A simple morning skincare routine leaves you glowing

After a strong cup of coffee and a sweaty workout, next on your to-do list (after the shower, of course) should be your morning skincare routine. Unlike repair and recovery at night, morning training is about protecting yourself from sun exposure, pollution and other environmental hazards. Studies show that multi-step workouts are better for your skin. But what is the right order of morning skincare?
At Deep Science, we believe in building a simple, safe and effective mechanism. Don’t know where to start? Your morning skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated, which is why we’ve put together a simple morning skincare regimen that everyone can use.
The difference between a morning and evening skincare routine is the type of products and ingredients used. For example, because the goal in the morning is to protect against environmental stress, you must add sunscreen.
However, since the sleep cycle is when your body goes into recovery mode, nighttime products with ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and peptides help maintain healthy skin while reducing signs of nighttime aging. It’s also important to point out that many products are suitable for nighttime use because they make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
There’s not much difference between regular morning and evening face ordering, but you’ll change your product slightly. Even so, the order in which products are applied is crucial, as only small amounts of important active ingredients in skincare products can penetrate the skin – even with perfect formulation and application.
So, if you don’t follow the correct routine for your face, you may be inhibiting important products like serums from working. But, as a general rule of thumb (one that’s easy to remember and follow), apply the product from thinnest to thickest.
As with your nighttime routine, make sure the products you use are appropriate for your skin type, whether it’s normal, dry, oily or a combination. Not sure? Make an appointment with an esthetician or dermatologist to make sure you’re using the right products to achieve your skincare goals. Also, keep in mind that with age and climate change, you have to adjust your routine.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Should I wash my face in the morning?” “You are not alone. The short answer is “yes,” because your skin can still come into contact with bacteria during the night, which is why you should regularly wash your pillowcase, tie your hair up, and resist the temptation to touch your face. The good news is that this process doesn’t have to be as complicated as your nightly routine. You can use a gentle cleanser, micellar water, or even a serum — more on that next.
Carrot Stick Face Wash, $30
Gentle yet powerful botanical ingredients create a fantastic moisturizing cleanser that helps promote balance and never peels the skin. Pressed rosehip seed oil contains essential fatty acids, geranium flowers are soothing, and red seaweed helps protect skin.
Korres Greek Yogurt Cleanser, $15
This foaming cleanser effectively removes dirt and impurities without any irritation. It nourishes the skin and reduces redness. It is soap-free, which means it does not contain highly alkaline detergents.
Sonya Dakar Facial Cleanser, $67
The main ingredient in this popular cleanser is Briti oil from palm trees. One of the reasons it has become a popular skin-care ingredient is that it contains high levels of vitamin E, a well-known antioxidant. In addition, grape seed oil and avocado oil repair and moisturize the skin.
The toner helps restore your skin’s pH balance while preparing it for other products during the day. Serums, by contrast, are water-based formulations with lots of active ingredients that hydrate, protect, and promote the overall health of your skin. As a result, toners often get a bad rap (think last year’s Sea Breeze skincare product). In reality, however, modern toners are formulated to address specific skin problems, such as excessive oil or dryness.
Mario Badescu Aloe Vera, Herbal and Rose Surface Spray, $18
A fan favorite, this herbal and floral spray refreshes and moisturizes skin in the morning and throughout the day, and is also perfect for long flights.
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, $99
SK-II’s signature product – and its best-selling one – contains more than 90 percent pitera, a byproduct of yeast fermentation that includes minerals, vitamins and amino acids. The essence is designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots, as well as improve skin texture. Apply a small amount to your hand and apply gentle pressure to your face and neck.
Bliss Clear Genius Toner + Essence, $18
While you don’t necessarily want to skip step 3, antioxidant serum, this unique alcohol-free toner also combines the benefits of serum to clear pores, condition the skin, and deliver concentrated ingredients without over-drying or irritating the skin. It contains Bliss ‘proprietary CLARITY 5 COMPLEX with BHA(salicylic acid), witch hazel water, niacinamide and zinc PCA.
Serums are super-concentrated, nutrient-intensive treatments for specific problems, so it’s best to keep them as close to the skin as possible. Due to their tiny molecular structure, serums can penetrate deeper than moisturizers, hence their numerical order in morning and evening skincare routines.
When it comes to protecting skin from free radicals (sun exposure, environmental pollutants, etc.) during the day, few ingredients are as effective as antioxidants. Today, there are countless serums on the market, the best of which include several different types of antioxidants and supporting elements (think hyaluronic acid, peptides, alpha and beta fruit acids) that help promote stability, strength, and skin function.
Some of the most popular antioxidants include vitamins A, E and C; Resveratrol; Niacinamide; And Coenzyme Q10 cosmetic antioxidant market size is expected to grow from $119 million in 2020 to $158 million in 2025, at a CAGR of 5.9%.
To be clear, serums do not replace moisturizers.
Prescription Active Serum – Vitamin B, C, E, Ferulic Acid + Niacinamide, $80
This effective serum is formulated to protect your skin from environmental attacks that age your skin. A potent mixture of antioxidants and vitamins in just one drop. It is the ultimate antioxidant formula and contains the highest concentrations of pure vitamins C, B, E, ferulic acid and niacinamide. Skin looks brighter, healthier and younger.
Dermalogica Biolumin-C Serum, $89
As the name suggests, C is the key antioxidant in this highly effective serum, which boosts the skin’s natural defense system, brightens, firmers, and helps dramatically reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, advanced biotechnology works with a very stable vitamin C complex to combat oxidative stress and the formation of aging before it starts.
Avene A-Oxitive Antioxidant Defense Serum, $44
This lightweight, fast-absorbing serum promises to protect skin from the most challenging environmental stresses. Because it contains the popular antioxidant ingredients vitamins C and E, it provides superior antioxidant protection while improving skin appearance. In addition, it smooths the texture of the skin, reduces fine lines and brightens the complexion.
