How to Master Your Morning Skincare Routine

Constantly playing catch-up with your skin? A routine will help you and your skin get on the same page. Keep reading and discover how to master your morning skincare routine!

If you’ve been on social media for more than ten minutes, you’ve probably scrolled across a Morning Skincare Routine. There’s usually soft morning light spilling across the bathroom and a fresh-faced beauty slathering a variety of products on her face. All of this usually happens with an upbeat soundtrack in the background that makes you want to tackle the day head-on. If this description has you scoffing and rolling your eyes...you’re not the only one.

First, who already looks that great first thing in the morning?! Plus, some mornings it’s all you can do to brush your teeth before running out the door for class. That’s why today we’re getting real about morning skincare routines. 

Everyone is different! Different schedules, different vibes, and certainly different skin. So, while it’s tempting to follow the latest morning skincare trends, it’s more important to find what works for YOU. 

All Skincare Routines Are Not Created Equal

If you’ve ever followed the skincare advice of a friend with disastrous results, then you already know that all skincare routines are not created equal. It’s just so frustrating! If your friend has flawless skin, then why did her routine give you the breakout of the century? Because your skincare needs are different.

What about those trendy routines you see all over Instagram? Using the same skincare routine of your favorite influencer who lives in sunny LA, makes no sense if you live in windy Chicago. That’s because you also need to consider the environment you’re in. Basically, it’s time to get real with YOUR skincare needs. 

Your skin is exposed to so many things every day. From sun, sweat, and dirt, to pollution and temperature extremes. Not to mention the million other things that can influence your skin (nutrition, hydration, hormones, etc.). We get why it’s so tempting to blindly follow someone else’s skincare practices, but we urge you to reconsider! Your skin will seriously thank you. 

How to Prepare For A New Skincare Routine

We recommend starting with a clean slate. If you’ve been frantically trying product after product, give your skin a break for about a week. Lay off the heavy makeup and wash your face a few times a day with just water. The point is to reconnect with your skin’s natural state.

Another reason why this is a good idea is that your skin can change over time. The products you used when you were a teenager might not be right for you once you’re in your 20s or 30s. If you relied on powerful acne-fighting products when you were younger, those same products may be drying you out too much now. 

We know it can be daunting to take a more laid back approach. However, once you figure out what your skin really needs, you’ll have a better idea of what products and practices will work best. Maybe your skin really does need an intense twelve-step morning routine, but maybe it really only needs two steps. 

Either way, you’ll never figure it out until you really understand what your skin needs. Then you can actually start putting together your morning skincare routine 👍 

Morning Skincare Routines for Dry Skin

If your skin tends to be drier, then the name of the game is hydration. Dry skin has a harder time protecting itself from the environment because it tends to have a weaker moisture barrier (or stratum corneum). This barrier keeps out bad things like dirt and pollution and keeps in the good stuff like water. It can also mean your skin gets less oxygen which can lead to dull-looking skin with more fine lines and wrinkles. 

If this is the case for you, then it’s time to simplify your morning routine. If you want to lock in moisture, then you’ll need to lay off the harsh exfoliants and foaming cleansers. Use a non-foaming cleanser that will get rid of dirt and oil without disrupting that outer skin layer. Depending on your skin, you may even be able to skip cleansing, but you should still cleanse it at least a few times a week.

If your skin is extra sensitive, you can skip the toner, however, even a mild toner like rosewater can help shrink pores and brighten your complexion. If you’re worried about fine lines and wrinkles, this is when you’ll want to apply a Vitamin C serum. Make sure you let any serum fully absorb before moving on though.

After that, apply a light moisturizer with ingredients that will soften rough skin, hydrate, and seal in moisture. For extra dry skin, or during the drier winter months, you may even opt for a Facial Oil with nourishing botanicals and CBD. The skin around your eyes is particularly delicate, so consider using an eye cream to lock in moisture. 

To finish off, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun. It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, your skin will always benefit from a bit of extra protection.

Morning Skincare Routines for Oily Skin

If you regularly combat rough, greasy skin and large pores, you should develop a skincare routine specifically for oily skin. There’s nothing wrong with oily skin, and honestly, it’s pretty normal for people to notice more sebum production when it’s warmer out. Regardless of whether your skin is always oily or if it’s purely seasonal, it’s important to give your skin the care it needs.

Unlike dry skin, oily skin really needs to be cleaned every morning. At night, dirt and excess oil can build up on your skin. That’s what leaves many of us with a particularly shiny face first thing in the morning. When those impurities aren’t cleaned out, however, they can clog your pores and lead to acne. One of the best ways to combat this extra oil in the morning is with a gentle exfoliating cleanser. Not only will this help rid your skin of excess oil and dirt, but it will also help remove dead skin cells that may be clogging pores. Plus, with an exfoliating cleanser, you’re tackling two steps at the same time. Bonus!

Follow this step with a pore minimizing toner to make it harder for dirt to accumulate, and then use a lightweight serum to address whatever other concerns you might be having. Make sure not to use anything too heavy to avoid oversaturating your pores. 

While it may be tempting to skip moisturizing, that would be a mistake. Even oily skin can be dehydrated, and depriving your skin of moisture will cause it to ramp up oil production even more. So, stick to lightweight moisturizers and eye creams. Use gels or emulsions that will easily absorb, lock in moisture, and won’t clog pores. 

Just like with dry skin, you really can’t skip on the sunscreen. If you’re worried about layering on too many products, try to find a moisturizer that has a broad-spectrum sunscreen in it. We’re all about saving time, so finding products that can do both is definitely a win.

Morning Skincare Routines for Combo Skin

Combination skin is particularly tricky to develop a routine for. That’s because some parts of your face may be dry, while others might be shiny with oil. The T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) is usually oilier because there are more oil-producing glands in those areas, but that’s not always the case. Honestly, combination skin requires a bit of flexibility. Some days you may need more products than others, so it’s important to have a checklist of items to consider.

On a day when you’re only dealing with mild oiliness, a light cleanser should be your go-to. Something as simple as Micellar water might even do the trick. If the oil is a bit more prominent, then stick with a gentle cleanser to tackle the excess oil and dirt.

Pro Tip: No matter what type of skin you have, avoid using harsh exfoliants in the morning. Even if your skin needs it, doing this in the morning can irritate your skin and leave it vulnerable to the elements.

Since combination skin tends to be easily irritated, skip the harsh exfoliants, and only use them once a week or as needed. If your skin is still rough, find a cleanser that doubles as an exfoliant. That will save you time and the headache of dealing with irritated skin. We would highly recommend a toner with soothing botanicals like aloe or cucumber. This will calm your skin and give you a boost of hydration.

Speaking of hydration, find a lightweight moisturizer that will soothe inflamed skin and lock in moisture. A moisturizer with CBD is particularly helpful for combination skin because it can reduce excess sebum production while keeping dry skin hydrated. 

Make sure to protect your skin by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen, and consider keeping a few travel-friendly skincare items with you. On days when your T-zone is out of control, blotting papers can be your best friend. Skin feeling parched? A spritz of rose water can keep your skin from becoming dry and flaky throughout the day.

You and Your Skin Are Unique! 

It’s easy to have negative thoughts when your skin isn’t cooperating, but your skin is busting its butt for you every single day! That’s why it’s so important for you and your skin to get on the same page. Reconnect with your skin and raise your vibrations for a new, positive outlook on life. 

Develop a morning skincare routine that works for you and tell us all about it! Tag us in your next gram-worthy skincare routine pic for a chance to be featured on one of our stories. Plus, don’t forget to follow us for all the latest updates ❤️