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This article will give you ideas for a successful morning routine by breaking down my morning routine. I'll cover my skincare routine, the products I use, and their benefits. Additionally, I'll share some tips to help you feel more put together.
Skincare
Step #1. Hop in the shower to wash my face.
The face wash I reach for most days is this PHA cleanser. I only wash the areas around my nose, mouth, and eyes to avoid over-cleansing. As long as I double-cleanse thoroughly in the evenings, there's no need to scrub my face in the morning.
PHAs are a chemical exfoliant similar to AHAs but gentler due to their larger molecular size. PHAs exfoliate the skin's surface, improving texture and tone. They also have hydrating properties, ideal for dry or sensitive skin. Here are some key benefits and characteristics of PHAs:
Gentle exfoliation:
PHAs provide milder exfoliation than other acids, making them suitable for sensitive skin or those who cannot tolerate stronger acids.
Moisturizing properties:
PHA's contain humectant properties that help attract and retain moisture in the skin, making it perfect for those with dry or dehydrated skin as it helps to hydrate and plump the skin.
Anti-aging effects:
PHAs stimulate cell turnover, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. They can also improve the skin's elasticity and firmness over time.
Suitable for sensitive skin:
PHA molecules are great for sensitive skin because they are absorbed slower, causing less irritation, especially for people who use active ingredients like retinoids and vitamin C.
Enhanced skin barrier function:
PHAs help strengthen the skin barrier by increasing ceramide production, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy and resilient skin barrier. A stronger barrier can protect the skin from environmental stressors and reduce moisture loss.
Step #2. Spray my face with hypochlorous acid.
Our immune cells produce hypochlorous acid (HOCl) as a natural defense mechanism against pathogens. It has become popular in skincare because of its potential benefits for the skin. Here are a few ways hypochlorous acid can be beneficial:
Antibacterial and antimicrobial properties:
Hypochlorous acid reduces infections and acne by decreasing harmful microorganisms on the skin.
Anti-inflammatory effects:
HOCl has anti-inflammatory properties that help calm and soothe the skin. It can benefit individuals with inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis.
Wound healing support:
Hypochlorous acid speeds up the formation of new tissue and reduces inflammation, making it useful for treating minor cuts, abrasions, and skin irritations.
pH-balancing properties:
The pH of hypochlorous acid is close to the skin's natural pH, which helps maintain the skin's acid mantle. By supporting the skin's natural pH balance, it can enhance the overall health and integrity of the skin barrier.
Non-irritating and gentle:
Hypochlorous acid is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for most skin types, including sensitive skin. It is less likely to cause irritation, redness, or dryness than other skincare ingredients.
Step #3. Serums I use in my morning routine
Argireline
Argireline is a synthetic peptide used in skincare products. It can help reduce wrinkles and fine lines caused by facial expressions, making it great for anti-aging. Here's some information about Argireline:
Mechanism of action:
Argireline is a substance that helps relax facial muscles by preventing excessive muscle contractions. It can temporarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles and expression lines. It does this by targeting acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contractions.
Targeted areas:
Apply Argireline to the face in areas where wrinkles appear during facial expressions, such as the forehead, around the eyes, and between the eyebrows. It can serve as a suitable alternative to Botox.
Temporary effects:
It's important to note that Argireline's impact only lasts as long as the ingredient is active on the skin. Once it is washed off or metabolized by the body, the muscle activity returns to normal, and the wrinkles may reappear.
Additional benefits:
While Argireline's primary focus is on reducing the appearance of wrinkles, it may also have some hydrating and antioxidant properties, which can contribute to overall skin health.
Hada Labo Premium Hyaluronic Acid Serum
The Hada Labo Premium Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a popular skincare product known for its hydrating and plumping effects on the skin. Here's an overview of how this product works:
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) formulation:
The key ingredient in the Hada Labo Premium Hyaluronic Acid Serum is hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in the skin that can attract and retain moisture. It can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it highly effective in hydrating the skin.
Multiple molecular weights:
The serum contains different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid. This multi-molecular weight formulation allows hyaluronic acid to penetrate different layers of the skin. The smaller molecules can reach deeper layers, providing long-lasting hydration, while the larger molecules remain on the surface to moisturize and plump the skin.
Intense hydration:
The Hada Labo Premium Hyaluronic Acid Serum delivers intense hydration to the skin, helping to replenish moisture and improve skin elasticity and firmness. Hydrated skin appears plumper, smoother, and more supple, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Absorption and retention:
This serum absorbs fast because it's lightweight and watery. It attracts moisture from the environment and keeps the skin hydrated all day by forming a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss.
Step #4. Moisturizer
The Cosrx Advanced Snail 92 All-in-One Cream is a popular skincare product with a high concentration of snail secretion filtrate as its main ingredient. Here's how the Cosrx Snail 92 Cream works:
Snail secretion filtrate:
The key ingredient in the cream is snail secretion filtrate, known for its hydrating and reparative properties. Snail mucin contains various components like glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants that help to nourish and rejuvenate the skin.
