Morning skincare routines are all about prevention and protection. Your face is going to be exposed to the outside environment, so necessary steps include moisturizer and sunscreen.
Step 1: Cleanser
A low-pH cleanser in your morning skincare routine helps to properly deep clean without causing redness that is hard to calm before makeup application. Work your cleanser into a foam with a little bit of water and allow it to sit as a mask on your skin for a couple of minutes if you have time(In the meantime you can brush your teeth, and rinse with normal water. Press a clean towel onto your skin to dry–do not rub so you don’t cause extra redness or irritation.
Step 2: Toner
Toner is easily the most misunderstood skincare product and way more important than it receives credit for. Toner is the first barrier product you apply–good toner balances your skin’s pH and is intended to hydrate. Tap a few drops of toner around your face and press it in, whether with your fingers or a cotton pad.
Step 3: Antioxidant Serum
What’s the most hard-working product in your skincare regimen? Nope, not a moisturizer. It is, in fact, a serum—and while serums come in a mind-boggling array of iterations (firming, hydrating, brightening, exfoliating, and on and on), consider the antioxidant formulation most crucial to your skin’s overall health. Press a couple of pumps into freshly toned skin and allow it to absorb fully before moving on.
Step 4: Eye Cream
Plumping and hydrating your eyes in the morning will make you look more awake and help makeup apply better if you’re wearing it. Opt for a thinner formula in the morning versus something thick and emollient; it’ll absorb faster and make makeup last longer throughout the day.
Step 6: Sunscreen
If you only had time for one skincare product each morning, it had better be sunscreen. Daily sun protection is as important as drinking water and paying your parking tickets on time, so there are zero excuses for not doing it.
