Nearly 46% of the general population practice skincare routines today. From UV rays to pollution, your skin goes through a lot during the day. Having a good AM skincare routine is essential for healthy and glowing skin.

It helps protect your skin and prepare it for the day ahead. Below is a guide on everything you need to know about a morning skincare routine.

Why You Need an AM Skincare Routine

A morning skincare routine isn’t just a luxury. It is a necessary regimen if you want to maintain healthy, radiant skin. Here’s why investing in this morning ritual is important.

To Cleanse Away the Night’s Residue

As you sleep, your skin undergoes a natural regeneration process. It also becomes a magnet for impurities, such as sweat and bacteria. A morning skincare routine serves as a refreshing reset.

It gently cleanses away these accumulated impurities. As a result, it helps your skin to breathe freely and radiate a natural glow.

To Promote Hydration and Nourishment

Dehydration is a common issue faced by the skin during the night. The morning is a great time to replenish lost moisture. This ensures your skin stays plump and radiant throughout the day.

A hydrating skincare routine can include lightweight moisturizers, serums, or toners. These products and treatments, such as the Aquafirme Oxygen Facial, can help invigorate and nourish your skin.

To Protect Against Environmental Aggressors

The sun’s harmful UV rays and other environmental stressors pose a constant threat to your skin. Incorporating sunscreen and antioxidants into your morning skincare regimen can create formidable protection against these aggressors. This helps safeguard your skin from sun damage and premature aging.

To Prepare Your Skin for Makeup Application

If you love applying makeup, an AM skincare routine acts as the canvas for a flawless masterpiece. A well-hydrated and protected skin surface ensures your makeup applies smoothly. It also ensures it lasts longer and looks effortlessly radiant.

Steps of an AM Skincare Routine

An effective AM skincare routine is a ritual of self-care and protection. Crafting the perfect routine can elevate not only your complexion but also your confidence. Let’s delve into the essential steps to incorporate into your morning skincare routine.

Step 1: Cleanse Your Skin

A proper cleanse is the foundation of any morning skincare routine. This helps to remove any dirt, oil, or impurities that may have accumulated on your skin overnight. Depending on your skin type, choose the right facial cleanser following this guideline:

• Oily Skin: Look for cleansers formulated with salicylic and mandelic acids
• Dry or Sensitive Skin: Choose cream cleansers rich in emollients
• Normal/Combination Skin: Gentle foaming cleansers with exfoliators like glycolic acid

Massage the cleanser onto your skin for 30-60 seconds. Ensure you work in circles to remove dirt and oil from troublesome areas like the chin, nose, and forehead. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, consider using a double cleanse method. This involves using an oil-based cleanser first to remove any excess oil. Once you’re done, follow it up with a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining impurities.

Step 2: Tone

After cleansing your skin, ensure you restore your skin’s pH balance with a toner. Toners also help to remove any remaining impurities. What’s more, they help refine and brighten your skin while preparing it for the next steps in your skincare routine.

Look for a toner that’s pH-balanced. They also contain active ingredients such as lactic acid, salicylic acid, glycerin, and mint extract. These ingredients help enhance skin tone and radiance.

Step 3: Apply an Antioxidant Serum

Your skin often faces a threat from damaging free radicals. These radicals can lead to signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, and inflammation. This is why you need to add antioxidant serums to your morning routine.

These serums contain active ingredients that neutralize the effects of free radicals. Ensure you choose serums containing ingredients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, or ferulic acid. It ensures maximum protection.

When applying an antioxidant serum, it is recommended to use a few drops on the face and neck. Make sure you gently massage your serum into the skin.

Step 4: Apply Eye Cream

The skin around your eyes is delicate and requires special care. Applying an eye cream can help to reduce the appearance of dark circles and fine lines.

When choosing an eye cream, look for products specifically formulated for the sensitive eye area. Also, opt for dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested eye creams.

Use your ring finger to gently pat a small amount of eye cream around your eye area. Make sure you are careful not to tug or pull at your skin.

Step 5: Moisturize

Moisturizing is an essential step in both morning and nighttime routines. To moisturize in the morning skincare routine, use a lightweight formula that blends well with makeup.

Opt for moisturizers with humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients often pull in water while moistures with ceramides tend to seal the outer layers of skin.

Step 6: Apply Sunscreen

UV rays can cause damage to your skin, even on cloudy days. This is why you need to apply sunscreen each morning. It can help protect your skin from these harmful rays and prevent premature aging.

When shopping, look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. For maximum protection apply it generously to your face and neck.

Factors to Consider When Creating an AM Skincare Routine

If you don’t have one yet, creating an AM skincare routine is crucial. Consider these factors to achieve optimal results:

Skin Type

Customizing your routine depends on your skin type. Identify whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin before you get started.

pH-Balanced Products

Opt for skincare products that are pH-balanced. This will help you maintain your skin’s natural balance and protect it from damage.

Avoid Harsh Ingredients

Be mindful of using products with harsh ingredients. These products may irritate your skin, causing irreversible damage.

Work With a Skincare Professional Aesthetician in The Woodlands, TX

Crafting a great AM skincare routine is essential for healthy, radiant skin. Ready to elevate your skincare routine? Consult with your skincare professional aesthetician in The Woodlands, TX. At Practice Happiness, we offer personalized and expert guidance to enhance your skin’s beauty and glow. Schedule an appointment now and start the journey to healthy, beautiful skin today.