It’s time for a glow up!

Many individuals are troubled with acne-prone skin and trying to find ways to maintain and treat this problem.

As far as morning skincare routines go, the focus should be on getting the skin ready for the day, which consists of protection from the sun and pollution.

According to Dr. Melanie Palm, a dermatologist and the founder of Art of Skin MD in San Diego, California: “A morning skincare routine is important to prepare your skin for the day: UV exposure, high energy light (including blue light from our devices), visible light indoors, and even environmental pollutants.”

This doesn’t mean an individual has to set an alarm and spend a lot of time on the skin; it simply means just have a product lineup that is easy and effective, and delivers results.

Dr Jeanine Downie, another certified dermatologist and founder of Image Dermatology in Montclair, New Jersey, shares her tips on how easy a morning skincare routine can be.

“I recommend people get up in the morning, wash their face, put on sunblock, and exercise after they brush their teeth before they even get their day going,” Downie says.

Here, both doctors share the importance and simplicity of their suggested routines for maintaining fresh glowing skin and to make life a little easier.

Step One: Cleanse Cleanse Cleanse

Washing the face is important as it decreases the bacterial build-up.
Basically, cleansing the skin helps to clear away the dirt, oil and other bacteria that is built up on the face overnight.

As for what type of cleanser to use, that will vary based on the skin’s needs and type.

Typically, sensitive or dry skin needs a gentle formula. Milky or foamy cleansers help to settle inflammation and encourage moisture retention in the skin.

Normal skin types can also benefit from foaming formulas as they wash nighttime build up away and prompt collagen-building and skin-brightening benefits.

Oily and acne-prone skin types likely need a medicated cleanser. This is where your dermatologist steps in. Products like sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, or even salicylic acid might be needed to help clear and cleanse the skin.

Step Two: Anti-Aging

Any serum with substances that can prevent or slow damage to the skin cells can help to decrease free radicals, prevent and minimise fine lines and wrinkles, and improve the overall texture and skin tone.

NOTE: The skin repairs itself overnight, anti-aging ingredients that promote cell turnover like retinol, are typically recommended for nightly use.

Step Three: Moisturiser

Step three is pretty straightforward.

A moisturiser helps to keep the skin hydrated, therefore reducing the possibilities of dryness while building the skin’s surface as a barrier.

The best moisturiser depends on the skin type.

For dry or sensitive skin type, using an ointment or cream rather than a lotion may work best.

For oily skin type, using a gel moisturiser is particularly helpful since they don’t add oil to the skin’s already-oily surface.

For normal skin type, using a light liquid/lotion is best.

Step Four: Sunscreen

The final step before you can get your day going!

The fourth step is applying sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 every day, even while staying inside.

According to Downie, “It’s important to wear sunblock inside and outside. We as human beings react to sunlight outside and photo damage/blue light/incidental sunlight inside as well as fluorescent lighting and incandescent lighting inside.”

Failing to protect the skin from harsh lighting can lead to melanoma or photoaging which consists of hyperpigmentation, chloasma and increase in the texture change in the skin like wrinkles.

Using a SPF with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide works best. The iron oxides protect against harmful infrared damage.

-Now that you have the 4-1-1 on a healthy morning skin care routine, just like Rihanna, go shine like a diamond!