Morning Skincare Routine

Morning everyone. Rise and Shine!

Okay so I'm a bit obsessed when it comes to skincare. Do you know that you should have a different routine at night than the one you have in the morning? Yup, your skin has different needs at different times of day. At night, you should focus on products that help nourish your skin and also repair it. In the morning, you have to prepare your skin for the day. It is important to wash your face because while you're sleeping, the skin is in repair mode and will secrete toxins and sebum. So when you wash your face in the morning, you are removing not only the toxins and sebum, but also your nighttime products as well. This allows your daytime products to absorb into the skin better.

My morning routine is a much more simple than my evening skincare (click here for my nighttime skincare routine). Ah, since I'm not a morning person, my philosophy is that it has to be simple, quick and lightweight.

Here's my morning routine  (5 min).

Please note that the products are for my skin type which is a combination/oily skin. You have to find the right products for your skin type.

Cleanse.

I start by washing my face with Bioré Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser (I also use the Combination Skin Balancing Cleanser). Yes, I'm normally a drugstore product snob. A skincare snob to be precise. Yes, when it comes to skincare, I have a tendancy to turn my nose up at products that may be in a certain price bracket of low monetary value - shame on me!. But I've tried Bioré brand for some time and let me tell you… this is my all-time favorite drugstore facial cleanser.

Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser -  When they say "Ice Cleanser", they mean it. It really does make your skin feel icy cold, which is seriously the best feeling ever in the summer. Best used on hot days, or when you need a refreshing zing in the morning. It also contains salicylic acid which is effective in preventing acne and keeping pores clean. It is an oil free cleanser, so should NOT be used by those with dry skin types.

Note: Wash your face with warm (not hot) water to gently open pores. Then rinse thoroughly with cool water to close pores. 

Toner.

Many people tend to skip the toner in the morning. But it's actually a very important step because it balances the pH of your skin and preps it for moisturizing. Look for toners without alcohol, which can severely dry your skin. Also be sure to choose a toner for your skin type (sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, etc…)

I use Clinique toner 3 (and sometimes Bioré Triple Action Astrigent). I kind of love and hate this product. I use this toner mostly in summer. I can see the difference, less pimples, face looks smoother and less oily. CONS: It contains alcohol… Using an alcohol based toner can sometimes be beneficial for people with more oily or acne prone skin because it can be drying and will dry out any blemishes. But still, alcohol can be very drying to the skin. You can use it but be sure to follow with a really good facial moisturizer.

But yeah… I have to find another toner without alcohol. Any suggestions?

Moisturizer.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. I've been using this since grade school.I like trying all kind of moisturizers and expensive ones but this is one that is simple and does the job. It's fragrance free. Very light weight and great to wear under your makeup. 

Choosing the right makeup.

After moisturizing, use a light foundation or a BB cream with SPF 15 or above to even out your skin tone and keep your skin protected. Treat your skin well by using quality cosmetics - something that won't clog pores...

Eating a good breakfast. 

- Treating your skin in the morning is also about your diet! Start the day with blueberries, strawberries and raspberries. They all contain vitamin C & E which are good for your skin. They also make a perfect complement to cereal or yogurt. Or try a green smoothie (click here). 

- Staying hydrated is also important, so drink your water (at least 8 cups per day). Lazy water drinker? No problem. Try the vitamin homemade water recipes (click here).