What should I use in the morning?
Morning skin care routines are all about prevention and protection. Your face is going to be exposed to the outside environment, so necessary steps include moisturizer and sunscreen.
Step 1: Oil-based cleanser
What is it? Cleansers come in two forms: water-based and oil-based. The latter is intended to dissolve oils produced by your skin.
How to use it: Some oil-based cleansers are designed to work their magic on wet skin. Others are best on dry skin. Read the instructions before applying a small amount to your skin. Massage in and rinse thoroughly with water before drying with a clean towel.
Skip this step if: Your cleanser only contains oil — instead of a blend of oil and surfactants and emulsifiers — and you have combination or oily skin. Cleansing oils may cause an increase in oiliness.
Products to try: Deviant Enzymatic Cleansing Oil removes makeup and impurities, but is gentle on skin. For an olive oil option, DHC Deep Cleansing Oil is suitable for all skin types.
Be sure to: Do a patch test in a small area on your skin for a few days and monitor how your skin reacts. If you experience cystic acne, talk with your dermatologist before switching to an oil-based cleanser.
Pros: Oil cleansers can have a higher cleansing ability Trusted Source, They can unclog pores and remove even waterproof makeup. A small 2019 study, Trusted Source, suggests that oil cleansers may do a better job at removing waterproof sunblock compared to other methods.
Cons: Anecdotal evidence suggests that there may be an initial 1- to 2-week “purging” period where you may experience breakouts as old oil on your skin is cleansed.
Step 2: Water-based cleanser
What is it? These cleansers primarily contain surfactants, which are ingredients that allow water to rinse away dirt and sweat. They can also remove the oils collected by an oil-based cleanser.
How to use it: Massage into wet skin and rinse with water before drying.
Skip this step if: You don’t want to double cleanse or if your oil-based cleanser contains surfactants that sufficiently remove dirt and debris.
Be sure to: Look for a cleanser with a neutral or low pH, as a 2017 study suggests they may be less irritating to your skin.
Pros: Mild water-based cleansers may help prevent breakouts in those with acne-prone or oily skin.
Cons: Harsher surfactants can dry out your skin and may damage your skin’s natural barrier.
Step 3: Toner or astringent
What is it? Toners are designed to replenish skin through hydration and remove dead cells and dirt left behind after cleansing. An astringent is an alcohol-based product used to remove excess oil.
How to use it: Straight after cleansing, either tap directly onto the skin or onto a cotton pad and swipe over the face in an outward motion.
Skip the astringent if: You have dry skin.
Products to try: Thayer Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Toner is an alcohol-free cult classic, while Neutrogena Clear Pore Oil-Eliminating Astringent is designed to fight breakouts.
Be sure to: Avoid toners high in alcohol as they can irritate your skin.
Pros: Toners and astringents can help reduce the appearance of pores and remove impurities left behind after cleansing.
Cons: Overuse of alcohol-based toners can cause irritation.
Step 4: Antioxidant serum
What is it? Serums contain a high concentration of certain ingredients. An antioxidant-based serum will protect skin against damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Vitamins C and E are common antioxidants used to improve texture and firmness. Others to look out for include green tea, resveratrol, and caffeine.
How to use it: Pat a few drops onto your face and neck.
Be sure to: Test a new product in a small area to see how it works on your skin and with the other products in your routine.
Pros: Antioxidant serums can help reduce redness, wrinkles, and damage to your skin.
Cons: Some serums, such as those that contain acids, may cause irritation when combined with other acid-containing skin care products.
Step 5: Spot treatment
What is it? If you have a blemish with a head, first look for an anti-inflammatory product to remove it, then turn to a spot-drying treatment to clear up the rest. Anything under the skin is classified as a cyst and will require a product that targets the infection on the inside.
How to use it: Use a damp cotton swab to remove any skin care products from the spot. Apply a small amount of the treatment and leave to dry.
Skip this step if: You have no spots or want to let nature take its course.
Products to try: Kate Somerville Eradicate Acne Treatment has a high sulfur content to reduce spots and prevent new pimples. Murat Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment is also great for the day. Drying clear, it can speed up the healing process and assist with leftover discoloration.
Be sure to: Avoid using spot treatment on open blemishes.
Pros: Acne treatments can reduce inflammation, redness, and pain.
Cons: Skin reactions may occur, especially with products with stronger ingredients. Always introduce a new product slowly and monitor your skin.
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