Everyone has their own version of a skincare routine. For some, it’s a simple cleanse and moisturize while others have a meticulous step-by-step process filled with multiple products. In reality, there is no concrete right or wrong way to cleanse your skin since everyone’s skin is unique in texture and sensitivity.
If your morning routine is simple for the sake of simplicity, you may be doing your skin a disservice. While some products may only be enticing for their packaging and marketing, if you do your research, you’ll find several skincare additions that can significantly benefit the overall health of your skin and keep your face glowing and hydrated.
If you’re unsure where to begin, we’ve rounded up our picks for the three skincare products that we recommend adding to your morning routine.
Toner
Toner is a skincare product that often gets left behind in any morning routine. In past years, it was disregarded for being too harsh on the face, using drying ingredients and leaving the skin less hydrated than before.
These days, toner has come a long way in the beauty world. Many brands have introduced alcohol-free toners into their current collections, with more hydrating ingredients. Toner is designed to be used after your cleanser when your face has been stripped of any dirt — it acts as the first step in re-hydrating the skin. It’s lightweight to apply since it’s a liquid, but unlike simply splashing water on the face, a good toner will contain glycerin, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories.
Serum
Serum can be considered a secret weapon in any skincare routine. They’re thinner than a typical moisturizer and are concentrated with hydrating ingredients that better penetrate the skin on your face than lotion or cream on its own.
Depending on what your skin type is or what conditions you’re looking to remedy, there are plenty of serums on the market. With a bit of research, you can easily find an authorized retailer of SkinCeuticals or your current brand to explore their range of serums — whether you’re looking to prevent wrinkles, dark spots, inflammation, or simply hydrating the skin.
When looking for your perfect serum, it’s essential to keep an eye out for key ingredients such as retinol, glycolic acid, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid.
SPF
Many forget to add SPF to their daily skincare routine, but in reality, it’s an essential step. SPF protects the skin from harsh UVA and UVB rays and is a preventive measure against many forms of skin cancer. Not only that, but simply adding SPF to your routine helps lock in the skin’s natural moisture to keep you hydrated throughout the day.
Applying your SPF should come after your moisturizer for added hydration plus additional sun protection. Even when the forecast calls for clouds, or if you live in a climate with snowy winters, sunscreen is still essential — the sun’s rays can effectively penetrate most barriers and can impact your skin without realizing it.