I’m so happy to share my latest morning routine. I evaluate a LOT of skincare over the course of a year, and naturally adjust my skincare routine with the seasons, so it makes sense that I share new routines from time to time 🙂.
Each of us will have specific 'concerns' or 'gripes' we have with our skin. From crepiness to fine lines, rosacea, acne and hyperpigmentation, our skin's needs may vary based on genetics, our age, shifts in seasonal changes, etc.
For me, addressing hyperpigmentation and dehydration are top priorities, so the routine I'm sharing is focused on those specific areas.
☀️ My Morning Skincare Routine ☀️
1. Collagen and Creatine Supplementation
A couple years ago I started to delve into the research on collagen peptide supplementation. I won't go into the details here but if you're not already supplementing with collagen peptides I encourage you to watch my recent video. In summary, I'm absolutely convinced about the importance of collagen peptides, not only for the health of our skin, but for other tissues in our body (including our bones, ligaments, cartilage). I never miss a single day of collagen.
I also start my day with creatine. Creatine supplementation offers huge benefits for women in midlife, including improved muscle strength, increased lean muscle mass, and enhanced energy levels. On top of that, creatine has been shown to support cognitive function as we age. Yes, please. Another supplement that I just don't miss. Please consult your Dr before starting creatine.
Pause Life Skin & Bone by Dr. Mary Claire Haver
I choose Skin & Bone Collagen Peptides when I want a flavored collagen drink and I love it pre-workout. I also love Dr. Haver's Creatine.
http://thepauselife.com/PENN (use code PENN to get 10% off - exclusive to my community!)
Dr. Rajani Collagen Powder
I choose Multi Collagen Peptides when I want an unflavored powder that I add to a shake or smoothie or coffee.
https://store.rajanimd.com/pennsmithskincare (Code Penn10 gets 10% off)
2. Cysteamine
I love this step because I get to use a powerful pigment inhibitor but not have to worry about how to layer it with other skincare. It's a 'spread on, wash off' (after about 20-ish mins) affair. I tend to use cystamine three to four times a week (initially I used it every day for several months).
Effectively, Cysteamine helps protect against hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase in melanocytes, which reduces melanin production. This decrease in melanin synthesis prevents the formation of dark spots and uneven skin tone. Additionally, cysteamine's antioxidant properties reduce oxidative stress in melanocytes, further aiding in the prevention of hyperpigmentation.
Urban Skin RX Hypercorrect https://amzn.to/46diVxV
3. DEVICE: ZIIP Microcurrent or LED
As I wake up early, I find mornings a good time to use skincare devices. I'm committed to regular use of both LED and microcurrent. These are my favorite devices - I try to ZIIP at least 3x per week and LED 5+ times per week.
Microcurrent
ZIIP is far and away my favorite microcurrent. There are so many reasons why that for me, nothing comes close. Be watching for FUN ZIIP content coming soon with the founder of ZIIP, Melanie Simon!
https://go.shopmy.us/p-1593091 code PennZiip for a discount
LED
HigherDose LED Mask. This mask has been on the top of my list since I discovered it a few years ago. The over-the-head straps ensure that the fit is snug and secure.
https://go.shopmy.us/p-2109767 Use code: PENNHD for a 15% discount!
Dr Rajani PlasmaGLO Mask. I love Dr. Rajani's mask because of his innovative addition of submental coverage. I don't know a woman over 50 who's not suddenly wishing she had thought about this area sooner!!
https://store.rajanimd.com/pennsmithskincare Use code: Penn10 for a discount
Maysama Prana LED Mask. The Maysama mask stands out in that it offers a pulsing option - but pulsing that happens at a rate that's invisible to the eyes. There is sound science out there that supports pulsed LED as an aid for product penetration so this is an ideal choice if you want to do LED after applying non-oil based serums and have the penetrate a bit deeper (think peptides, DNA repair enzymes, humectants).
https://go.shopmy.us/p-5159965 Use code Penn10 for a discount 🙂
4. CLEANSE
Depending on whether I've used my ZIIP or cysteamine or moving straight to this step after waking, I may either go for a full cleanse or a quick micellar water on cotton pad. These are my favorite morning cleansers at the moment.
Bioderma Micellar Water. The Bioderma Micellar is the original micellar and has been around since 1991!! https://amzn.to/48oZJNc
Prequel Gleanser is my current absolute favorite cleanser. This is such an interesting cleanser due to its high (50%) glycerin content. So many cleansers that don't leave me feeling dry don't actually leave me feeling clean!! Not Prequel - I love the fact that it leaves my skin feeling absolutely clean without in any way feeling stripped.
