita Mariwalla said.

Timing is key Mariwalla -- a Long Island dermatologist, explained.

"A lot of people are used to putting on their lotion before they go to bed," Mariwalla said.

Dr. Mariwalla said you'll get more benefit by applying it in the morning, within 30 seconds of getting out of the shower, while you're still wet.

"You think that if I put it on wet skin it feels really slimy, it's not really getting in. You'll actually get more benefit from your moisturizer at that time point than if you put it on at the end of the day," Dr. Mariwalla said.

The same holds true for antioxidant creams and serums which fight UV rays.

"It doesn't really make sense to put a Vitamin C on your skin at night because it's not actually going to help fight anything," Dr. Mariwalla said.

There's nothing more annoying than leaving a nail salon only to smudge your perfect manicure or pedicure.

Beauty expert Jeanette Zinno said your appointment time may be partly to blame.

"Try to do it around 2 or 3 p.m.," Zinno said.

Zinno said a later appointment produces a better manicure because air temperature is typically warmer, and your nails will dry faster.

There's nothing better to cleanse your skin than a facial unless you get one early in the day.

"Get a facial and then go home. You don't want to be exposed to any pollution because your pores are open," Zinno said.

Conversely, Zinno said if you need a massage go within a few hours of finishing work or a workout.

"To relieve any swelling, and tensions, and kind of reset your posture," Zinno said.

Many spas -- especially in Manhattan -- now stay open later.

"If you actually time your beauty treatments you can make sure that they are more effective, and it's going to save you time and money," Zinno added.

As for hair, if you have curly or fine hair, experts said wash it in the morning because it will be easier to style. if your hair is thick or straight it could benefit from drying overnight and being slept on.