You probably know the importance of carrying out your skincare routine in the evening, especially washing your face. Doing so helps slough off the dirt, oil and grime from the day and allow your skin the time to breathe and recuperate while you sleep. Having a skincare routine in place for the morning, even though your skin is technically still clean from having washed it the night before, is also important. A morning skincare routine helps protect your skin from the environmental damage you may experience throughout your day, notes Dr. Zenovia. “Our face and skin, in general, is exposed to the outside world and the goal is to protect it from harm with active ingredients that ‘absorb’ this damage and prevent further damage,” she says. If you’re particularly prone to certain conditions, such as acne or rosacea, it’s especially important to apply therapeutic topical agents to your face in the morning.

Building a Morning Skincare Routine

When it comes to your morning skincare routine, Dr. Zenovia recommends a four-step process that involves cleansing the skin, treating any conditions, hydrating the skin and then protecting it from the sun’s harmful rays. “A morning skincare routine should consist of using a cleanser to refresh and establish a good skin pH,” she says. “Using a product with vitamin C is great for improving the skin’s tone and keeping brown spots at bay.” All skin types can benefit from a vitamin C-containing product such as Dr. Zenovia’s Vitamin C Brightening Toner, which revitalizes, replenishes, hydrates and conditions the skin while helping improve the appearance of uneven tone and texture.

Some skin types, however, require a little more specification for optimal skin health. Here is Dr. Zenovia’s guide to a morning skin care regimen for every skin type. 

Note from Dr. Zenovia: It is important to know that skin type relates to our hormone levels and can change with age, climate changes, or even over the course of a monthly cycle!

Oily Skin

If you fall under the oily skin category, you likely experience a shiny, greasy complexion and may be more prone to pimples than other skin types. Dr. Zenovia recommends cleansing with her 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Cleanser. “This soap-free cleanser gently removes impurities and excess sebum,” she says. Follow up the cleanser with Dr. Zenovia’s Aloe Vera Blemish Soothing Moisturizer. “This ultra-light, oil-free moisturizer soothes redness and is perfect for oily skin types. Individuals with oily skin may feel that they don’t need to apply moisturizer due to excess sebum production,” she says. Next, apply sunscreen with an SPF 30 minimum. Dr. Zenovia’s Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30 provides transparent nano zinc-oxide broad spectrum mineral protection from harmful UVA/UVB rays.

Dry Skin

Dry skin can be particularly susceptible to the elements of colder weather, so it’s important to have a hydrating skin care routine in place. Cleanse with Dr. Zenovia’s Bakuchiol Hydrating Cleanser, which helps brighten, nourish and protect the skin. Tone with Dr. Zenovia’s Vitamin C Brightening Toner, which replenishes, hydrates and conditions the skin. For dry skin, serums with hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture, so Dr. Zenovia’s Hyaluronic Acid + Peptide Serum is a great choice. Next, apply a nourishing moisturizer. Dr. Zenovia’s Peptide + Ceramide Repairing Moisturizer contains a unique combination of bio-equivalent ceramides, potent humectants, and emollients that help attract, retain, and distribute moisture to fortify the skin’s protective barrier and combat dryness for a glowing, radiant complexion. Last, apply Dr. Zenovia’s Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30 to protect against the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays.

Acne-Prone Skin

If your skin is prone to acne, cleanse with Dr. Zenovia’s 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Cleanser, which gently removes everyday impurities and excess sebum while adding skin-soothing nutrients. For a spot treatment, use Dr. Zenovia’s 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Spot Treatment, which is clinically formulated to specifically target and clear stubborn hormonal acne. Moisturize with Dr. Zenovia’s Aloe Vera Blemish Soothing Moisturizer. It is lightweight and oil-free, so it’s ideal for acne-prone skin types. If you have acne-prone skin, you may be too oily to need moisturizer so you may benefit from skipping this step. Do, however, apply sunscreen with an SPF 30 minimum, like Dr. Zenovia’s Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30.

Combination Skin

To help brighten and nourish combination skin, cleanse with Dr. Zenovia’s Bakuchiol Hydrating Cleanser and tone with Dr. Zenovia’s Vitamin C Brightening Toner. Since combination skin still needs balancing, be sure to moisturize with Dr. Zenovia’s Peptide + Ceramide Repairing Moisturizer, which contains a unique combination of bio-equivalent ceramides, potent humectants, and emollients that help attract, retain, and distribute moisture to fortify the skin’s protective barrier. Don’t forget sunscreen with an SPF 30 minimum, like Dr. Zenovia’s Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30. 

Aging Skin

Aging skin can benefit from the retinol-like qualities of bakuchiol, which can be found in Dr. Zenovia’s Bakuchiol Hydrating Cleanser. Tone the skin with Dr. Zenovia’s Vitamin C Brightening Toner before hydrating with Dr. Zenovia’s Hyaluronic Acid + Peptide Serum, which provides intense hydration and nourishment while helping to visibly plump skin. Moisturize with Dr. Zenovia’s Peptide + Ceramide Repairing Moisturizer, which contains ceramides, potent humectants, and emollients that help attract, retain and distribute moisture to fortify the skin’s protective barrier. Aging skin can especially benefit from SPF, so be sure to finish your morning skin care regimen with Dr. Zenovia’s Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30.

Written by Jenn Sinrich, Freelance Writer & Editor