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For many of us, mornings are a busy time. Getting ready, grabbing a bite to eat, and getting out the door to start the day is often a rushed process. However, one step that should never be skipped is completing your morning skincare routine.
While nighttime skincare is incredibly important, morning skincare is just as crucial. Between pollution, sweat, and sun exposure, our skin goes through a lot each day—and it’s important to take the time to prep and protect it for what’s ahead.
Luckily, a morning skincare routine doesn’t have to be overly complicated. By setting aside just a few minutes each morning, you can have a significant impact on the health of your skin. Keep reading to learn all about the importance of a morning skin ritual, as well as a step-by-step guide to healthy, glowing skin.
A nighttime skincare routine is often designed to address specific needs of the skin while it regenerates overnight, whether it be dryness, aging, acne, or sensitivity. A morning skincare routine, however, can help to protect and preserve the skin throughout the day.
Skipping your morning skincare routine has the potential to cause a variety of issues, such as clogged pores, acne, and leaving the skin more susceptible to damage caused by pollution and the sun’s harsh rays. Over time, all of these factors can lead to premature aging and a dull complexion.
Think of it this way—a nighttime and morning skincare routine work together as a team, helping to protect and nourish the skin at all times. One without the other isn’t nearly as effective. Here are some specific reasons why a morning routine is so vital:
A skincare routine can easily be 10+ steps, but realistically, most of us don’t have time for an extravagant regimen in the morning. As long as you’re cleansing, hydrating, and protecting your skin, you’ll be ready to take on the day ahead.
One thing to keep in mind when it comes to morning skincare, or any skincare routine for that matter, is that the order in which you apply your products matters. This will help to ensure that each product is fully absorbed into the skin and can provide the most benefits.
Here’s a quick seven-step routine that can be completed in around 5-10 minutes, depending on how in-depth you want to go.
When it comes to cleansing, it’s best to choose a cleanser that works for your specific skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, a water-based cleanser may be best. If you have dry skin, however, you may benefit from an oil-based cleanser or a simple micellar water. This step will help to remove leftover product from the night before as well as anything your skin brought to the surface overnight.
If you have sensitive skin or find that cleansing in the morning tends to dry your skin out, try washing your face with just water or a micellar water. In most cases, this will be all you need to cleanse your face in the AM (especially if you cleansed at night).
Toners aren’t always a must, but they’re an amazing way to replenish the skin and target specific concerns, such as dryness, dullness, or acne. They also help to remove dead skin cells or residue that may be left behind from cleansing. To apply, simply put a little bit of product on a cotton pad and sweep it across the skin in an outward motion.
Another optional step in a morning skincare routine is applying serum. This is a great way to add an extra boost of hydration to the skin before going in with a moisturizer. There are plenty of different serums out there, some of the most popular being hyaluronic acid and vitamin C serums.
Hyaluronic acid helps to hydrate and plump the skin and is best when applied to damp skin. Vitamin C, on the other hand, is known for brightening and evening skin tone, while also hydrating the skin. To apply a serum, simply add a few drops to your hands and gently press the product into your face and neck area. Be sure to allow the serum to fully absorb into your skin before moving on to the next step.
Applying moisturizer in the morning is essential, no matter your skin type. A good moisturizer will help to keep the skin soft and supple throughout the day, and it will also provide a protective barrier for the skin.
If you have oily skin, you may want to choose a lightweight formula, such as a gel cream. If your skin is on the dry side, you may benefit from a thicker cream. Moisturizers also come in the form of balms, which are designed to deliver long-lasting hydration throughout the day.
Eye creams are specifically designed to treat the skin around the eyes, which is much more delicate than the skin on the rest of your face.
A product like Herbal Dynamics Beauty’s Cooling Cucumber Eye Cream can help to prevent the formation of fine lines and combat puffiness, which many of us experience in the morning. This will result in brighter, more awake-looking eyes.
If you’re someone with dry skin or you live in a cold, dry climate, facial oil can be your best friend. After applying moisturizer, put a few drops of an oil, such as Rosehip oil or Squalane, into your hands and gently press the product into the face and neck.
Doing this will help to really lock in moisture and will provide a beautiful, dewy glow, creating the perfect base for makeup.
The final (and most important) step in an AM skincare routine is applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. When applying sunscreen, be sure to use a generous amount and blend it into your face, neck, and décolletage area. It’s important to complete this step last, as applying any skincare product on top of the sunscreen can lessen its effectiveness.
If you’re going to be outside, be sure to reapply your sunscreen throughout the day—preferably every 2 hours, according to the AAD. This might seem like a hassle, but your skin will thank you for it in the long run.
If you have some extra time in the morning and are looking to really pamper your skin, here are a few ways to take your routine to the next level:
Overall, maintaining a separate morning skincare routine is a worthwhile investment for both the health and appearance of your skin. Plus, it’s a great way to take a few extra minutes for yourself in the morning before tackling the busy day ahead.
