Refreshing Morning Skincare Routine | Hyperpigmentation & Dry Skin

I usually keep my morning skincare routine quite simple, and add more treatments in the evenings.
Because of this I usually enjoy my evening skincare routines more, but recently I’ve been really enjoying the mornings!

This is a great selection of products and could help if you have dry skin or you’re trying to combat hyperpigmentation, but as always, what works for me might not work for you.

It’s easier to treat hyperpigmentation overnight, but it’s definitely helpful to add a little something in the morning too.

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Cleanser

Currently, I’m trying to empty my Clarins Milky Cleanser.
It’s nothing special and I don’t particularly like it, but it does the job.
Clean, hydrated base ready for the good stuff.

Mist: Dampen Skin

The Secret Key Starting Treatment Aura Mist was part of my very first Korean skincare haul. If my skin isn’t still wet after cleansing, I spritz.
This isn’t a spritz-between-steps kind of mist and I find it can sensitise my skin if I use it too often in a single routine.
I use it to dampen my skin, but I do also find it slightly helps to firm and brighten.

I love how wide this sprays and how responsive the pump is.

Essence / Toner

The Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner was another item from my first Korean skincare haul.

I’m not a huge fan of toners, because they generally need to be applied with a cotton pad. This essence toner is thicker than the average toner, meaning I can apply it with my hands and around 4 drops is plenty.
I love the consistency, and I find it super hydrating and smoothing.

I only got a small bottle of this, but I already know I wouldn’t hesitate to get the larger size in the future.

Treatments

Vitamin C

I started the Medik8 C-Tetra after finishing The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside.
In the longer term, this can help to combat hyperpigmentation.
In the shorter term, it’s very brightening and helps protect against free radicals.

The recommendation is 4 drops for the face and neck, but I use about 6.

The downfall to this is the scent. It smells very potently of oranges.
You also have to be very careful when lifting the dropper out of the bottle – it drips without you having to squeeze. The dropper is slightly angled though, which helps.

Related Posts:

Introduction to Korean Skincare | K-Beauty Shopping in the UK

Cold Weather Skincare Recommendations

Unpopular Opinion: The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser

Mist: Hydrate

I love misting in between steps for an extra hydration boost.

I got a small bottle of the Herbivore Rose Hibiscus Mist, and was pleasantly surprised that it’s actually in a glass bottle.

The mist is quite fine, but the pump itself isn’t my fave.
It’s best to press all the way down for longer sprays, rather than doing lots of short bursts. It’s not super responsive otherwise.

This mist has a light rose scent, which doesn’t bother me and doesn’t linger on the skin.

Overall, it’s a pleasant mist and does the job. It’s calming for sensitive skin and helps keep the skin hydrated. I wouldn’t repurchase this though, just because there are so many competitive mists on the market at a better price point.

I just finished this and will be replacing it with the Innisfree Aloe Revital Skin Mist. I think Korean skincare is taking over.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a really underrated ingredient. I use the one by The Inkey List, which is a very affordable brand.
This ingredient has a multitude of benefits, including but not limited to:

• Minimising pores & redness
• Regulating sebum production
• Smoothing skin texture
• Minimising fine lines & wrinkles
• Helps retain moisture

This is an unnecessary step in my morning skincare routine, as my moisturiser already contains niacinamide and it’s not necessary to stack ingredients. The reason I do it is because I don’t take my current moisturiser down my neck and onto my chest, so I use the serum instead.

I really find niacinamide helps even out my skin tone & texture.

-> Spritz again with a hydrating mist <-

[Situational] Eye treatment

My go-to is The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG if I’m feeling extra tired.
The tiniest bit goes the longest way, and it genuinely gives instant results.

Moisturiser

I wrote all about the Wishful Honey Balm Jelly Moisturiser in my last post.
Currently loving this, as it has a bunch of beneficial ingredients and it’s very soothing and hydrating. The tiniest bit goes the long way, but since I only have a mini, I’m savouring it and only using it on my face.
It’s also marketed to help hyperpigmentation, but I take that with a pinch of salt. My dry skin loves it though.

SPF

The most important step of any morning skincare routine all. year. round.

I’m currently using the AHC Natural Perfection Moist Sun Cream.
Yep, Korean skincare haul.

I absolutely LOVE this. It’s creamy without being too thick; dewy without being greasy and above all else it doesn’t sting the eyes.

I’m so disappointed this doesn’t exist in a larger size. Using the recommended amount of SPF daily, 50ml doesn’t last very long but this will be a repeat purchase for me.

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I could cut this down by removing the first mist and niacinamide, but I have so many products to use up and lets be honest.. I love pampering my skin.

I think the absolute bare minimum a morning skincare routine should include is cleanser and SPF.

How many steps do you have in your morning skincare routine?

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