Photo: @evarankiin

If you desire glowy, gorgeous skin for days, then you must follow two essential rules. One is to choose high-quality skin products best suited for your skin type, and the other is to consistently use these products every morning and night. For skincare enthusiasts looking to start a morning skincare routine, this article contains compiled tips from the best dermatologists around the world.

What is a Good Morning Skincare Routine? 

A good morning skincare routine must treat, nourish, and protect the skin as you go about your day. It is a compilation of simple procedures and the use of specific orders of skincare products that get rid of overnight dirt and supply essential nutrients for your skin's benefit. The average morning skincare routine order starts from the lightest to the heaviest product — that is Cleanser, Toner, Vitamin C Serum, Moisturizer, Eye Cream, and Sunscreen. 

Cleanser

What: “Should I use a cleanser in the morning?” Of course, you should have a morning cleanse to prepare your skin for the day. A cleanser is a skincare product that removes dirt and impurities from the skin's surface. They come in different formulations; each formulation works for a specific skin type to perform the same function. For instance, cleansing oil and balm are formulated for dry skin as they remove dirt without stripping while retaining skin moisture and hydration. Dermaclara Claraprep Face Cleanser is a hydrating cleansing that removes dirt and dead skin without disturbing the skin's moisture balance.

Why: A cleanser is an essential morning routine for skin as it removes debris that can clog the pores and cause acne if left for long. Cleansers eliminate product buildup and ensure other skin products penetrate the skin layer and produce results. Depending on your cleanser formulation, it can also help treat blemishes and hyperpigmentation.

How: Before you use a cleanser, check the instructions written at the back or beneath the product for more information on the product's compounds. Pay attention to certain warnings such as allergies or mode of application, as certain cleansers are not suitable for the eyes and other sensitive areas. Push back your hair (if you have long tresses) and wet your face with lukewarm water. Press out a coin-size amount of cleanser and gently rub your face for at least 1 minute. Rinse your hands and face and use a clean towel to pat it dry before proceeding to the next step.

Toner 

What: Skin toners cleanse the skin from dirt that may have escaped cleansing. It also helps unclog the pores and refreshes the skin. Toners are made from alcohol or distilled water and infused with skin-soothing compounds witch hazel, peppermint, and eucalyptus.

Why: Toners are lightweight liquids that penetrate deep into the skin to dislodge dead skin and soothe inflammation. It serves as a prep for other skin products as it rebalances the skin's PH and gives an illusion of shrunken pores. 

How: You can use a skin toner in two ways: Using your bare hands or a cotton pad. If you choose to use your hands, pour a few drops of toner on dry, clean hands and gently tap it into your skin. With a cotton pad, you will have to pour the toner onto the pad and swipe it across your face multiple times.

Vitamin C Serum 

What: Vitamin C is one of the most advertised daytime skincare routine products on the internet, as it promises to maintain a smooth and even skin complexion. Irrespective of your fruit intake, a Vitamin C serum is supplied to provide enough vitamins to your skin. When you are looking to get one, ensure you look out for the products inscribed with “L-ascorbic” as they are serum types formulated for the skin. Also, choose a concentration between 10-20%, as anything above or below can either be ineffective or irritate your skin badly. 

Why: Consistent use of Vitamin C serum can help fade blemishes and revitalize your skin. It also neutralizes free radicals caused by oxidative stress.

How: After using your skin toner, use the applicator to draw out the serum from the darkened bottle and apply it to your face. Use your hands to gently massage them into your pores.  

Moisturizer 

What: What's a morning face routine without a face moisturizer? A face moisturizer can either be a lotion, balm, or cream formulated to hydrate the skin's surface.

Why: Depending on your content, your moisturizer will contain either one or more of the following: Emollients, Humectants, and Occlusives. These products moisturize the skin by preventing moisture loss, falling cracked or dry skin layers, and drawing in moisture from the environment. Dermaclara Hyaluronic acid moisturizer is a perfect choice for people with dry, sensitive skin as it is infused with a humectant, hyaluronic acid, that draws in moisture from the environment to hydrate the skin. Ensure you choose the best moisturizer type for your skin. 

How: The right way to apply a face moisturizer is to delicately pat the product onto your skin instead of rubbing it aggressively. The gentle patting technique ensures faster absorption. Remember to rub your moisture towards the neck and down your decolletage as they are also visible to wrinkles and sun damage. 

Eye Cream 

What: Eye creams are special moisturizers designed for the delicate skin around your eyes that is fragile and prone to dryness. 

Why: The skin surrounding the eye is delicate and prone to dryness and aging. An eye cream protects fragile skin and ensures plumpness and firmness. 

How: Use your finger, the ring finger, to scoop out some eye cream and apply it around the entire eye, including under the eye, crow's feet, and even along the brow bones. 

Sunscreen

What: Sunscreen or sunblock is a photoprotective topical product and an essential part of your morning routine for skin care. They come in different formulations such as cream, stick, and even spray sunscreens. It protects the skin against harmful UV rays that cause wrinkles and even cancer.

Why: With a depleted ozone layer, the earth's surface is vulnerable to harmful UV rays emitted from the sun. Sunscreen protects us from the rays and their harmful effects on our skin. Every sunscreen Sun Protection Factor (SPF) indicates its strength in protecting against UV rays. Be sure to choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.