Start your morning with a gentle cleanse, if you’re prone to breakouts be conscious your skin still produces oil and can be exposed to bacteria when you sleep (ie from your pillowcase) so a gentle cleanse will help remove impurities and sebum build up – as well as prep the skin for the products ahead. If you are prone to dry skin, a warm cloth will do the trick to wake skin up or if you feel you need a little extra use an oil cleanser massaging skin as you go.
Serums are supercharged formulations that target specific concerns. We are huge believers in an antioxidant serum in the morning, and the top of the class treatment is Vitamin C for its ability to neutralise and protect skin against free radical damage from UVA/UVB rays and pollution. (Plus it tackles pigmentation, helps with fine lines and evens skin tone !)
If vitamin C irritates you, try a Vitamin B( niacinamide) – or any kind of antioxidant serum to protect your skin against free radicals.
TIP: Save your stronger corrective actives such as Retinol for evening.
Your AM skin routine should be all about prevention and protection.
These days your SPF should be hydrating enough to double as your moisturiser. Modern formulas mean you can skip moisturiser in the AM and jump straight to SPF (especially if your antioxidant serum has hydrating properties too).
You can also apply a moisturiser with sunscreen on top if you want the extra nourishment.
The trick here is to that you need adequate SPF to be protected, about 1 tablespoon for the your face and neck, so don’t skimp!