Get Set for a Lifetime of Beautiful Skin: Morning Routine

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking about your beauty regimen only in terms of the day ahead of you. But the fact of the matter is that our skin has a memory far longer than most of us do. The steps we take to protect and nourish it now can pay big dividends in the years and decades to come.

We spend a lot of time talking about makeup and how to apply it properly, but proper skincare is the first and most important step toward healthy, beautiful skin and a flawless makeup finish.

Just as important as the products we choose to use is the order in which we apply them. Here is a quick guide you can follow to help you create your own morning skincare routine.

Step One: Cleanser

First determine whether you have normal, dry, oily or combination skin and choose a gentle cleanser accordingly. If you have normal to dry skin, a cream cleanser with natural glycerin and vitamin C is a good choice. Try a lathering bar or pump cleanser for normal to oily skin. Look for products that include alpha hydroxy acids. For oily skin, look for an oil-free cleanser in either a gel or a cream. Be sure the product is noncomedogenic (won’t clog pores) and alcohol-free. Combination skin is usually the most common skin type and the toughest to cleanse without over-drying the dry parts or failing to control the oily parts. Look for products that include glycolic acid for the best balance of oil control and skin renewal.

Step Two: Toner

A toner can improve your skin tone by tightening your pores, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and hydrating your skin to restore its natural PH balance. If you have dry skin, look for a toner that hydrates without stripping your skin’s natural oil. For normal, combination or oily skin, look for a toner that helps remove and control oily buildup. For acne prone skin choose a toner with salicylic acid to help remove and prevent blackheads and acne.

Step Three: Microdermabrasion

Using Microdermabrasion as part of your skincare regimen can be beneficial over time as it promotes the growth of new healthy skin and removes the outer layer of dead skin cells where fine lines and wrinkles are commonly found. Most home microdermabrasion formulas can be used morning and evening 2-3 times per week, with two days between uses. If a microdermabrasion formula is too harsh, substitute a more mild exfoliant in its place.

Step Four: Moisturizer

Choose a daily moisturizer based on your skin type. For normal to dry skin choose a lightweight, oil-free lotion that absorbs quickly. For dry skin choose a rich lotion that forms a barrier to decrease moisture evaporation and increase your skin’s ability to retain moisture. A lightweight, oil-free lotion is best for oily skin. It will moisturize, but also control shine and oil break-through. No matter which type of moisturizer you choose, be sure it includes an SPF of 15 or more to protect your skin from UV damage throughout the day.

Step Five: Eye Treatment

To refresh and moisturize the delicate skin under your eyes, an eye treatment can be an integral part of your morning routine. Look for products that include natural ingredients like witch hazel, an astringent that can help firm the skin and reduce puffiness while also cooling and soothing for an added morning boost.

Tip: If you require a spot acne treatment, skip the microdermabrasion step. Most topical acne medications will be too harsh for your skin after a microdermabrasion, leading to sensitivity and overdrying.

Read more from the article's source: www.carefair.com