If ever there was a time to get a solid skincare plan in order, it would be now. With many of us spending most of our time at home, it’s a little bit easier to startt and maintain a good routine. You still have work to do while you’re home, but not having to rush and run out the door means in between Zoom meetings and activities with your fam, you can take 5-10 minutes to do a full round of basic skincare steps plus a few extras if you have the minutes to spare.
I’m not going to go too deep into these steps and product details because everyone’s skin is different, but I wanted to share my (extended) morning skincare routine in case you’re looking to add something new to yours.
Cleanse
I always wash my face with a cleanser in the A.M. I know that some people say that they only cleanse with water in the morning, but I sometimes sweat at night, so this just helps me wake up and ensure that my skin is in good shape. Currently I’m using Urban Skin Rx’s Cleansing Bar but I’m always trying new ones out.
Tone
I always use a toner to make sure I get everything off and nothing is left on my skin. I’m using Thayers Witch Hazel Toner but I’m also a big fan of Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner.
Exfoliate + Treat
I LIVE to exfoliate, so I alternate between mechanical and chemical exfoliation. I really like Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant. It’s a rice based exfoliating powder that activates upon contact with water. It’s gentle but you still get that “scrubbing” feeling that helps make your skin feel extra smooth.
If I’m having a breakout of any kind, I LOVE Glossier’s Solution. It contains a blend of three acids: alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) to exfoliate the skin’s surface, beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), which helps to unclog pores, and polyhydroxy acid (PHA) to increase potency. I can’t speak for everyone but it’s gotten rid of any pimples I may have within 1-2 days, and also helps to brighten my skin and help with texture.
If I don’t have a breakout, I rotate in Pixi’s Retinol Tonic instead. It’s similar to Glossier in that it’s designed to help rejuvenate the skin for a natural glow with antioxidants and botanicals, but I feel that Glossier is more medicinal. Their Glow Tonic is good too.
Anti- Aging Serums
I’m in my late 30s, so I definitely know the importance of incorporating anti-aging products into my routine. Lancôme’s Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Serum is a bit pricey, but it’s good. It improves skin’s key signs of youth: radiance, elasticity, firmness, skin tone, and smoothness and makes your skin feel supple and hydrated.
The skin under your eyes is more delicate than the rest of your face, and it’s one of the places that shows ageing as well. I still haven’t found an eye cream I love, but I like Lancôme’s Advanced Genifique Yeux Light-Pearl Eye and Lash Concentrate. It’s formulated to reduce the appearance of under eye wrinkles and eye puffiness and increase hydration for more luminous, youthful-looking eyes, and I love the little metal roller applicator. It feels so cooling under the eye.
Brighten
To help brighten and reduce any hyper-pigmentation spots, I use Korres Wild Rose 15% Vitamin C Spotless Serum. It has a slightly oily base, so a lot of times I can skip adding a different oil in if my skin feels hydrated enough without it.
Facial Oil
I love, love, love facial oils! If I don’t do any of my other serums, I always add a little bit of a facial oil into the mix. I currently use Ode To Self Skincare’s De Palma Hydrating + Clarifying Facial Oil (it’s so good and a little goes a long way), but I will sometimes use a Rosehip oil to help with treating dark spots if I have them.
Moisturizer
Always, moisturize. Even if your skin is oily, you need to incorporate a moisturizer into your routine. I test out different ones but Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer is a great one for every day (it also has a built in SPF). It’s lightweight and doesn’t alter my makeup, which is a plus.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is so important, and for the last step in the routine Glossier’s Invisible Shield is my go-to. It’s SPF 35 and doesn’t leave a greasy residue or white cast. It also doesn’t alter my makeup either. If it’s more than you want to pay, Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Face Mist Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 works just fine.
Depending on how much time I have in the morning and what my skin needs that day, some/all products aren’t used, but for the most part, I try to incorporate different serums, oils and masks into my routines to help my skin look as youthful and as radiant as possible.
What’s in your morning skincare routine?