Due to the lack of sebaceous glands and thin skin, the delicate area of the eyes is more likely to show puffiness, dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles than the rest of the face. Depending on your current eye condition, you may want to opt for a lighter, gel-like formula in the morning to address post-sleep puffiness (keep in the fridge for best results) and a richer formula in the evening.
La Roche Posay Pigmentclar Eye Cream, $43
Caffeine constricts blood vessels and reduces puffiness and dark circles, while reflective pigments brighten the skin. Although it’s a little more expensive than regular drugstore eye cream, it has an immediate effect. Unique cooling metal applicator, more help soothing soft texture, suitable for sensitive parts of the eye.
Obagi Elastiderm Eye Cream, $115.50
As we age, the elastin fibres in our skin degrade, meaning it becomes flabby and flabby. Around the eyes, this can lead to loose and wrinkled skin. Obagi Elastiderm Eye Cream combines the brand’s proprietary bio-mineral contour complex with malonic acid to help reduce this. This dual mineral complex combines the minerals copper and zinc and is thought to help improve elasticity and moisture.
Dr. Brandt Luggage-Free Eye Care Gel, $42
As the name suggests, this needle-free eye gel can eliminate bags under the eyes thanks to caffeine and stretch-boosting peptides — which are also good for eliminating dark circles. Note that if your skin tends to dry out, this treatment works best with older, more decadent eye creams.
An electronic facial device is a good investment as it tightens, regulates and stimulates the lymphatic system, thereby reducing morning facial and eye puffiness. When it is used in combination with topical treatments (when it is still damp on your face), it is like a spa treatment at home.
ReFa S Carat, $160
This stylish metal wand is cleverly designed to fit the contours of your face, including the eye area. A small solar panel on the handle converts sunlight and indoor light into a micro-electric current that improves blood circulation and reduces puffiness. Place the device in the freezer for a few minutes before use for extra blowing capacity.
Foreo Iris Eye Massager, $159
The small yet powerful device fits neatly into the contours of your eyes, reducing bags, dark circles and fine lines. It has eight adjustable Settings and two massage modes. Use with your favorite eye cream for enhanced absorption.
No matter what skin type, moisturizers are one of the core components of your daily skincare routine. Our skin is in a defensive mode all day, protecting itself from harmful UV rays, the weather, bacterial growth and pollution – this is where day creams and sunscreens come into play. You can choose between two different formulas or a two-in-one cream with at least SPF 30.
Carrot Stick Moisturizer, $50
This super antioxidant formula is a hydrating powerhouse that leaves skin feeling very smooth and radiant. Rich in potent plant proteins, vitamins, peptides and amino collagen, providing multiple levels of hydration.
The brand’s three natural biofermentation-active complexes support greater nutrient density and more efficient absorption. Caffeine increases energy and rejuvenates dull, mature skin, while botanical elements promote overall conditioning.
Cetaphil Daily Advance Lotion, $11.39
Non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, super moisturizing, soothing – This is Cetaphil’s specialty. This moisturizer formula contains shea butter, glycerin, macadamia oil and the antioxidants Vitamins E and B5 to hydrate and replenish on contact. As a result, skin stays soft, smooth, and moisturized for up to 24 hours.
Best Moisturizer for dry skin: Kiehl’s Super Cream, $58
Kiehl’s Super Cream is the brand’s No. 1 moisturizer, providing ultra-light 24-hour hydration for dry skin. Recommended for all skin types, including sensitive skin types.
This cream contains a high concentration of squalane, which is found in the lipid barrier of human and animal skin, and therefore plays a vital role in lubricating and protecting the skin. However, over time, the amount produced and retained in the skin decreases. Topical application of squalane helps replenish the lipid barrier of the skin, making it softer and smoother.
Unless you already have an SPF in your daily moisturizer, sunscreen should be the last step in your daily skincare routine — provided you’re using a mineral sunscreen. If you opt for a chemical sunscreen, then step seven is a little trickier, as chemical sunscreens must be absorbed into the skin to be effective and are less effective if applied after applying moisturizer.
That being said, opt for mineral skin care, unless you’re using sunscreen. Of the 16 active ingredients commonly used in commercially available sunscreens, only two – mineral sunscreens, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide – are “generally recognized as safe and effective,” according to the Food and Drug Administration.
REN Clean Skin Clean Mineral SPF 30,38
This all-natural sunscreen contains 22% non-nano zinc, rice starch and passion fruit seed extract to provide moisturizing and antioxidant protection. Thanks to its moisturizing and priming properties, skin stays glowing all day – even if you put makeup on it.
Alba Botanica Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen, $10
This broad-spectrum Mineral Spray Sunscreen has an SPF of 30. The reef-friendly formula contains non-nano zinc oxide and auxiliary ingredients such as sunflower oil, aloe vera leaf juice and shea butter.
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer sunintegrity SPF 30,34
This zinc-oxide formula made by drunk elephants is also packed with antioxidants. Grape juice extract, sunflower seed extract and astaxanthin can shield environmental stressors caused by pollution such as free radicals. Despite being a physical sunscreen, this formula won’t leave any film or chalky appearance. It is also free of fragrances and essential oils that may irritate the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.
Unlike nighttime repair and recovery therapies, the goal of morning workouts is to protect your skin from sun exposure, pollution, and other environmental hazards. However, the products and ingredients used really separate the morning and evening skincare routine.
There’s not much difference between a morning and evening skincare routine, but you’ll need to vary your products slightly.
Even so, the order in which products are applied is critical. This is because only small amounts of the important active ingredients in your skincare products can penetrate into the skin – even when perfectly formulated and used.