No BS Morning Skincare. 4 Steps to Happy Skin- With Product Recs!
5 Min Read | Written By: Minnie Isaac
Image Source: Canva
A tailored four-step routine can give you everything you need of a glowing and healthy moisture barrier, with the skin respecting steps of gentle cleansing, targeted treatments, essential hydration, and vital sun protection.
Each step plays a crucial role in prepping your skin for the day ahead, addressing specific concerns, and safeguarding against environmental stressors.
Let's delve into these steps, exploring how each contributes to unlocking your skin's natural radiance and resilience.
1. CLEANSE
Morning cleansing serves a different purpose than your evening routine.
It's not about removing makeup or the day's dirt but rather about refreshing your skin.
This gentle cleanse targets sweat and any residual dryness accumulated overnight.
How to Cleanse:
Opt for a gentle cleanser specifically designed for mornings or dilute your usual nighttime cleanser with more water.
Massaging the cleanser for a shorter duration than your evening routine helps retain essential oils.
For those hesitant about morning cleansing, a splash of water or Micellar water can effectively prepare the skin for subsequent steps without stripping its natural moisture.
Product recommendations:
SKIN PROUD Rise and Defend Face Wash $33aud/100ml
AVENE Extremely Gentle Cleanser (no rinse) $33aud/200ml
AVENE Gentle Milk Cleanser $37aud/200ml
FRESH Soy Face Cleanser $59aud/150ml
CETAPHIL Gentle Skin Cleanser $22aud/ 500ml
CERAVE Hydrating Cleanser $15aud/236ml
LA ROCHE POSAY Toleriane Dermo Cleanser $23.70aud/200ml
SKINSTITUT Gentle Cleanser $52aud/200ml
QV Ceramide Cleanser $11aud/350g
2. TARGET
This step involves addressing specific skin concerns or conditions that need attention, such as acne scars or hyperpigmentation.
Niacinamide serums work wonders for many skin types, helping with issues like uneven skin tone, texture, and enlarged pores.
Targeted Treatments:
For acne-prone individuals dealing with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIE/PIH), Niacinamide serums at varying percentages can aid in skin repair.
Vitamin C, although widely praised for morning use, might not be suitable for everyone, especially those prone to acne. It's advisable to postpone its use until you've established a stable skincare routine.
Product recommendations:
AVENE Cleanance Comedomed $35aud/30ml
SVR [B3] Ampoule $69aud/30ml
BONDI SANDS Begin Again Vitamin B3 Serum $15aud/30ml
SIMPLE SKINCARE Vitamin B3 Niacinamide Booster Serum $20aud/30ml
SAINT LOUVE Vitamin B3, B5 & Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum $120aud/30ml
AVENE Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum $64/30ml
NATURIUM Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% $34aud/30ml
FACE THEORY Porebright Serum N10 $44aud/30ml
TBH X HANNAH COLLINGWOOD ENGLISH Rebound serum $60aud/30ml
3. MOISTURISE
Hydration is key to maintaining healthy skin. Regardless of your skin type, well-moisturised skin looks and feels better.
However, if your chosen SPF has significant moisturising properties, you might skip this step based on your skin's needs.
Hydration Essentials:
The goal is to have plump and nourished skin. However, always assess if your sunscreen offers sufficient hydration before applying an additional moisturiser.
Recognise your skin's signals; if skipping the moisturiser leaves your skin feeling tight or dry by midday, it might require a separate moisturising step in your routine.
Product recommendations:
AVENE Hydrance Aqua Cream-In-Gel $60aud/50ml
BIODERMA Sensibio Defensive Moisturiser $33aud/40ml
RENOVATIOBIO Apskin Face Ultra Antioxidant Cream $25aud/85ml
LANIEGE Water Bank Blue HA Cream $58aud/50ml
SKINPROUD Frozen Over Gel-To-Ice-Hydrator $22aud/50ml
AVENE Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream $38.50aud/40ml
FIRST AID BEAUTY Ultra Repair Cream $29aud/56.7g
4. SPF50+
Sun protection is non-negotiable, even on cloudy days.
A reliable SPF not only shields your skin from harmful UV rays that can cause skin cancer, but also prevents premature aging and potential skin damage.
Importance of SPF:
Even if your moisturiser contains SPF, a standalone application can ensure better coverage and protection.
Listen to your skin's response. If your current routine with SPF alone leaves your skin feeling unprotected or excessively dry, incorporating a dedicated moisturiser might be necessary.
Product recommendations:
CANCER COUNCIL Face Day Wear Matte SPF50+ $14aud/75ml
NIVEA Sun UV Face Shine Control Cream SPF50+ $15.50/50ml
NEW DAY SKIN Good Vibes SPF50+ $29.95aud/100ml
NAKED SUNDAYS SPF50+ Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Lotion $39.95aud/50ml
ULTRA VIOLETTE Lean Screen $52aud/75ml
AB LAB Barely There SPF50+ $44aud/75ml
MCOBEAUTY Mineral Mattifying Sunscreen SPF50+ $35aud/75ml
LRP Anthelios ULTRA SPF50+ Facial Sunscreen for Dry Skin $35.95aud/50ml
LRP Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ $39.95aud/50ml
ULTRACEUTICALS Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF50 Mattifying $92aud/100ml
Let’s Sum Up!
Although the only essential step in an AM routine is a splash of water and a generous amount of SPF50+, these four steps will have you on a path of very happy skin, and gives you a routine that won’t fail you!
Tailor it to your skin concerns, not what you see people using and enjoying- or ingredients that you feel you need to include.
