Morning skincare routine for every skin type

If you think breakfast is the most important meal of the day, you already know what you do in the morning counts. Skin care is no different. Luckily, if you’re starting a jam-packed day, your morning skin routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Instead, discover how easy it is to complete a simple skincare routine tailored to your skin type while your first cup of coffee is being brewed.

Why do you need a morning skin care routine?

An effective morning skin care routine removes any dirt or oil that may have settled on the face overnight. It also prepares the skin and creates a healthy skin barrier to protect you from any environmental stressors during the following day. Stressors include pollution, blue light and UV exposure. You’ll also want to choose products that replenish and strengthen skin throughout the day. Keep reading to learn our recommended morning skincare routine for every skin type, as well as our esthetician’s must-have products for her morning routine.

4-step morning skin care routine

Before we dive into product recommendations for each skin type, here are the basic four steps to follow.

Step 1: Cleaning

Using clean hands, start your morning by cleansing the skin. The best morning cleansers work to remove any dirt (especially anything that’s been transferred to your face from your pillow case), sweat, leftover makeup, or skin care from the night before. You can choose from an oil, gel, balm or cream cleanser depending on your concerns and skin type.

Step 2: Toner

There are many reasons to use a morning toner. Toners offer replenishing benefits and add a barrier of protection and hydration all day long. Depending on your skin, you can choose one that increases hydration, reduces oiliness or removes dead skin.

To use, apply the toner to a cotton pad and then lightly wipe over the skin on the face and neck. Alternatively, you can spray your toner directly onto the skin. When choosing a toner, avoid a product with a high percentage of alcohol that can irritate or dry out your skin. Instead, look for a toner with soothing ingredients that meet your skin’s needs.

Step 3: Moisturize

Seal the deal in your morning routine with a moisturizer to smooth skin and protect the skin barrier. A strong skin barrier protects the skin from bacteria and other nasty substances that can lead to breakouts, dryness or irritation. The moisturizer you choose should also align with your skin type. For example, a dry skin type may choose a thick cream-based moisturizer that adds hydration, while an oily skin type may prefer a gel-based moisturizer that will hydrate without adding volume or greasiness.

Step 4: SPF

The last step is to apply an SPF to protect your face in the early hours of the day. Ideally, reapply every few hours to continue protecting your skin from sun damage. Sweat, the weather, touching your face or even using your phone can all contribute to sunscreen losing its effectiveness during the day. This step is key, even if you’re working inside (the sun’s UV rays can get through windows!) or if the weather is cloudy. Sunscreen is the best defense against the sun’s aging effects, and regular use can reduce the risk of skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that can protect you from UVA and UVB rays, and aim for one that has at least SPF 30. We recommend checking out our range of SPF moisturizers and sunscreens here.

Morning skin care routines for every skin type

Morning skin routine for dry skin

Step 1: Cleanse and moisturize your skin with it Cleanser for tight skin Acai.

Step 2: As a further hydrating layer, follow with the refreshing Neroli Age Corrective Hydrating Mist.

Step 3: Apply Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer to lock in moisture and provide all-day hydration.

Step 4: Use an SPF to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. We love Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40 for skin that needs protection.

Morning skin routine for normal skin

Step 1: Clean with it Stone Crop Gel Wash to remove any build-up, dirt or sweat from the night before.

Step 2: Follow with the refreshing Stone Crop Hydrating Mist to leave your skin feeling refreshed and refreshed.

Step 3: Apply Stone Crop Whip Moisturizer for the hydrating benefits of stone crop.

Step 4: Normal skin will benefit from Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40, which improves the appearance of skin exposed to blue light stress and pollution.

Morning skin routine for oily skin

Step 1: Use a gel-based cleanser such as Charcoal Exfoliating Cleanser to remove any oil or dirt that has built up overnight.

Step 2: Spray with Lime Refresh Tonique to add a boost of green tea and vitamin C. These ingredients encourage a more youthful complexion for oily skin.

Step 3: Use the lightly hydrating Hyaluronic Hydrator Strawberry Rhubarb, which provides hydration and leaves a fresh strawberry scent.

Step 4: Apply SPF to protect your skin from the sun. Daily Defense Tinted SPF is an all-mineral sunscreen suitable for all skin types. This non-comedogenic formula offers broad-spectrum protection and protection against blue light.

Morning skin routine for combination skin

Step 1: Clean with it Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser to remove any surface build-up.

Step 2: Follow with the antioxidant-rich Mangosteen Revitalizing Mist.

Step 3: Finish with the lightly hydrating Mangosteen Gel Moisturizer.

Step 4: Use SPF to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Bright Skin Moisturizer SPF 40 balances both dryness and oiliness while brightening the appearance of dark spots.

Morning skin routine for sensitive skin

Step 1: Start your routine with Lemon Grass Cleanser for revitalizing and cleansing the skin.

Step 2: Spritz with Hawthorn Tonic. With hawthorn, chamomile and marjoram, this boost helps skin look calm.

Step 3: Apply a layer of calendula nourishing cream with apricot to soften and smooth the skin without the risk of irritation.

Step 4: Protect your skin from the sun by applying an SPF daily. Try Daily Defense Tinted SPF suitable for all skin types. Provides protection from blue light, as well as broad-spectrum SPF 50+ protection from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays.

Morning skin care routine for all skin types

Step 1: Start your routine by cleansing with Kombucha Microbiome Foaming Cleanser, which balances the microbiome and reveals a healthy complexion.

Step 2: Follow with a spritz of Neroli Age Corrective Hydrating Mist. Neroli oil offers refreshing and moisturizing benefits.

Step 3: Moisturize with the replenishing Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream. This cream is designed to reveal radiant complexion with Peptide Illuminating Complex, an antioxidant-rich combination of yellow plum extract, gardenia and botanical hibiscus seed peptides.

Step 4: Use an SPF to block your skin from the sun’s rays. There are many great options, but with blue light protection, Daily Defense Tinted SPF is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

A beautician’s morning skin care routine

Our Lead Skin Care Trainer, Natalie Pergaris ready to pull back the curtain and reveal her own morning skincare routine. Watch Natalie discuss her favorite natural products that she uses every day.

Looking for skin care information for your age group? Read the guides below:

For a skin care routine tailored to your unique skin type and concerns, book a visit with a licensed esthetician at a Eminence Organics Spa Partner near you.