Simple Skin Care Routine

Step 1: Cleanser
Washing your face removes excess oil and dirt that can clog pores and cause breakouts. Opt for a gentle, alcohol-free cleanser to avoid stripping too many oils you need to keep your skin barrier healthy. You may need a more hydrating oil-based cleanser if you have dry skin. When cleansing in the morning, splash lukewarm water onto your face and gently rub a face wash with your fingertips. Then, rinse and pat your skin dry with a towel

Step 2: Toner
Depending on their ingredients, toners can help hydrate the skin or remove leftover oil and dirt. Toning can benefit people with dry or acne-prone skin. To apply, soak a cotton pad with toner and gently pat it onto your face. Focus on the “T-zone” (forehead, nose, and chin) if you have oily or acne-prone skin. You can also splash some toners directly onto your face.

Skin type considerations:  If you have dry or sensitive skin, look for hydrating toners with hyaluronic acid or rose water. Toners with oil-absorbing ingredients like salicylic acid or witch hazel are ideal for oily or acne-prone skin.

Step 3: Spot Treatments or Acne Treatments
If you’re trying to control acne breakouts, apply a spot or all-over acne treatment after cleansing or toning. You can apply a skin-brightening spot treatment instead if you’re trying to fade dark spots(hyperpigmentation). Spot treatments treat small areas of skin and can be used as needed.

Skin type considerations:  Spot and all-over treatments with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can help treat acne. If you’re trying to fade dark spots, look for serums with Niacinamide or kojic acid

Step 4: Antioxidant Serum
A morning serum can help brighten, hydrate, and protect skin. Applying a serum with antioxidant properties—like vitamin C, vitamin E, or niacinamide—is best for daytime since these ingredients can help reduce environmental and UV damage. To apply a serum, gently tap the product into your face and neck. Vitamin C works for all skin types and can help brighten skin and fade hyperpigmentation. Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid serums can help hydrate dry skin

Step 5: Moisturizer
Massaging a moisturizer into your face and neck keeps your skin protected and hydrated all day. Moisturizers help increase the water content in your skin and seal in moisture. This is an important step to repair your skin barrier.

Step 6: Sunscreen
Your last morning skincare step should always be sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays. Daily sunscreen will reduce your risk of skin cancer, wrinkles, and sunspots. Look for a mineral or chemical sunscreen with broad-spectrum coverage and a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.17 You should apply about a nickel-sized amount of sunscreen onto your face, neck, chest, and ears. Remember to reapply every 2 hours