A new year means new resolutions and new beginnings. Everyone wants to come into the new year as their best selves while continuing to try and become even better, and something that significantly helps with this is confidence. Being confident in yourself can give you a new insight into life and give you a different glow. A good skincare routine can be a major confidence boost for many people. Understanding your skin’s unique needs will help you to know which areas and products will be best to include in your personalized skincare routine. There are some differences between morning and nighttime routines, and this guide is here to help you understand what products could be best for your morning skincare routine and what order in which you should use these products.
Morning SKincare routine Steps
- Cleanser
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Face cleansing is always the first step in any skincare routine because it helps clear away impurities and excess oil that could clog pores. Keep in mind, you have to be gentle with your skin. If you have dry or sensitive skin, it is better if you cleanse your face only at night and just rinse your face with water in the morning. Make sure you look at what ingredients are in the products you will be using. If possible, stay clear of any sulfate and soap cleansers to help your skin’s pH remain balanced. Gentle cleansers without these harmful materials will help maintain the skin’s natural barrier without stripping it. The best ingredients to have in your cleanser does depend on your skin type.
For Oily Skin: Use a foaming or gel cleanser with niacinamide and salicylic acid to help regulate and remove excess dirt and oil.
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser – $16
- Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser – $9
For Acne-Prone Skin: A foaming cleanser with ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl, peroxide, or sulfur would best suit you.
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Acne Cleanser – $16
- Neutrogena Oil-Free Wash with Salicylic Acid – $18
- PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash – $10
- Murad Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser $34
For Dry Skin: It’s best to look for a cream or balm formula that has hydrating ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and botanical oils.
- SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser -$36
- First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser – $24
- Clinique Liquid Facial Soap, Extra Mild – $18
For Sensitive Skin: Try micellar water, an ultra-gentle cleanser that will help trap and remove impurities without drying your skin in the process.
- Fresh Soy Face Cleanser – $44
- Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser – $9
- First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser – $24
- Toner
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Toners aren’t necessary, but they have great benefits for your skin if you can find one perfect for you. Toners are water-based skin care liquids that can be applied to dry skin with your fingers, a cotton ball, or a cloth. If you try a toner, make sure it is used before any other serums, treatments, or moisturizers. A good toner can help your skin be totally clean and gunk-free while giving an extra dose of active ingredients that target your skincare goals. Using a toner is a great way to refresh the skin, remove any residual debris, and balance pH.
For Acne-Prone Skin: Look for a toner with hydroxy acids that include salicylic acid and lactic acid.
- Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner – $21
- The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution – $16
- Burt’s Bees Sensitive Toner with Aloe and Witch Hazel – $9
For Dry or Sensitive Skin: Look for a toner that is hydrating, is made without parching alcohol, and includes hyaluronic acid.
- Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner – $23
- Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Toner -$6
- Fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner – $45
- Garnier SkinActive Hydrating Facial Mist – $10
For Oily Skin: Look for astringents that contain witch hazel to tighten pores.
- Jasmine Green Tea Balancing Toner – $39
- Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner – $7
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution – $15
- Serum/treatment
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Serums and treatments deliver concentrated amounts of powerful ingredients that can address many different complexion issues. Certain serums can help reverse a lot of the skin damage we get from the sun and pollution. In the morning, using a serum with Vitamin C can help mitigate dark spots. Choosing the right serums and treatments depends on what specific skin issues you want to tackle.
For Brightening Up Skin: RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Vitamin C Serum – $20
For Dark Spots: Olay Tone Perfection Serum Vitamin B3 + Vitamin C – $24
Best Known Antioxidant Serum which will lessen signs of aging over time: NO7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum – $30
- moisturizer
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Moisturizers hydrate and keep your skin soft while strengthening its barrier. For oily or acne-prone skin, it is best to stick with lighter moisturizers, like lotions or gels, during the daytime. Look for products that say non-comedogenic or oil-free. For dry skin, it is best to use a thicker formula, like a cream, which includes emollients, humectants, ceramides, and occlusives. For sensitive skin, it is best to use formulas that are hypoallergenic and free of potential irritants, such as fragrances and alcohol.
Best Overall Face Moisturizer: Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream – $18
Best For Dry Skin: Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ – $32
Best for Oily Skin: Hydro Boost Water Gel – $19
Best for Sensitive Skin: Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream – $21
- sunscreen
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Dermatologists continuously affirm that sunscreen is the most important step in any skincare routine for any skin type. Putting on SPF 30 or higher should be the last step in your morning skincare routine. It should be applied on your face, neck, and back of your hands at least 30 minutes before you head outside. You can minimize the steps in your routine by using moisturizers with SPF already included. Different sunscreens may work better than others depending on your skin type.
For Dry Skin: Vichy LiftActiv Peptide-C Suncreen SPF 30 – $39
For Oily Skin: Bare Republic Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Gel-Lotion – $16
For Combination Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in-Milk Body & Face Suncreen SPF 100
For Sensitive Skin: Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Non-Tinted Sunscreen Face Lotion – $14