The Ultimate Guide to a Spring Morning Skin Care Routine
As the seasons change, our skin care regimens should too. With the arrival of spring, it’s time to reassess our morning skin care routine and make adjustments to achieve healthy, glowing skin. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of applying skin care products in the most effective way, and provide a step-by-step guide to a spring morning skin care routine.
The Importance of Order in Skin Care
When it comes to skin care, it’s not just about the products you use, but the order in which you use them. Applying products in the right order can make all the difference between an effective routine and wasting money on expensive skin care products. As a general rule, skin care products should be applied from lightest to heaviest.
My Spring Morning Skin Care Routine
My skin care routine changes with the seasons, and spring is no exception. As I transition from winter to spring, I’m exfoliating more to get rid of dry winter skin, and using moisture-building bases like oils and moisturizing serums that are less heavy or fatty than those I used in winter. Here’s a breakdown of my spring morning skin care routine:
Step 1: Cleanse with Water Only
In the morning, I cleanse my skin with water only. Since I do a full nighttime cleanse, removing makeup and dirt, I often still feel the product residue the next morning. Cleansing with water helps to remove any remaining impurities without stripping my skin of its natural oils. For a gentle exfoliation, I recommend using a konjac sponge, which is made from the konjac root and contains natural clays that help to naturally cleanse the skin.
Step 2: Hydrosol Toner
After cleansing, I use a hydrosol to add a water barrier to my skin. This helps to create a good foundation for the products that follow. My favorite hydrosols contain small amounts of essential oils like lavender or rose, which help the actives penetrate the skin more effectively.
Step 3: Serum and Actives
Now it’s time for the “doers” – products that contain ingredients intended to achieve a specific effect. These products, including serums and actives, work on specific skin concerns or benefits. I apply a serum first, allowing it to seep into the skin, followed by actives that contain ingredients like salicylic acid. I let these products sit for a few minutes before moving on to the next step, allowing them to penetrate the skin and seal in their benefits.
Treatments (Optional)
This step is optional, depending on whether you choose to use treatments. For example, I might apply a spot treatment to help heal pimples or an eye treatment like a serum, oil, or cream. Treatments are usually spot-focused, so I apply them after my serum, regardless of consistency. I allow the treatment to sit for a minute or two before moving on to the next step, ensuring that it doesn’t get spread across my entire face.
Step 4: Moisturize
Next, I move on to moisturizing. I tend to opt for heavy moisturizing with a face balm or heavy facial oil. I rarely use creams, as my skin reacts better to whole plant oil. I apply the oil by patting it onto my face and then massaging it into the skin with upward strokes, taking a few minutes to work the product into my skin. This helps to lock in the previous products and leaves my skin feeling pampered.
Step 5: Sun Protection
Finally, I apply sunscreen. As someone living in Norway, I use a non-nano mineral sunscreen when I’m going to be exposed to the sun for extended periods. This type of sunscreen is not only environmentally friendly but also helps protect my skin from hyperpigmentation and other sun damage. I pat the sunscreen into my skin lightly, sealing everything in.
The Bottom Line
While skin care products vary from person to person, the order in which you use them can make a significant difference in their effectiveness. By following this spring morning skin care routine, you can achieve healthy, glowing skin and make the most of your skin care products. So, why not give this order a try and see how your skin responds?
About the Author
Kate Murphy is an entrepreneur, yoga teacher, and natural beauty enthusiast. A Canadian living in Oslo, Norway, Kate spends her days running a chess company with the world chess champion and sourcing out the latest and greatest in the wellness and natural beauty space. She blogs at Living Pretty, Naturally, a natural beauty and wellness blog that features natural skin care and beauty product reviews, beauty-enhancing recipes, eco-beauty lifestyle tricks, and natural health information. You can also find her on Instagram.
Some of the key takeaways from this article are:
- The order in which you apply skin care products is crucial for their effectiveness.
- Cleansing with water only is a great way to start the day, especially after a full nighttime cleanse.
- Using a hydrosol toner can help create a good foundation for the products that follow.
- Serums and actives should be applied before moisturizing to allow them to penetrate the skin.
- Moisturizing with a face balm or heavy facial oil can help lock in the previous products and leave skin feeling pampered.
- Sunscreen is essential for protecting the skin from hyperpigmentation and other sun damage.
By following these simple steps and using the right products in the right order, you can achieve a healthy and glowing complexion this spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the importance of order in skin care?
The order in which you apply skin care products is crucial for their effectiveness.
How should I cleanse my skin in the morning?
Cleansing with water only is a great way to start the day, especially after a full nighttime cleanse.
What is the purpose of using a hydrosol toner?
Using a hydrosol toner can help create a good foundation for the products that follow.
When should I apply serums and actives?
Serums and actives should be applied before moisturizing to allow them to penetrate the skin.
What type of moisturizer is recommended for spring?
Moisturizing with a face balm or heavy facial oil can help lock in the previous products and leave skin feeling pampered.
Why is sunscreen essential for skin care?
Sunscreen is essential for protecting the skin from hyperpigmentation and other sun damage.
