Morning time can be the most difficult part of my day. One thing I look forward to, though, other than my delicious coffee…is doing my skin care routine! I utilize that time to mentally prepare myself for the day ahead of me. Anyone else do this too? I am not the biggest advocate of sharing skin care routines because we are all so different and all need different products and ingredients in order to make our skin look as best as possible. However, I still find it super fun and interesting to see what everyone does to their face morning and night. Maybe because I am super nosy…
^^An actual photo of me in the morning^^
To preface this post, I will describe my skin and skin care concerns:
-I am oily throughout my entire face (not just the T-Zone)
-I commonly get blackheads on my nose and some congestion around chin and jawline
-I have dry skin around my eyes, right by the outer corners
-I am in my early 20’s, so anti-aging is not a big concern for me yet. I mostly focus on keeping my skin properly cleaned out and balanced.
With this being said…please don’t stop reading if you have dry skin or aging skin BECAUSE I actually believe that my skin care routine in the morning is just basic enough that anyone can use it, but add a serum here and there. I use a simple, gentle morning routine because the active serums that I use are better utilized at night. I used to use 5-6 different things every morning, and I realized that the simpler it got for me in the morning, the better it looked. At nighttime, however, I do add in more products to better fit my skin care needs.
First: I use a toner to cleanse my skin. I don’t always wash my face with a cleanser and water in the morning! I find it very important to de-clog my pores around my T-Zone, but the rest of my face does not need a cleanser because due to the products I use at night, I usually wake up glowing! Also, I do not ever want to over strip my skin. Although I stated that I have very oily skin, if I use harsh cleansers or wash it too often, it will simply make my oils worse. There is a delicate balance when it comes to cleaning and over stripping the top layer of the skin.
The toner that I use is Thayers Witch Hazel. I have used other witch hazel toners in the past, and this one is my favorite so far. I did not want to splurge on anything too costly, and at only around $7, this fits about anyone’s budget! This product is totally free of alcohol and has aloe vera to soothe as well. I simply use this on a cotton round and sweep it across my face. No water needed!
If I decide to cleanse in the morning, I prefer a gentle, cream cleanser. I am currently using the Eminence Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser. I love that this uses cucumber, yogurt, and tea tree, and is free of many chemicals that are unnecessary in your daily cleanser! This product leaves my skin super soft and fresh.
Second: I apply eye cream. For the longest time, I skipped this step. If you read the beginning of this, you saw that I have always struggled with dry outer eyes. It took me forever to actually put on the eye cream even though this was one of my biggest concerns! Consistency is key people…consistency is key. Currently I am using the Hydrafacial Age-Refining Eye Cream. They have stopped making this, however, so when I run out I will move on to something different. I have always been the person to say that eye cream doesn’t do anything, but I think that if you use one consistently that matches your needs, you will see results. Don’t give up! If your concern is hydration, get a thicker one. If you have puffiness, get a cooling, gel serum. It is always important to do your research on a product before purchasing.
Last: I apply an SPF. I can not stress enough how important this step is. PLEASE WEAR SUNSCREEN! I will most likely be doing a follow-up post on the importance of sunscreen, different types, how it works, but for now I will simply tell you to wear it daily for your skin health!
I have a multitude of different SPF products that I enjoy. Currently, I am using the Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer Tinted SPF 47. It is chemical free, and is infused with antioxidants to also prevent against sun damage and free radicals. This product has a lovely tint to it that warms my fair complexion, but does not make it look too orangey.
I also enjoy these SPF moisturizers: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer SPF 30, Elta MD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen SPF 46, Hydrafacial Protect Day Cream SPF 40, Olay Complete Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 30
You may also add in an SPF serum, if you have a daily moisturizer that you love that does not have SPF. My favorite product for that is the Coola Full Spectrum Sun Silk Drops.
That is all I do in the morning! I occasionally use my Jade Roller to wake up my under-eye area as well. I keep mine in the fridge so it is extra cold and ready to be used any time I need it.
Anyone who is struggling to begin on their skin care journey can remember that every great regimen begins with a good cleanser and moisturizer. Starting with these steps will get your skin balanced and properly cleansed, which make adding serums, oils, acids, toners… much easier to control.
I always recommend seeing a licensed aesthetician or dermatologist to assist you in getting to your dream skin, but there are plenty of resources online to look into as well. Be wary of too much online research though, as the DIY hype may have you rubbing raw lemons and putting honey on your face…please no…
Check out all of the products I mentioned:
Toner – https://www.amazon.com/Thayer-Witch-Toner-Rose-Alc-Fr-liquid/dp/B007HD570Q
Cleanser- https://www.dermstore.com/product_Clear+Skin+Probiotic+Cleanser_47301.htm
Eye Cream- I would recommend searching your eye concern here https://www.dermstore.com/profile_Eye+Care_504752.htm
SPF-
- Josie Maran
- La Roche Posay
- EltaMD
- HydraFacial products must be purchased at a verified retailer (Medi Spa or Spa/Salon) Use this website to find it near you
- Olay
- https://www.olay.com/en-us/skin-care-products/complete-all-day-moisturizer-spf-30-sensitive-skin
- Coola Sun Silk Drops
- https://www.sephora.com/product/full-spectrum-360-sun-silk-drops-spf-30-P429516?keyword=coola%20sun%20silk
What do you all use in the morning??? Comment below!
I would love for you to help me with my skin care routine-I definitely need help!
I can relate so much! Mornings are my only ‘me time’ and I love taking my time in getting ready, and I especially look forward to my cup of coffee too!! Great post!
Thanks so much!