A Morning Skincare Routine - in 5 steps
Taking care of your skin is an important aspect of maintaining a healthy and youthful appearance. As we age, our skin loses collagen and elastin, which are the proteins that give our skin its firmness and elasticity. This can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging.
One of the best ways to protect your skin and slow down the aging process is to develop a daily skincare routine. A morning skincare routine is especially important because it prepares your skin for the day ahead and protects it from the harmful effects of UV rays, pollution, and other environmental stressors.
Here is a beginner's morning skincare routine that can help you achieve youthful, radiant skin:
1. Cleanse: Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser for your skin type. If you have oily skin, look for a foaming cleanser with salicylic acid. If you have dry or sensitive skin, look for gentle, non-foaming cleansers. With combo skin, you may want to use a gentle cleanser and alternate with a foaming cleanser. This will remove any dirt or oil that has accumulated on your skin overnight. Avoid using hot water, which can strip your skin of its natural oils.
2. Toner or Essence: After cleansing, use a toner or essence to remoisten skin and prepare it for applying serums and moisturizer. Products with alcohol or astringent ingredients should be avoided.
3. Eye Cream: Use an eye cream to target the delicate skin around your eyes. This area is prone to wrinkles and dark circles, so it's important to give it some extra attention. Look for an eye cream that contains caffeine or retinol to help reduce puffiness and dark circles.
4. Serum: Apply a serum that contains antioxidants, like Vitamin C and E, to help protect your skin from UV rays and pollution. Other hydrating serums, like those with glycerin or hyaluronic acid are good choices.
5. Moisturize and Apply Sunscreen: Apply a moisturizer to hydrate your skin and keep it feeling soft and smooth throughout the day. If your moisturizer contains a sunscreen, you are done! Or you can add a sunscreen on top of the moisturizer for a dewy, hydrated look.
Remember to take your time with each step and be gentle with your skin. Using products that are too harsh can cause irritation and dryness, which can make your skin look older.
RECOMMENDATIONS
I love the CeraVe line of cleansers. I use the Hydrating Facial Cleanser morning and evening as part of my regular routine. Since I have an oily T zone and sensitive skin, I use the CeraVe Renewing SA (Salicylic Acid) Cleanser once per week to combat oil.
For Toner or Essence, I use a Korean skincare brand, Secret Key. Their Starting Treatment Essence is gentle, has no scent, and feels refreshing. This step helps my serums absorb into my dampened skin.
Kiehl’s brand of products have long been a favorite of mine. They recently launched their Eye Zone Treatment, which helps hydrate my under eye without feeling greasy. I use this product at night, and in the morning my under eye feels and looks hydrated. For daytime, I use Chantecaille Rose de Mai Eye Lift, a gel like formula with a cooling applicator. This product plays well with concealers, too.
For the serum step, Vitamin C is a must for daytime. While there are an abundance of Vitamin C serums on the market, dermatologists recommend those with Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid, like the SkinCeuticals brand. The price tag of $169 for one once can be cost prohibitive, so I opt for Timeless Skincare Vitamin C, E and Ferulic Acid.
The final, and most important step for a morning skincare routine, is sunscreen. While you may be tired of hearing about sunscreen, it truly is the best way to slow down signs of aging. Think about this: 80% of skin aging is due to the sun. I recommend you find whatever sunscreen brand and type works for you, which is the one you WANT to wear daily. For me, that is Elta MD UV Elements SPF 44 Tinted Sunscreen. I love the feel and look of this product, and use it like a foundation. It is a creamy yet lightweight formula that glides on and melts into the skin. Be sure to use about 1/4 teaspoon for face and neck of whatever sunscreen works for you.
If you have dry skin, you may opt for a moisturizer BEFORE sunscreen. This is my routine in the winter months.
Finally, it is also important to consult a dermatologist before starting any new skincare routine, especially if you have any specific skin concerns or allergies. With the right skincare routine and a little patience, you'll be well on your way to achieving youthful, radiant skin.
Until next time,
Kelly 😎
