While the nighttime skincare routine is often in the spotlight, it’s important to recognize that your morning regimen is equally crucial for the appearance and health of your skin. Whereas evening care usually emphasizes skin repair and active ingredients, your morning routine should prioritize protection, fortifying your skin’s barrier for the day ahead.
The morning is the perfect time to refresh your face, reduce puffiness, and prepare your skin for makeup. According to esthetician Cecily Brayden, many people mistakenly focus more on hiding flaws than on the overall health of their skin. So, before reaching for foundation, consider what your skin needs to naturally radiate.
Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast or just getting started, we’ve gathered expert tips to help with your morning skincare routine. You’ll find answers to common questions like: Is washing my face in the morning necessary? Which serum works best for daytime? Is eye cream really needed in the morning? Keep reading to craft a skincare routine that starts your day with a glowing complexion.
How to Create the Ultimate Morning Skincare Routine
Step 1: Cleanse as Needed
There is a debate in skincare circles: is a morning face wash necessary? The answer is, it depends. If you used potent ingredients like retinol or exfoliating acids (AHAs or BHAs) the previous night, it’s wise to cleanse in the morning, as these can make skin more sun-sensitive. Washing is also recommended if you used an overnight product, sweat during sleep, have oily skin, or simply prefer a morning cleanse. ONEKIND Clean Slate Gentle Cleansing Cream is a top pick.
If, however, your evening routine skipped strong activities and there’s no morning sweat to wash away, you can opt for a refreshing start with micellar water or proceed directly to the next step. Regardless of your cleansing choice, start by rehydrating your skin. As Brayden notes, overnight moisture loss can leave skin feeling parched, so reintroducing hydration is essential.
Step 2: Tone Your Skin
Toners have evolved from the harsh formulas of the past. Nowadays, they satisfy different needs of the skin, like balancing oils, replenishing hydration, or refining texture. We love the multitasking benefits of AVANT SKINCARE Proactive Mandelic Acid Restoring Anti-Pollution Toner, which delivers antioxidants to shield skin in the morning and gently exfoliates for clearer pores. GLOWOASIS SKINCARE Milkdew Ph Balancing Moisture Milk Toner is also fantastic for plumping and reinforcing the skin’s barrier.
Step 3: Apply a Serum
Serums, designed for targeted treatment, are essential to any routine. They penetrate deeply, address specific skin problems more effectively than moisturizers alone. Vitamin C, in particular, is excellent for morning use due to its brightening effects and protective antioxidants. A favorite among users is BEAUTYSTAT Universal C Skin Refiner, featuring a high concentration of L-ascorbic acid (20%) to promote a vibrant, even complexion.
Step 4: Consider an Eye Cream
Wondering if eye cream is necessary in the morning? While optional, makeup artist Jocelyn Biga recommends it, as a lightweight formula can prevent concealer from settling into lines and reduce dryness around the eyes. Look for an eye cream with anti-aging ingredients and environmental protection. DR. BRANDT SKINCARE’s Needles No More No More Baggage Eye De-Puffing Gel is an excellent choice, instantly smoothing, reducing puffiness, and brightening under-eye circles, plus it layers perfectly under makeup.
Step 5: Moisturize
Regardless of skin type, everyone benefits from moisturizing. For morning routines, choose a lightweight cream that absorbs well, as Brayden suggests. TATCHA The Water Cream is a popular option, delivering deep hydration without any heaviness, making it ideal for various skin types.
Step 6: Always Conclude with Sunscreen
Sunscreen is the non-negotiable final step. Dermatologists advise daily SPF use to protect against UV damage and prevent early aging signs. Streamline your morning by using a moisturizer with SPF or tinted sunscreen to skip a makeup step. Look for products with at least SPF 30 for all-day coverage. SUPERGOOP Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 is a great invisible choice that suits all skin types and tones, and it even offers blue light protection.
