The simplest 5-step morning skincare routine to begin your day -

"You can hear your skin talking if you pay attention!"

Amidst the noise of viral trends and fleeting fads, it's easy to drown out that delicate voice. Substituting a dedicated skincare routine with viral products and treatments can leave your skin confused and damaged.

Instead, listen to what your skin truly needs. A carefully curated and consistent morning routine, built on a foundation of science and thoughtfully chosen ingredients, can help reveal your skin's radiant potential.

Here’s a simple morning skincare routine that can help you get healthy and glowing skin naturally.

Why does your skin need two different routines in a day?

You may have doubts regarding the need to have two different skincare routines for the day – a.m. & p.m.

But let’s make it clear that both routines are crucial because they serve entirely different purposes!

Throughout the day, your skin is exposed to various environmental aggressors, such as sun rays, pollution, and dirt, which strip it of its shine and lustre. 

Hence, you need to prepare & repair through an a.m. & p.m. routine.

Prepare: A morning skincare routine prepares your skin for the day ahead by fortifying it against sun damage and free radicals.

Repair: A night skincare routine supports your skin’s natural healing process while you sleep, allowing it to recover and repair.

Let’s understand the science here: -

Free radicals are unstable molecules formed by natural metabolic processes and external factors like UV rays, pollution, and germs. These molecules steal electrons from healthy skin cells to stabilize themselves, triggering a domino effect of cell degeneration. This is why prepping your skin in the morning with active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, UV filters, and antioxidants helps combat oxidative stress and minimize active cell damage. Ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, and glycolic acid in your night skincare routine boost cell regeneration and help replenish the skin.

How to customise a skincare routine for your skin type?

Choosing the right product for your skin becomes much easier when you understand what it needs. A good starting point is identifying your skin type. Understanding your skin type and using products accordingly can help you make informed choices for healthier, happier skin.

Here’s a simple method to determine your skin type in just two steps:

1. Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and product residue, then gently pat it dry.
2. Wait for 40 minutes and examine your face in the mirror. If a naturally formed oily film appears, you likely have oily skin. If your skin feels tight or dry, you have dry skin. If it feels both oily and dry in different areas, you have combination skin.

Nowadays, most skincare products specify the skin types on their labels, making it easier to choose. However, it’s still essential to check the ingredients to ensure the formulation is right for your skin.

Here’s a simple guide to picking the right products for your skin type:

1. Oily Skin: opt for lightweight, gel-based, or water-based products and avoid oils entirely. Focus on products that help control excess oil production.

2. Dry Skin: Choose richer, cream-based products that add and retain moisture. 

3. Sensitive Skin: Avoid products with harsh chemicals, uncertified fragrances, or microbeads.

4. Combination Skin: Look for balanced, gel-based products that hydrate without clogging pores. These work well for managing both oily and dry areas.

Step-by-Step routine for your skin:

1. Cleanse – Start with a gentle face cleanser to remove oil, sweat, and impurities from overnight, leaving skin fresh and ready for the day.

2. Tone – Apply an alcohol-free toner to balance skin’s pH, tighten pores, and prep the skin for better absorption of skincare products.

3. Serum – Use a lightweight, targeted serum (Vitamin C for brightening, Hyaluronic Acid for hydration, Niacinamide for oil control) to address specific skin concerns.

4. Moisturize – Apply a hydrating moisturizer to lock in moisture and keep skin soft, supple, and healthy throughout the day.

5. Sunscreen – Finish with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, prevent premature ageing, and maintain skin health.