Today I’m so excited because I’m finally sharing my everyday morning skincare routine with you all. Over the years and more so recently, I have become sort of a skincare and wellness junkie. I’ve been more conscious of what I’m putting into my body and onto my skin.

Let me begin this post by letting you guys know that I was one of those people who was blessed with really good skin genes growing up (knock on wood). Other than some minor teen acne and scarring, I didn’t really have any major skin issues. I had no skincare routine other than a cleanser and a moisturizer and it would be a miracle if I even washed my face after a night out partying. However, as I’m growing older and adulthood is hitting me hard (YAY!), I have been taking skincare more seriously. As adults, we are exposed to so many factors that impact our skin on a daily basis including pollution, chronic stress, lifestyle, diet and mostly our hormonal body changes that it is EXTREMELY important that we take care of our skin to avoid any skin issues or aging. Thanks to an abundance of knowledge in the digital world we live in, I have done a lot of research and experimented with tons of products to finally stick to a skincare routine and I will be sharing my step-by-step morning routine with you guys! So grab a cup of coffee or popcorn and here we go:

MY SKIN TYPE

Before we delve into the nitty gritty, let me share with you guys about my skin type as not all products are suitable for all skin types and these products may not be suitable for you at all (always do thorough research or pick up samples before you actually purchase the product). I have an oily / normal combination skin and am not super sensitive to skincare ingredients. I get most oily in my T-zone, around my forehead and chin, with occasional breakouts in those areas and on my cheeks which has caused some acne scarring. I also have brown spots and  uneven skin tone due to having melanin-rich skin as I come from South Asian decent which causes postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), a condition in which an injury or inflammation to the skin causes increased pigment production. Sticking to a healthier diet and skincare routine has helped me clear up my skin and even out my skin tone.

MORNING SKINCARE ROUTINE

STEP 1 | KATE SOMERVILLE ERADIKATE DAILY CLEANSER

Skin Type: Normal / Oily / Combination
Main Ingredients: Sulfur 3%, Botanical Complex (blended with honey and rice bran) and Natural Oat Extract

The first thing I do when I wake up is wash my face with the Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Cleanser with lukewarm water. This cleanser works miracles and is a MUST-HAVE HOLY GRAIL product if you get breakouts to prevent acne and blemishes. What I also love about this cleanser is that it is parabens and sulphates free and is also cruelty-free! A little product goes a long way due to its exfoliating beads texture. I gently rub in the cleanser into my face in circular motion and then wash it after 30 seconds.

Another cleanser I love using is Tatcha’s Deep Cleanse Exfoliating Cleanser. I love its natural fruit exfoliant texture. You can feel the individual pieces of the Japanese Luffa fruit unlike most exfoliating cleansers, and it leaves my skin feeling super hydrated and clean. The only thing I do not like about this product is the packaging as sometimes too much product comes out. The key is to hold the product down and shake it. Once you feel like the product has settled to the surface then squeeze very gently or else too much product comes out.

STEP 2 | TULA PRO-GLYCOLIC 10% PH RESURFACING GEL

Skin Type: Oily / Dry / Normal / Combination / Sensitive
Main Ingredients: Probiotics, Glycolic Acid and Beetroot Extract

After cleansing my face, I use Tula’s Pro-Glycolic Resurfacing Gel to further remove any dead skin cells and impurities on my face before I move onto applying serums and moisturizers to my face.I take 2-3 pumps of the product either onto a face cloth or cotton ball and then gently dab it onto my skin. I love this toner as it is alcohol-free and therefore does not over dry the skin stripping it of moisture.

Ps. you can use my discount code “Dee20” to get 20% off on TULA products.

STEP 3 | DERMALOGICA AGE BRIGHT CLEARING SERUM

Skin Type: Oily / Dry / Normal
Main Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, AGE Bright Complex, Phytoactives from Resurrection Plant

This product was gifted to me at a Dermalogica event I attended a few weeks ago. I could not contain my excitement when I heard that Dermalogica was launching a new product line called Active Clearing which is all about adult acne and anti-aging as these are the two of the main skin issues I have. I learnt so much about acne and anti-aging and I was so excited to try these products. Dermalogica’s patented Age Bright™ Complex technology helps achieve a brighter and more even skin tone by boosting good bacteria while preventing melanin transfer and the salicylic acid helps prevents breakouts. I have already noticed a huge difference in my skin tone and texture and needless to say, this has become a permanent addition to my skincare routine. I use this after the cleanser and toner by taking 3-4 drops in the palm of my hand and then rubbing it in circular downward motion onto my face.

