Taking care of your skin properly is essential for great skin at any age. But any good skincare professional will tell you there's no one-size-fits-all skincare routine. So what are you supposed to be doing in between your facial appointments?
To keep up your glowing complexion in between facial appointments, there is an optimal way to apply your products and general guidelines you can follow. In this article, we’ll explain how to design the optimal morning skincare routine for your complexion.
Why do I need a morning skincare routine?
When it comes to taking care of your skin, having a morning skincare routine is essential for women. Our skin is the largest organ in our body, and it is the first line of defense against environmental stressors, such as the sun's harmful rays and pollution.
"The principle behind ordering is to cleanse your skin, open your skin so products can soak in, add actives on, then seal with moisturizing products," says Morgan Rabach, M.D., dermatologist and co-founder of LM Medical NYC.
By following a consistent skincare routine, you can improve the health and appearance of your skin, leaving you with a radiant complexion. Other reasons women should have a morning skincare routine include:
Cleansing
During the night, our skin accumulates dirt, oil, and sweat, making it essential to cleanse our skin in the morning. Cleansing helps to remove these impurities, leaving the skin fresh and clean.
Hydration
Our skin can become dehydrated overnight, especially if we sleep in a dry environment. A morning skincare routine can help to hydrate and nourish the skin, leaving it soft and supple. Applying a moisturizer after cleansing helps to lock in moisture and prevent dehydration.
Protection
Exposure to the sun and pollution can damage the skin and accelerate the aging process. A morning skincare routine can help to protect the skin from these environmental stressors. Using products that contain antioxidants and UV protection can help to shield the skin from free radical damage and reduce the risk of premature aging.
Even Skin Tone
A morning skincare routine can help to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots and discoloration. By using products that contain brightening ingredients, you can achieve a more radiant complexion.
Why is the order of skincare important?
The order in which you layer your products is crucial to their effectiveness. Understanding how to layer your products is key to ensuring that they work effectively.
Different products have different molecular sizes and absorption rates, so applying products in the wrong order could mean they aren’t even reaching your skin. Only a small amount of vital active ingredients in your skincare products can penetrate the skin. If you apply a heavy cream or oil before something like a toner or light serum, you will block those ingredients from ever reaching your skin. And if the product never reaches your skin, it can't nourish or treat like it is supposed to.
In the morning, we recommend following a 5 step process: Cleanse, tone, treat, moisturize, and protect. Exactly which products you use will depend on your skin type, but you'll want to stick to this order. In the following sections, we will explain the most effective way to apply each product in your morning skincare routine so that you can achieve your best skin yet.
After all, nobody wants to waste their hard-earned money on a luxury serum that doesn't deliver results because it was applied incorrectly.
How to Build a Morning Routine
We have compiled a list of steps, tips, and recommended products for you to use. You will see different products recommended based on skin types.
Green recommendations are for oily, acne-prone skin.
Red recommendations are for mature skin.
Blue recommendations are for dry skin.
Step 1: Cleanse
Washing your face is a critical step in any skincare routine, as it removes dirt, oil, and other impurities that can clog pores and cause breakouts. Yes, even in the morning! When you sleep, you sweat, get dirt from your pillowcase, touch your face with your partners, etc. You should start each day with a fresh start!
Wet your face: Use lukewarm water to wet your face. Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, while cold water may not be as effective at removing impurities.
Apply face wash: Choose a face wash that is appropriate for your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, use a gel or foam cleanser that can help to control excess oil. If you have dry skin, use a cream cleanser that can hydrate and soothe your skin. Apply a small amount of face wash to your fingertips and gently massage it onto your skin in circular motions.
Rinse thoroughly: Use lukewarm water to rinse off the face wash, making sure to remove all traces of cleanser.
Pat dry: Use a soft, clean towel to gently pat your face dry. Avoid rubbing your face with the towel, as this can cause irritation and even lead to wrinkles over time.
Tips for cleansing your skin:
Be gentle: Avoid using harsh scrubs or brushes, as these can cause irritation and damage to your skin. Instead, use your fingertips to massage the face wash onto your skin in gentle circular motions.
Wash long enough: Although you don’t want to over-wash your face, make sure you are giving your product enough time to clean your pores. Aim for 2 minutes of washing.
Choose the right products: Choose a face wash and other skincare products that are appropriate for your skin type. If you're unsure, consult with a skincare professional.
Eminence Organics Skincare Recommendations:
Eminence Organics Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser is a great option for greasy skin. This cleanser is designed specifically for oily and acne-prone skin types and helps to purify and detoxify your skin.
Eminence Organics Monoi Age Corrective Exfoliating Cleanser is a great option for mature skin looking for anti-aging benefits. This cleanser is specifically designed for mature skin and contains gentle exfoliants that help to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover.
