My Morning Routine for Smooth Toned and Glowing Skin

Large pores, pimples, acne and worse the marks they leave behind. To achieve poreless, smooth and naturally glowy skin I took matters into my own hands and searched around for products that really work for me.

I have combination skin – oily in my T-zone and dry around my chin and mouth. Considering my skin tone (dark) I’m also extremely susceptible to hyperpigmentation and the dreaded dark spots left over from acne. I’m happy to share however, that I finally have  a regimen that works to keep my skin not only breakout free but incredibly smooth.

MY MORNING ROUTINE

Cleansing

I start out with the usual–washing my face. A face brush of some sort is crucial for really getting a deep clean and making sure that your face wash can penetrate deep in your pores and do what it’s meant to. A face brush is great…but the cost? Not so much.  I use the ULTA brand dual action cleansing brush (usually $25 and lasts a long time). It comes with detachable soft bristle brush head and foam pad, to gently cleanse and moisturize.

Fingers  can only do so much.

As for face washes, I alternate between the Biore Deep Charcoal Cleanser and the Nip+Fab Glycolic Cleansing Fix. I really like the glycolic cleanser because the 2% glycolic acid really helps to exfoliate dull, dry, dead skin cells and re-texturize my skin. It also contains olive oil to purify pores. Honestly the entire Nip+Fab line has some really great products to try out. I use their glycolic fix night pads as part of my nighttime routine. The Biore charcoal cleanser draws out dirt and impurities and I always feel a cooling fresh breeze after washing my face. I also feel like it has helped shrink my pores (because they aren’t clogged up).

If my skin is having a particularly bad time, I use the SkinMedica GlyPro exfoliating facial cleanser to really lift dead skin. It’s a powerful backup that contains  glycolic compounds and alpha-hydroxy acid or AHA so using sunscreen is a must! The only downside is that real authentic products can only be purchased on the site from a physician. So go see a dermatologist to discuss (it’s that powerful)

After rinsing with cool water and drying off let’s move on to moisturizing.

Moisturizing

I first spritz my entire face and neck with the Pearlessence rose water hydrating face mist or the Welcos aloe vera soothing gel mist. These little jewels add an extra layer of moisture to my face before using a cream moisturizer.

Let air dry and on we go.

My main facial moisturizer would have to be the LA ROCHE-POSAY double repair moisturizer. It’s lightweight and absorbs fast. It also moisturizes all day, is oil, paraben and fragrance free along with being non-comedogenic, allergy and dermatologist tested. Those with sensitive skin will also benefit from its prebiotic thermal water packed with antioxidants.

To help even out my skin tone, I also use the MEDIX  5.5 Age Spot Even and Brighten tone perfecting cream. This contains Licorice + Lactic acid to improve the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin and restore moisture to dry skin.

I finish off with coat of lip balm to keep my lips from drying and cracking.

That’s all folks. My morning routine to help keep my skin soft, healthy and glowing like new. It might seem like a lot but the steps are rather simple and take no more than 10 minutes in the morning.

What are some of your favorite skin care products for your skin care needs?