STEP 4: THE ORDINARY HYALURONIC ACID 2% + B5 

Skin Type: Oily / Dry / Normal / Combination / Sensitive
Main Ingredients: Vitamin B5 and Next-Generation Hyaluronic Acid Crosspolymer

Two minutes after putting on the Dermalogica serum, I apply 2-3 drops of The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid  Serum to my face. I honestly LOVE this stuff!  For $6.80 CAD, you cannot get a better steal and this stuff works like magic. This serum does have a thicker consistency so I let it stay onto the skin for another 2 minutes before the next step.

Note: Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant that is naturally found in human skin. It is known for its ability to bind water to help retain moisture and hydrate tissue cells. Research has shown that the production of Hyaluronic Acid decreases with age which causes the appearance of lines, wrinkles, rough textures and overall dullness to the skin. This is the reason why if you haven’t already, Hyaluronic Acid should definitely be a part of your skincare routine. However, an important thing to note is that the penetration of Hyaluronic Acid into the skin depends on the size of the molecule. The larger the molecule, the less it penetrates, offering temporary surface-level hydrations. This is why I love The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid Serum as its formulation combines different molecular weights and cross polymers to offer multi-depth hydration.

STEP 5: DERMALOGICA AGE BRIGHT SPOT FADER

Skin Type: Oily / Dry / Normal / Combination
Main Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, AGE Bright Complex, Niacinamide and Hexylresorcinol

After the Hyaluronic Acid has settled into my skin, I apply the Dermalogica AGE Bright Spot Fader onto my face wherever I am most prone to breaking out. I love this stuff! This 2-in-1 spot treatment prevents active breakouts and post-acne marks. This treatment also contains Dermalogica’s Age Bright™ Complex technology which reduces skin aging. I also use this right away whenever I feel like I am getting a breakout and it has really helped clear up my skin!

STEP 6: TATCHA WATER CREAM 

Skin Type: Oily / Normal / Combination / Sensitive
Main Ingredients: Japanese Wild Rose, Japanese Leopard Lily and Tatcha’s Signature Hadasei-3

This is the last step in my morning skincare routine before I move onto my makeup routine and this has to probably be my favourite moisturizer I’ve used in a long time! It leaves my skin feeling so soft and dewy. The texture is also super light and absorbs into the skin right away. I first purchased this in the $30 duo pack with the Tatcha Deep Cleanse Everyday Cleanser and have been in love with both the products ever since.

OCCASIONAL SKINCARE ADD-ONS

DRUNK ELEPHANT VIRGIN MARULA LUXURY OIL

Skin Type: Oily / Normal / Combination / Sensitive
Main Ingredients: Virgin Marula Oil and 100% Unrefined Sclerocraya Birrea (Marula) Kernel Oil

You have probably already heard all about the hype for the Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Oil. It is known for its excellent results in delivering consistent and instantaneous radiance. The bottle does not come for a cheap price though as it retails for almost $90 CAD so I was a little hesitant at first. But I finally bought it during the Sephora sale this year and oh my goodness this is definitely the Chanel for my face. Whenever I use it, my skin feels instantly hydrated and glowing. I use this oil once a week as I do have acne-prone skin and Marula oil is known to have high amount of Oleic acid in it which tends to cause breakouts plus this way the product lasts me way longer!

TULA DUAL-PHASE SKIN REVIVING TREATMENT PADS

Skin Type: Oily / Normal / Combination / Sensitive
Main Ingredients: Pro Renew Complex, Papaya Fruit Extract, Willow Bark Extract, Witch Hazel and Cotton Plant Fibers

I use Tula’s Dual-Phase Skin Reviving Treatment Pads twice a week. They are so easy to use and are like a mini-facial for my skin. I use it after cleansing my face and leave it on for about 2 mins. It leaves my skin feeling healthier and smoother like a baby!

DARPHIN LUMIERE ESSENTIELLE MASK

Skin Type: Oily / Normal / Combination / Dry
Main Ingredients: Marine Extracts, Kaolin Clay, Citrus and Floral Essential Oils

I believe masks are such an important part of skincare and it is important to have a little luxury treatment at home at least every week. I have been using Darphin’s Lumiere Essentielle Instant Purifying and Illuminating Mask once a week and loving this two-step treatment. First, I use the clay-like white mask and end with the yellow gel mask. It leaves my skin feeling recharged and glowing!

This brings us to the end of my morning skincare routine. I use a lot of the same products for my night skincare routine but switch some products catered more towards the night-time. Let me know if you guys are interested in learning about what products I use at night and I will try and do a blog post on that as well. I hope you guys learnt some interesting stuff about skincare and the products I use to maintain a glowing and healthy skin. If you’d like to shop any of the products for yourself, be sure to click on the product below and leave any questions you may have in the comments section.

Don’t forget to use my code “Dee20” to get 20% off on TULA products!

Until next time lovelies <3

SHOP MY MORNING SKINCARE REGIMEN