The dewy hours of the morning bring a new day filled with endless possibilities and give your skin a chance to wake up from its slumber. Skin that feels fresh and rejuvenated sets the tone for your entire day, acting as the foundation for a positive journey ahead for you. The key to healthy skin and an uplifting mood is none other than a consistent morning skincare regime, which is nothing less than a love letter dedicated solely to your skin. After waking up from the night’s exhausting process of repair and regeneration, it is certain that your skin needs a dose of extra attention in the morning.
The need for a dedicated morning skincare routine is even more pressing due to the damage caused by pollutants, UV rays, and stress, which aggravate the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. Plus, a regular morning skincare routine can act as your protector against these elements. Still, the journey to achieving a perfectly glowing and radiant morning skincare routine is not without trial and error. (Also read: Skin care trends: Learn the magic of cocktail treatments for glowing and healthy skin,
Tips for morning skin care
Dr Simal Soin, Founder and Chief Dermatologist, Ayana Clinic and Chief Medical Officer, Clinically, shared with HT Lifestyle an easy morning skincare regimen designed to keep your skin healthy all day long.
1. Start with cleaning
After staying up all night, sebum, sweat and dead skin cells build up on the skin, which accumulates on the skin and clogs the pores. By cleansing the skin in the morning, you can not only get rid of these impurities, but your skin will feel revitalized when you wake up in the morning. Having said that, it is important to use a gentle cleanser that refreshes the skin without stripping it of its natural oils.
As a result, individuals dealing with oily and acne-prone skin should definitely use a cleanser containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which are formulated to prevent excessive oil and acne. On the other hand, for dry or sensitive skin, a gentle hydrating cleanser without any irritation will work best.
2. Applying serum
When it comes to morning skincare, serums are the unsung heroes that can infuse the skin with a blend of radiance and moisture. These lightweight formulas go a long way in providing your skin with powerful ingredients. Packed with concentrated active ingredients that are known to target specific skin issues, be it plumping or tightening the skin, serums are a complete package. From peptide gel serums to Vitamin C, there are countless serums available in the market. However, the right kind of serum to use varies for different skin types and requires the intervention of expert dermatologists.
3. Moisturise, moisturise and moisturise
In the realm of morning skincare, moisturizing is a top priority. Irrespective of skin type, skipping moisturizing means losing out on glowing, healthy looking and feeling skin. Moisturizers form a healthy barrier that keeps the good stuff in and keeps the skin supple and smooth by hydrating it thoroughly. Out of the many moisturizers available in the market, a morning moisturizer should contain ceramides, lipids, and hyaluronic acid. Basically, moisturizing is like embracing your skin in a warm embrace before you start your day.
4. Never forget the SPF
No morning skincare routine is complete without the use of sunscreen, which symbolizes a warrior in shining armor ready to protect the skin from the scorching heat. Since sunscreen protects the skin from the scorching UV rays, its importance certainly cannot be underestimated. As the sun continues to shine, it is important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has at least 30 SPF and is rich in antioxidants to protect the skin from both the sun and environmental pollution.
Dr. Soin concludes, “Creating the perfect morning skincare routine starts with understanding your skin’s needs and lovingly fulfilling those needs by adopting the right skincare measures. When you stand and see your reflection in the mirror, it provides a great opportunity to nourish your skin. Thus, starting the morning means nurturing and loving your skin, as well as following a skincare routine that demands utmost consistency.”