The Perfect AM Skincare Routine: Wake Up, Glow Up
The secret to a good makeup day—or just a glowing, healthy face—starts with what you do before you even pick up a brush. A solid morning skincare routine sets the tone for your skin all day. Whether you’re rushing out the door or taking your sweet time, here’s how to wake up and glow up the right way.
Step 1: Cleanse Gently (You Don’t Need to Scrub)
You don’t need a heavy-duty cleanse in the morning. A gentle cleanser helps remove overnight oils, sweat, and skincare from the night before. Go for something hydrating and non-stripping—think CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser. Massage it in for 60 seconds and rinse with lukewarm water.
Step 2: Tone It Down, Literally
Toner helps rebalance your skin’s pH and preps it to absorb whatever comes next. Use a calming, alcohol-free toner like Thayers Witch Hazel (rosewater version, always) or The Ordinary Glycolic Acid if you’re going for a light exfoliating boost. Swipe it on with a cotton pad or pat it in with your hands.
Step 3: Treat What Needs Treating
This is your time to apply serums or treatments. For morning, stick to brightening and protective ingredients. A vitamin C serum is a must—it fights dullness, evens tone, and gives antioxidant protection. Try La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 or The Inkey List Vitamin C Serum. Press it into the skin and let it sink in.
Step 4: Hydrate Like You Mean It
Moisturizer locks everything in and keeps your skin barrier strong. Even oily skin types need it. Go for lightweight hydration like Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel or First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream. Massage upward for that blood flow boost and subtle plump.
Step 5: The Most Important Step—SPF
If you skip this, nothing else matters. Sunscreen protects your skin from UV rays, premature aging, and hyperpigmentation. Every. Single. Day. Go for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Black Girl Sunscreen, EltaMD UV Clear, and Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen are all winners.
Even if you’re indoors—yes, still wear it. Windows don’t block UV rays, and your screen time counts too.
Optional Step 6: Eye Cream, If You’re Feeling Fancy
Not a must, but a nice-to-have. If your under-eyes need extra love (think puffiness, dark circles, or fine lines), a hydrating eye cream can make a difference. Look for caffeine, hyaluronic acid, or peptides. Gently dab it on with your ring finger to avoid tugging.
Final Thoughts
A perfect morning routine doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be consistent. Give your skin the love it deserves and it’ll show up for you all day long: smoother texture, brighter tone, and a glow that speaks for itself.
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