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Having a skincare routine isn’t just about cleansing your face, it’s also about hydrating your skin, taking care of any skin concerns, and protecting it from the elements. At its most basic, your skincare routine should always include a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen.1
Depending on your skin type and your skin goals, you can add additional treatments to your routine to treat dry, oily, aging, or acne-prone skin. Here’s how to create the best morning and nighttime skincare routine for your skin.
Morning Skincare Routine
A morning skincare routine prepares your skin for the day by removing dirt and oils accumulated during sleep. It should also add moisture to your skin barrier and help protect your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays and pollution. Here’s how you can customize your routine based on your skin type.
Step 1: Cleanser
Washing your face removes excess oil and dirt that can clog pores and cause breakouts.2 Opt for a gentle, alcohol-free cleanser to avoid stripping too many oils you need to keep your skin barrier healthy. You may need a more hydrating oil-based cleanser if you have dry skin. When cleansing in the morning, splash lukewarm water onto your face and gently rub a face wash with your fingertips. Then, rinse and pat your skin dry with a towel.3
Skin type considerations: Cleansers with ceramides, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid help hydrate dry skin.45 Cleansers with benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or tea tree oil can help control excess oil and reduce acne breakouts.6
Step 2: Toner
Depending on their ingredients, toners can help hydrate the skin or remove leftover oil and dirt.7 Toning is an optional morning step but can benefit people with dry or acne-prone skin. To apply, soak a cotton pad with toner and gently pat it onto your face. Focus on the “T-zone” (forehead, nose, and chin) if you have oily or acne-prone skin. You can also splash some toners directly onto your face.
Skin type considerations: If you have dry or sensitive skin, look for hydrating toners with hyaluronic acid or rose water.4 Toners with oil-absorbing ingredients like salicylic acid or witch hazel are ideal for oily or acne-prone skin.8
Step 3: Spot Treatments or Acne Treatments
If you’re trying to control acne breakouts, apply a spot or all-over acne treatment after cleansing or toning. You can apply a skin-brightening spot treatment instead if you’re trying to fade dark spots (hyperpigmentation). Spot treatments treat small areas of skin and can be used as needed.
Skin type considerations: Spot and all-over treatments with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can help treat acne.6 If you’re trying to fade dark spots, look for serums with hydroquinone or kojic acid.
Step 4: Antioxidant Serum
A morning serum can help brighten, hydrate, and protect skin. Applying a serum with antioxidant properties—like vitamin C, vitamin E, or niacinamide—is best for daytime since these ingredients can help reduce environmental and UV damage.10 To apply a serum, gently tap the product into your face and neck.
Skin type considerations: Vitamin C works for all skin types and can help brighten skin and fade hyperpigmentation.10 Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid serums can help hydrate dry skin.411 If you want an antioxidant morning serum that helps reduce acne and oil, try niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3). Niacinamide can also help brighten skin, shrink pores, and soften wrinkles. However, don’t mix vitamin C with niacinamide—mixing makes the serums less effective.