It’s 2025 and now more than ever ever healthy skin is the trend and we are all here for it! We believe skincare should be luxurious, empowering, and effective. If you are new to this journey or seasoned in the practice, but looking for confirmation on certain habits keep reading. Your daytime routine lays the foundation for healthy, radiant skin. Following these steps will get you on the right foot for healthier looking skin. Don’t forget to click the links to find out more about each product.
Step 1: Cleanse – Fresh Start, Always
Why: A clean canvas is the foundation of great skin. Cleansing removes overnight buildup, oil, and impurities. According to Dr. Zeichner, “Cleansing ensures that your skin-care products penetrate properly and work effectively” (Zeichner, 2021, Healthline).
How: Wash with lukewarm water and a cleanser suited for your skin type.
Top Picks:
- Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser – Gentle, effective, and perfect for balancing excess oil.
- Dry/Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser – Creamy and nourishing for ultimate comfort.
- Normal/Combination Skin: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser – A versatile classic with calming cucumber extract.
Step 2: Hydrating Mist or Toner – Prep and Pamper
Why: Toners restore your skin’s pH and hydrate for better absorption of serums and moisturizers. As dermatologist Dr. King explains, “Toners can help balance your skin’s pH levels after cleansing, especially if you have hard water” (King, 2020, Byrdie).
How: Pat or spritz onto clean skin.
Top Picks:
- Hydration Boost: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner – Hydrates while refining pores.
- Calming Sensitivity: Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Toner with Rose Petal – Soothes and tones with a natural touch.
- Brightening Magic: REN Ready Steady Glow AHA Tonic – Perfect for melanin-rich skin needing an even tone.
Step 3: Antioxidant Serum – Power Up Protection
Why: Antioxidants combat free radical damage caused by UV rays and pollution, which accelerates aging. “Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals and boosts collagen production,” says Dr. Shah (Shah, 2022, Allure).
How: Gently press 2–3 drops into your skin.
Top Picks:
- Glow Getter: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum – A cult favorite for its brightening and anti-aging superpowers.
- Hydration Hero: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% – Balances oil while calming redness.
- Even Tone Advocate: Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster – Works wonders on hyperpigmentation.
Step 4: Moisturizer – Lock It All In
Why: Moisturizers seal hydration and strengthen the skin barrier. “Hydration is critical for all skin types, even oily ones, to prevent overproduction of oil,” advises Dr. Idriss (Idriss, 2023, Harper’s Bazaar).
How: Apply evenly across your face and neck.
Top Picks:
- Lightweight & Lovely: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel – Perfect for oily or combination skin.
- Deeply Nourishing: Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream – Rich hydration for dry or mature skin.
- All-Day Comfort: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream – Ideal for soothing sensitive or irritated skin.
Step 5: Sunscreen – Protect Your Glow
Why: Sunscreen protects against harmful UV rays that can cause skin cancer, premature aging, and hyperpigmentation. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “Broad-spectrum sunscreens block both UVA and UVB rays, offering the best protection” (American Academy of Dermatology, 2024, aad.org).
How: Apply generously 15 minutes before stepping out, and reapply throughout the day.
Top Picks:
- For All Skin Types: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 – Lightweight and calming, great for acne-prone and melanin-rich skin.
- Tinted Elegance: Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 – Adds a radiant finish with invisible sun protection.
- Mineral Love: Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 – Moisturizing and no white cast, made with melanin in mind.
Step 6: Lip Care – Don’t Skip the Pout
Why: Lips are vulnerable to UV damage and dehydration. “Using SPF lip balm prevents sunburn and dryness,” explains Dr. Robinson (Robinson, 2023, Shape).
How: Swipe on a nourishing balm with SPF for sun-safe hydration.
Top Picks:
- Laneige Lip Glowy Balm – A juicy finish with a hint of color.
- Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 – Perfect for serious sun protection.
Celebrate Your Unique Skin
Beauty comes in all forms and shades. Whether you’re balancing oil, soothing sensitivity, or enhancing melanin’s natural glow, this routine ensures you step into your day looking and feeling your best.
Your Morning Radiance Ritual: Simple, effective, and unapologetically you.
Here’s to glowing skin! ✨
Works Cited
- King, Rachel. “How to Use Toner in Your Skin-Care Routine.” Byrdie, 2020, www.byrdie.com.
- Shah, Avnee. “Why You Need Vitamin C in Your Routine.” Allure, 2022, www.allure.com.
- Idriss, Shereene. “The Truth About Hydration for All Skin Types.” Harper’s Bazaar, 2023, www.harpersbazaar.com.
- “How to Choose the Right Sunscreen.” American Academy of Dermatology, 2024, www.aad.org.
- Robinson, Karyn. “Lip Care 101: SPF is a Must.” Shape, 2023, www.shape.com.
- Zeichner, Joshua. “Why Cleansing is the Most Important Step.” Healthline, 2021, www.healthline.com.