With the hundreds, if not more, of products out there for skincare, it can be confusing to know which ones to use and how. While figuring this out can give you a headache, there is no denying the benefits: skin that looks healthier, more vibrant, and, dare we say it, glowing. That is because with cleansing, your skin will be free of dirt, excess oil, and impurities, which in turn leads to fewer breakouts and clogged pores. Moisturizing keeps your skin hydrated, a vital step to avoiding wrinkles and other dreaded aging problems. Sunscreen is just as important since it protects your skin from UV rays. If you are like many people and want a simple skincare routine that leads to real results, then below, we have broken it down for you: what you need to do in the morning and at night so that your skin remains beautiful for years to come. You will notice it is heavily reliant on vital products: cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, sunscreens, and eye creams. 

Don’t feel too overwhelmed, however – with time, the routine will quickly become a habit and pay off in healthier skin.

Mornings:

First off, cleanse your skin, but do so gently. Avoid scrubbing at your skin so that you do not damage it. There are many good cleansers on the market – the most important thing is to choose one that is right for your skin type. Once your face is cleansed of excess oil and dirt, you are ready for the next step: toners.

Toners can be a lotion or a wash, and they are meant to shrink the size of your pores. As you would expect, it isn’t wise to get any of it in your eyes – if you do, just rinse them out with cool water.

Next in your routine is the application of a serum. If you hate dark spots under your eyes, breakouts, and clogged pores, then a nourishing serum and all its vitamins can help alleviate them.

Now apply your moisturizer, but be careful to choose the right one since oily skin and dry skin – or combination skin – all have different needs. Your moisturizer will lock in your skin’s hydration and provide a protective layer against environmental irritants like smog or other air pollutants.

No matter where you live, no matter the weather, always apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Remember: even on cloudy days, your skin can burn. Just ask anyone who has ever gotten sun poisoning!

Nights:

You’ve heard for years how important it is to remove all of your makeup at night, so that is your first step. Makeup can clog your pores and lead to breakouts, so never sleep with it on despite what you see on actresses in the movies (really, who goes to bed with their eyeliner, etc. still on?). 

Cleansing is next (see how easy this is?). Make sure it’s gentle and appropriate for your oily, dry, or combination skin. This is another protection against acne and other skin problems.

Then get ready to apply a toner, which keeps your skin’s pH levels balanced and invigorates your skin.

A nighttime serum can do wonders for any puffiness or dark circles under your eyes. Many contain ingredients like vitamin C or retinol, which can help prevent wrinkles, dark spots, and fine lines.

Moisturizing is next, and be sure it’s formulated for nighttime application and for your skin type. Some common ingredients that nourish your skin include shea butter and glycerin.

Last, use some eye cream, which can prevent the wrinkles and dark circles that so often pop up as women get older.

It sounds like a lot, and it is, especially if you are not used to it. Over time, however, you will see that it really doesn’t take long to do, and you’re going to love the results: healthy, beautiful skin that resists the passing of time.