Eminence Organics Stone Crop Gel Wash is what you'll want to choose to pack in the moisture. This cleanser is specifically designed for dry skin and contains stone crop extract, which helps to hydrate and brighten the skin, while also gently removing impurities.
Step 2: Tone
Toning is often overlooked but is often what a lot of people are missing. Toning helps to balance the skin's pH, remove any remaining traces of dirt and oil, and prepare the skin for the next steps of your routine.
Choose a toner that is suited for your skin type. If you have oily skin, look for toners that contain salicylic acid or glycolic acid, which help to remove excess oil and unclog pores. If you have dry or sensitive skin, look for toners that contain ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile, which soothe and hydrate the skin.
Apply the toner to a cotton pad and gently swipe it over your face and neck, being careful to avoid the delicate skin around your eyes.
Allow the toner to absorb into your skin before moving on to the next step in your skincare routine.
Tips for toning your face:
Use a toner that contains antioxidants. Antioxidants like vitamin C and green tea can help to protect your skin from free radical damage, which can lead to premature aging.
Consider using a toner that contains exfoliating ingredients. Exfoliating toners can help to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, leaving your skin looking brighter and smoother. You can start by using these toners every other day to allow your skin to adjust and not over-do it.
Try the 7 Skin Method, a traditional Korean Beauty treatment.
Use a toner that contains hyaluronic acid for extra hydration. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin, which can help to keep your skin hydrated and plump.
Store your toner in a cool, dark place. Exposure to light and heat can cause the ingredients in your toner to break down and become less effective.
Eminence Organics Skincare Recommendations:
Eminence Organics Clear Skin Probiotic Toner is recommended for acne-prone skin. This toner helps to balance the skin's natural pH levels, control oil production, and minimize the appearance of pores.
Eminence Organics Neroli Age Corrective Hydrating Mist will do wonders for aging skin. This toner contains neroli oil, coconut milk, and natural retinol alternatives that help to hydrate and plump the skin, while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Eminence Organics Stone Crop Hydrating Mist will boost any dry skin’s hydration. This toner contains stone crop extract, which helps to hydrate and soothe the skin, while also improving the overall texture and tone.
Step 3: Treat/Serum
Serums are lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas that are packed with active ingredients, making them a powerful addition to any skincare regimen. Serums are highly concentrated and designed to target specific skin concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and acne. They are lightweight and fast absorbing, making them perfect to layer right after your toner.
Choose a serum that is suited for your skin type and concerns. If you have dry skin, look for serums that contain hyaluronic acid or ceramides, which help to hydrate and plump the skin. If you have oily skin, look for serums that contain salicylic acid or niacinamide, which help to control oil production and unclog pores.
Lightly dampen your face. This allows the serum to penetrate deeper. Think of your skin like a sponge: when it is dry, water runs right off it. But when it is wet, the sponge easily absorbs water.
Apply a small amount of serum to your fingertips and gently pat it onto your skin, being careful to avoid the delicate skin around your eyes.
Allow the serum to absorb into your skin before moving on to the next step in your skincare routine.
Tips for applying serum in the morning
Apply your serum to damp skin. Serums work best when applied to damp skin because they can penetrate more deeply and effectively.
Apply your serum using a gentle, upward motion. This helps to prevent dragging your skin downward, which can contribute to sagging and wrinkles.
Don't forget to apply your serum to your neck and chest. These areas are often neglected in skincare routines but can benefit greatly from the anti-aging and hydrating properties of a serum.
Eminence Organics Skincare Recommendations:
Eminence Organics Clear Skin Targeted Treatment is a great option for acne-prone skin. It contains tea tree oil, salicylic acid, and other natural ingredients to help calm and soothe the skin while fighting acne-causing bacteria.
Eminence Organics Bamboo Firming Fluid is an excellent choice for mature skin. This serum contains bamboo, natural retinol alternatives, and Swiss green apple stem cells that help to firm and tighten the skin, while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The Marine Flower Concentrate is another powerful serum with age-defying results.
Eminence Organics Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum is an excellent choice for dry skin. This serum contains hyaluronic acid, which helps to hydrate and plump the skin, while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Step 4: Moisturize
We cannot emphasize enough how important moisturizing is in any skincare routine. This step helps to keep your skin hydrated, strengthens your skin barrier, regulates your skin’s oil production, prevents signs of aging, and allows your makeup to go on smoother. By moisturizing your face in the morning, you are setting yourself up for a day of healthy, glowing skin.
Choose a moisturizer that is suited for your skin type. If you have dry skin, look for moisturizers that contain ingredients like shea butter or hyaluronic acid, which help to hydrate and nourish the skin, or choose cream cleansers. If you have oily skin, look for lightweight, oil-free moisturizers that won't clog your pores.
