A good morning skincare routine sets the tone for healthy, glowing skin all day. The key isn’t just the products you use, but also the order in which you apply them—from lightest to heaviest—to maximize effectiveness. Here’s my spring-inspired routine that keeps my skin fresh, hydrated, and radiant.
Step 1: Gentle Morning Cleanse
In the morning, I cleanse my skin with water only. Since I do a thorough nighttime cleanse, my skin doesn’t need harsh cleansers in the morning. For a gentle exfoliation, I sometimes use a konjac sponge infused with natural clays, which refreshes the skin without stripping natural oils.
Step 2: Hydrate with a Toner or Hydrosol
After cleansing, I apply a hydrosol to create a light moisture barrier. Hydrosols with subtle essential oils like rose or lavender help prepare the skin to absorb serums and active ingredients more effectively.
Step 3: Serums and Actives
Next comes the “doers” stage—serums and actives designed to target specific skin concerns like brightening or acne. I apply serums first for deep absorption, followed by actives like salicylic acid. Allowing a few minutes for these products to penetrate ensures maximum effectiveness.
Optional: Targeted Treatments
If needed, I apply spot treatments for blemishes or specialized eye serums/oils. This step is optional but helps address specific concerns without affecting the rest of the face.
Step 4: Moisturize
Moisturizer seals in hydration and supports skin health. I prefer facial oils or balms over creams, applying them with gentle upward strokes for better absorption and a mini facial massage. Warming a balm in your hands makes it easier to spread evenly.
Step 5: Sun Protection
Sunscreen is non-negotiable. I use a non-nano mineral sunscreen to protect my skin from UV damage and hyperpigmentation while being environmentally conscious. Patting it lightly over the face seals in all previous products.
Takeaway
The effectiveness of your skincare routine depends not only on the products but also on the order of application. Following these five steps—cleanse, hydrate, treat, moisturize, and protect—ensures your products work efficiently, giving you healthy, glowing skin without wasting money.
Kate Murphy, a Canadian living in Oslo, is an entrepreneur, yoga teacher, and natural beauty enthusiast. She shares wellness tips, product reviews, and eco-beauty lifestyle hacks on her blog Living Pretty, Naturally and Instagram.