My Morning Routine for Brighter, Healthy Skin

I’m always on the hunt for products that promote brighter, healthy skin.

But I’ve learned that it takes at least a month of consistent use before you see a difference. It’s also SO important to be gentle with your skin. If you’re over-exfoliating or not using the right mix of products, you risk compromising your skin barrier, which leads to redness, inflammation, dryness, or acne flareups.

To achieve bright and healthy skin, My current skincare routine is all about using products that protect the skin barrier and ingredients that brighten sun spots and hyperpigmentation. Keep reading for my clean beauty picks!

My Morning Skincare Routine

My skin type: Combination + acne-prone

Skin concerns: Hyperpigmentation, hormonal breakouts, signs of aging (fine lines, sun spots, wrinkles).

Step 1 // Use a Gentle Cleanser

In my 30s I started using a cleansing oil. They are gentler than most conventional cleansers and don’t cause dryness or irritation. Got hormonal acne? Oil cleansers bind to and remove excess sebum on your skin that may be contributing to your breakouts. Oil cleansing is also balancing, improves the skin barrier, and is supportive of all skin types.

My Favs: BABOR ($36), Wabi-Sabi Botanicals ($48), Valentia Skincare ($27), Biossance ($30)

Step 2 // Use an Alcohol-Free Toner

Toners help cleanse, prep, balance, and soothe the skin. I’m currently using Babor’s Rose Toning Essence (calms inflammation, refreshes, calms skin).

Step 3 // Brighten with Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and/or Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C and Niacinamide are both powerhouse ingredients for brightening and treating signs of aging. You can use them together or alone.

Main benefits: Brightening, prevents signs of aging, hydrates, reduces acne
Who can use it? Anyone! It’s great for sensitive skin, redness, and can help repair damaged skin barrier.
Niacinamide: I love the ones from JMA Organic ($36) Creation Skin ($90), Valentia Skincare ($21)
Vitamin C: JMA Organic – Clarifying Vitamin C ($36), Wabi-Sabi Botanicals – Light Reveal ($30), Hynt – Vitamin C ESTER Brightening Serum ($79)

Step 4 // Moisturize

Keeping your skin moisturized is essential for happy skin. I’m currently using the Bia Day Cream moisturizer from Codex Beauty. It contains calendula which moisturizes, soothes and protects skin.

Step 5 // Antioxidant-rich Facial Oil

Facial oils can help repair the skin barrier. They’re also rich in anti-oxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins, which help nourish the skin and are anti-inflammatory! My skin feels more balanced after and hydrated. A few drops got a long way! I’m currently using Vegan Mia Superfruit Serum and some samples from Biography.

Other goodies Mica Organics Sandalwood CBD Face Oil, Moon Light – Goji Berry + Sea Buckthorn Facial Oil, La Coess REVITALISÉ Face Oil.