Hydration and Moisture:
Snail mucin has excellent water-binding properties, which help attract and retain moisture in the skin. It provides intense hydration, improving the skin's moisture levels and helping to plump and smooth the complexion.
Skin Repair and Regeneration:
Snail mucin can improve skin texture, reduce scars, and help the skin heal faster. It also supports collagen production, making the skin firmer and more elastic.
Soothing and Calming:
The cream has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help calm irritated or sensitive skin. It may assist in reducing redness and inflammation, making it suitable for individuals with acne-prone or sensitive skin.
Lightweight Texture:
The Cosrx Snail 92 Cream has a light, gel-like texture that absorbs easily into the skin. It provides hydration without feeling heavy or greasy, making it suitable for all skin types, including oily or combination.
Skincare products mentioned:
Step #5. SPF Routine
My sunscreen routine involves a few different sunscreens. It's important to layer sunscreen for secured protection. Mixing sunscreen with products that don't contain SPF dilutes its' efficacy. That's why I apply a base layer of sunscreen before I go in with tinted sunscreens or makeup.
- Round Lab Birch Sunscreen - I use this as a first step to sun protection. I apply a generous amount to my face, neck, chest, and ears.
- Super Goop's Play sunscreen - I used to apply this to my face, but I prefer the Round Lab Sunscreen now. I put this on my neck, chest, arms, and legs.
- Super Goop's Unseen sunscreen + It Cosmetics CC cream - I mix these sunscreens to improve their texture and give my face slight coverage. I use this like a foundation, focusing on the center of my face.
- ELF CC Cream - This part is semi-unnecessary. I don't love how this sits on my face when applying it everywhere, so I use it as a highlighter in the inner corners of my eyes and the center of my face. Also, it only contains 30 SPF, and I prefer to use products with at least 50 SPF. Although, if you have oily skin, you may love this product.
- Drunk Elephant Tinted Sunscreen - I use this on the perimeter of my face. It has a pretty glow with little coverage.
- SPF Setting Spray - Sometimes, I skip this step, but I like to give my skin added coverage on extra sunny days.
Read this: Shielding your skin: the benefits and importance of sunscreen.
Makeup routine
Since I work the second shift, I don't have the time to worry about applying makeup daily for work. Instead, I have incorporated a sunscreen routine that has eliminated the need for daily makeup. While I still love getting dolled up, this routine has made my mornings much easier.
I still like to take a few additional steps to help me look alive, like using a tinted brow gel, applying a cream blush to my cheekbones and nose, and curling my eyelashes. If I remember, I'll run my eyelash serum through my lashes with a clean spoolie, instead of mascara.
My daily uniform
I enjoy keeping up with fashion trends but prefer simplicity and efficiency in my work life. Although it may seem unusual, wearing the same outfit has benefits. It can streamline your wardrobe, simplify your daily routine, save time and energy, and help you develop a distinctive personal identity.
Thankfully, I have flexibility when it comes to my job. My everyday outfit typically includes a black bodysuit with wide-leg linen pants and a loose button-up or sweater. If it's sweltering outside, I opt for a two-piece workout set with an oversized button-up. I aim to look put together, even wearing an ultra-casual outfit because I need to be comfortable and able to move around.
My "uniform:"
Here are some reasons why sticking to a consistent outfit can be advantageous:
Simplified wardrobe:
A consistent outfit eliminates spending time and mental energy choosing what to wear daily. It simplifies my morning routine and reduces decision fatigue.
Time-saving:
Choosing what to wear can take a lot of time, especially if you have a lot of clothes or need help making decisions. Wearing the same type of outfit every day can help you save time that you can use for other things. This accommodation makes it easier to get out the door when I don't have to consider my outfit.
Enhanced personal brand:
Consistently wearing a signature outfit can contribute to building a recognizable personal brand or image. It can become your unique style statement and be associated with your personality, making you easily identifiable and memorable to others.
Increased focus and productivity:
Choosing what to wear takes mental energy. If you eliminate that decision, you can focus on more important tasks and be more productive.
Stress reduction:
For some individuals, selecting an outfit can cause stress and anxiety. By wearing a similar outfit daily, you can alleviate this stressor and experience a sense of calm and stability.
Hairstyles
Aside from my sunscreen routine, something that has made the biggest difference is doing some type of overnight curling method or braiding my hair after I wash it. I always have my hair in a claw clip, so it doesn't have to look perfect. I just need texture. There are hundreds of tutorials for air-dry curls on Tiktok, so find one that works for your hair type and sleeping pattern.
Over-night curl products to try:
Summary
By breaking down my morning routine, we've explored ways to have a successful morning routine and achieve healthier, glowing skin with PHA cleansers, hypochlorous acid, and beneficial serums. A consistent outfit can save time, reduce stress, and enhance your brand and productivity. Small tweaks, like overnight hairstyles, can have a significant impact. Streamline your mornings and boost your confidence with these simple, actionable ideas.
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