Apply a small amount of moisturizer to your fingertips and gently pat it onto your skin, being careful to avoid the delicate skin around your eyes.
Use a gentle, upward motion to massage the moisturizer into your skin, helping it to absorb fully.
Tips for applying moisturizer in the morning:
Apply your moisturizer to damp skin. Moisturizers work best when applied to damp skin because they can lock in the moisture more effectively.
Don't forget to apply your moisturizer to your neck and chest. These areas are often neglected in skincare routines but can benefit greatly from the hydrating properties of a moisturizer.
Use a moisturizer with SPF during the day. Sun protection is crucial to keep your skin healthy and prevent premature aging.
Choose a moisturizer that complements your other skincare products. If you're using serums or other treatments, look for a moisturizer that won't interfere with their effectiveness.
Incorporate facial massage: Facial massage can help improve circulation and lymphatic drainage, leading to brighter, more youthful-looking skin. Use a jade roller or gua sha tool to massage your face in upward and outward motions with your moisturizer.
Eminence Organics Skincare Recommendations:
Eminence Organics Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer is a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that will nourish your skin without clogging pores. It’s important to moisturize even if you have oily skin! This moisturizer contains tea tree oil and probiotics to help soothe and calm irritated skin.
Eminence Organics Firm Skin Acai Moisturizer is a perfect option for mature skin. This anti-aging moisturizer is specifically designed to target the visible signs of aging and improve skin elasticity and firmness. Its key ingredients include acai berry, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter, which work together to protect, hydrate, and nourish the skin.
Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer is a rich, hydrating moisturizer that is perfect for dry skin. This moisturizer contains coconut oil, shea butter, and natural retinol alternatives that help to hydrate and nourish the skin while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Step 5: Protect
By now you’ve probably heard the hype about wearing sunscreen. We’re here to tell you: it’s all true!
By applying sunscreen to your face, you are taking a crucial step in protecting your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. It is one of the most important steps you can take! Sunscreen helps to prevent premature aging by blocking the sun's damaging rays, which can cause fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. It also reduces your risk of skin cancer. By making sunscreen a part of your daily routine, you can help to keep your skin looking healthy, youthful, and radiant for years to come.
Choose the right sunscreen: Look for a sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 or higher, broad-spectrum, and water-resistant. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
Apply sunscreen as the last step of your skincare routine. This ensures that the sunscreen is the last thing that goes on your skin and is in direct contact with the sun.
Apply enough sunscreen: The general rule of thumb is to use a nickel-sized amount of sunscreen for your face. Make sure to apply the sunscreen to all areas of your face, including your ears, neck, and hairline.
Reapply sunscreen throughout the day: Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours or after sweating, swimming, or toweling off. You can use a powder sunscreen, a sunscreen stick, or a spray sunscreen for touch-ups throughout the day.
Tips for applying sunscreen:
Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before sun exposure to allow it to absorb into your skin.
Use a brush or sponge to apply sunscreen to ensure even coverage.
Apply sunscreen even on cloudy days or when you'll be spending time indoors. UV rays can still penetrate through clouds and windows, causing skin damage.
For extra coverage, use makeup with SPF, like the Eminence Organics Sun Defense Minerals. These hypoallergenic and natural mineral sun defense provides water-resistant sun care. Protect your skin with a sweep of mineral powder and prevent the visible signs of premature aging.
Eminence Organics Skincare Recommendations:
The Eminence Organics Red Currant Protective Moisturizer SPF 30 is a great choice for acne-prone skin. This lightweight moisturizer contains SPF 30 and antioxidants to help protect against sun damage while also hydrating and nourishing the skin.
The Eminence Organics Tropical Vanilla Day Cream SPF 32 is a great choice for mature skin. This lightweight moisturizer contains SPF 32 and antioxidants to help protect against sun damage while also hydrating and nourishing the skin.
The Eminence Organics Red Currant Protective Moisturizer SPF 30 is a great choice for dry skin. This lightweight moisturizer contains SPF 30 and antioxidants to help protect against sun damage while also hydrating and nourishing the skin.
A Proper Skincare Routine Can Give You Radiant, Glowing Skin
Achieving healthy, radiant skin requires both at-home care and professional treatments. While it's important to be consistent with your daily skincare routine, booking a facial appointment with a skin care professional can provide a deeper level of care that can enhance your skin's overall health and appearance.
Remember to always be gentle with your skin and avoid picking at blemishes, as this can lead to scarring and further breakouts. Additionally, small changes like regularly changing your pillowcase and cleaning your phone can help prevent breakouts. With the right products, consistent routine, and occasional professional treatments, you can achieve the clear, radiant skin you deserve.
You can book a facial appointment here.