Morning Skincare Routine Everyone Can Employ

6 minutes read

Looking to establish a morning skincare routine but not sure where to start? With so many products and conflicting advice out there, it can be overwhelming when trying to choose the best products and routine for you. And while there is no perfect cookie-cutter routine that suits everyone’s skin needs and lifestyle, it is possible to get the basics down to send you on your way to balanced, glowy skin. Beauty Daily speaks to celebrity facialist Amba Logan to get the low-down on creating a morning skincare routine for you.

Step 1: Cleansing

“Your morning skincare routine should always start with a cleanse,” Logan says. “There is no need to go in with rich cleansing oils and creams in the morning to break down make-up (assuming you did this the night before), but equally, this stage should never be skipped, even if your skin feels and looks clean.”

“Build-up of sweat, old shedding skin cells, excess oils and the remainder of your nighttime routine must be removed, giving your skin a perfect prepped base to apply your other products. This can be done with a gentle wash, and using your hands to remove is fine – leaving cloths to help with heavier nighttime cleansing.

Try: Clarins Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser, £24, is an excellent choice for a morning cleanse. Its gentle formula ensures it doesn’t dry out the skin while removing impurities and excess oils.

Step 2: Use a toner

Toners are liquid formulas that offer solutions to help correct any imbalances in the skin. Toners should be selected for your skin type, such as hydrating formulas to help plump dehydrated skin or oil-balancing to calm overproduction throughout the day. Toners were traditionally used to balance your skin’s pH after harsher soap-based cleansing, but they now refer to liquid formulas that offer solutions to help combat specific concerns.

Step 3: Don’t forget the serum

“Anti-oxidant-based formulas help to protect against the day ahead and skin stressors such as free radicals, making them a good morning option,” Logan explains. “This middle layer of your routine is where you can pack all your active ingredients that get to work,” she continues.

clarins-double-serum

Try: Clarins Double Serum, £85, is great to incorporate into your morning skincare routine as it has a dual formula that provides antioxidant protection and visibly reduces the signs of ageing.

Step 4: Moisturise well

“Daytime moisturisers are often lighter in texture than richer, nourishing nighttime formulas,” Logan adds: “Use day creams to lock in hydration and help seal the skin barrier, and humectants like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which draw water into the skin. Your moisturiser should be heavier than the active layers underneath and often have UV filters and SPF protection in one.”

A hydrating and UV-protecting day cream

Try: When choosing a moisturiser, the Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream, £38, is a winning formula. Its light texture allows for easy absorption and is formulated to hydrate the skin for up to 48 hours.

Step 5: Use a Sunscreen

“Your SPF should always be the last thing you apply before make-up application,” explains Logan. “SPF should become a habit and be used 365 days a year – as UVA, the cell-damaging rays, are always present, not just when it’s warm. Sunscreen is an absolute must to protect your skin from harmful rays and prevent signs of ageing.”

Try: Clarins UV Plus Day Anti-Pollution Translucent, £34, is an excellent product that offers broad-spectrum protection from UVA/UVB rays and helps to protect the skin from the harmful effects of pollution.

Protect with an Eye Cream

The delicate skin around the eyes is particularly vulnerable to damage from the sun and other environmental factors. Applying an eye cream in the morning can help to protect this delicate area and keep it hydrated.

clarins-total-eye-lift

Try: The Clarins Total Eye Lift, £62, contains a range of natural plant extracts such as organic harungana (known as ‘nature’s retinol’) and horse chestnut extract to revive instantly, hydrate and plump the delicate skin around the eyes.

Do I need any special tools?

While the basic morning skincare routine can be done with your hands, there are specific tools that can make the process easier and more effective. For example, a gentle cleansing brush or konjac sponge can help to remove any stubborn impurities, while a jade roller or gua sha tool can aid in lymphatic drainage and help to reduce puffiness. However, these tools are optional and can be skipped if you prefer a more straightforward routine.

What is face oil?

Face oils have become increasingly popular in recent years and for a good reason. They provide an extra boost of hydration and nourishment to the skin, helping to improve overall radiance and suppleness. Face oils can be used in place of or in addition to your moisturiser, depending on your skin type and preference. Look for oils that contain antioxidants and fatty acids, such as Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil, £xx, to help protect and repair the skin.

The benefits of a morning skincare routine

A morning skincare routine is crucial for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. Not only does a consistent routine help to prevent breakouts and premature ageing, but it also provides a moment of self-care and mindfulness to start your day off on the right foot.

How long should your skincare routine take?

While a comprehensive morning skincare routine can seem daunting, it doesn’t have to take up a lot of time. With the right products and a little practice, you can complete your routine in as little as five minutes. Remember, the key steps to focus on are cleansing, hydration, and protection. If you’re short on time, prioritise these steps and skip any extras, such as face oils or special tools.

Do I need a different skincare routine for day and night?

Yes, your skin has different needs in the morning versus at night. During the day, your skin is exposed to environmental stressors such as pollution and UV rays, so it’s important to focus on protection and hydration. At night, your skin goes into repair mode, so you want to focus on products that help to boost collagen production and repair any damage throughout the day. Nighttime is also a great opportunity to use more potent active ingredients such as retinol or AHAs that may be too harsh for daytime use.

Do both day and nighttime skincare routines essential?

While a morning skincare routine is crucial for protecting and preparing your skin for the day ahead, a nighttime routine is equally important for repairing and rejuvenating your skin while you sleep. Skipping your nighttime routine can lead to clogged pores, dullness, and premature ageing. Consistency is key in skincare, so it’s important to make time for both morning and nighttime routines.

Do men need a skincare routine too?

Skincare is essential for everyone, regardless of gender. Men’s skin may have different needs than women’s due to hormonal differences and differences in skin thickness and texture, but the basics of a good skincare routine remain the same: cleanse, hydrate, and protect.

Should a teenager have a full skincare routine?

Teenagers may not need a full-blown skincare routine, but teaching them the basics of proper skincare early on is vital. A gentle cleanser, moisturiser, and sunscreen can go a long way in preventing breakouts and maintaining healthy skin. As they age and their skin changes, they can start incorporating more targeted products, such as serums and exfoliators.

Are face masks worth all the hype?

Face masks can be a fun and effective addition to your skincare routine, but they’re not a necessity. Depending on the ingredients and skin type, face masks can help hydrate, nourish and smooth the skin or help control oil. Once or twice a week is ideal – plus, it gives you the perfect excuse for some quiet time by yourself.