On top of all this, its such an amazing value - to the point that I'll sometimes use it as a hand cleanser too!! https://go.shopmy.us/p-3681095
5. ACID TONER
Chemical exfoliation is key to my routine and adding acids in as a toner is perfect for me - so easy and quick and leaves my face feeling ready for the day. Depending on the ingredient deck in the specific toner, the focus might be brightening/exfoliating or reduction of acne, addressing pigmentation, or even hydration. Yes! Lactic acid (found in my favorite Biologique Recherche P50 and Tarte Knockout Tingling Treatment) helps with skin hydration by acting as a humectant, attracting and retaining moisture in the skin. Lactic acid enhances the skin's natural moisture barrier, allowing it to hold onto water more effectively. This improves overall skin hydration, leading to a plumper, smoother, and more radiant complexion. I'll be creating more content on acids very soon. In the meantime, you can't go wrong with one of these acid toners.
Biologique Recherche P50V 1970. This is a cult favorite and has been for YEARS (I have a friend who discovered P50 in the 1980s!). I tell you, there's a reason for this status. It is SO good and there is nothing out there like it. It leaves my skin looking brighter, clearer and just glowing. And it has ingredients that are doing so much good under the surface to address pigmentation and stimulate collagen production. I think I'll use P50 for the rest of my life!!
Tarte Knockout Tingling Treatment. While this isn't a dupe for my favorite P50, it does have many of the same ingredients (and at a fraction of the price)
Minimalist PHA Face Toner. This little gem was a surprise find! At $10! This exfoliant will improve tone, texture, pore clarity (thanks to salicylic acid) while soothing ingredients mitigate irritation. What a FIND! https://amzn.to/4dh55gE
6. PIGMENT INHIBITORS
I recently posted a video on pigmentation after having re-delved into the research. Whether you have a 'pigmentation issue' or not, I'd encourage you to watch the video. Essentially the way sun damage works is that it's often years before underlying damage shows up as age spots/liver spots or hyperpigmentation. A key to keeping our skin clear and bright is to be proactive about warding off hyperpigmentation before it comes to the surface. Of course, skincare is key here, but there is so much we can do to address existing damage before it shows on the surface (or after it's already appeared) by using pigment inhibitors. Again, I won't go into detail but I do hope you'll tune into my video on the topic 🙂.
Platinum Fade Bright. This is just such an amazing cocktail of ingredients at VERY good price point. The consistency is gel/serum. It absorbs beautifully is hydrating, comfortable on the skin, and leaves the skin ready for the next layer. Love it!!
Undefined R&R Day Serum. Another excellent pigment inhibiting option! https://amzn.to/4fvgHhF
Cellderma Pigment Correct. This is from the brand created by the much-acclaimed Dr. Dev Patel. It has Nonapeptide-1 which we don't see many brands containing this ingredient and I'm forecasting that we'll see more of it!! This serum is so gentle but effective and leave the skin feeling hydrated and pampered.
https://www.cellderma.com/en-us/product/pigment-correct/ code Penn gets a discount.
Queen 7in1 https://amzn.to/4fpnKbL
7. ESSENCE
As I'm a 'dry skin girl', the layering hydrating serums is KEY to my routine, year-round. There are so many good hydrating toners out there, many of them from Korea or Japan. When I'm feeling especially dehydrated I layer them, going from the thinnest to the most viscous.
Violet FR Boum Boum Milk is my absolute current favorite. I love this one so much. While it's milky and rich it also somehow just sinks into my skin. It has birch juice in it which I'm currently researching - a fascinating ingredient. Love love love!!
8. SERUMS
CosRx 6 Peptide Booster Serum. This is such a good serum not only for its humectant properties but it packs an enormous punch with a huge selection of different peptides, each offering different anti-aging benefits.
TIRTIR SOS Serum. I really love this brand. This product has a base of polyglutamic acid, which provides a real drink of water for the skin (and much more hydrating than hyaluronic acid). It is brilliantly layerable and seems to make my skin glow!!
Prequel Multi-Quench: A FAST love!! This is a drink of water in a beautiful bottle at a great price! https://go.shopmy.us/p-6695219
Maelove Peptide Squad My current copper peptide serum :) https://go.shopmy.us/p-6078960
9. DNA REPAIR ENZYMES
I really believe that DNA Repair Enzymes should be considered for everybody over 40 and anybody who has experienced sun damage (in other words, 99.99% of the population!!). You can learn more about why I'm so passionate about DNA repair enzymes here.
My favorite DNA repair products are from Photozyme. I love their Youth Recovery Serum. One of the repair enzymes contained in Photozyme products is actually activated by the sun - which is perfect as it kick starts a process that helps protect skin against new DNA damage from solar rays while also addressing old damage under the surface. I also LOVE Photozyme's Omega 3 Body Complex which is hugely hydrating without being greasy.
https://photozyme.com/?ref=PENNYSMITH code PENNSMITH gets 25% off site-wide
10. SPF
This is arguably the most important step in my AM routine!! There are so many good SPFs out there, the only important thing is that we're diligent about using them (and reapplying them if we have prolonged sun exposure.
Dr. Rajani MD Age Defense SPF 45 is a favorite because it's a pleasure to apply and works so well under makeup.
Dr Rajani https://store.rajanimd.com/pennsmithskincare Use code PENN10 for a discount
11. BODY
I do like to extend my skincare to my body, especially the areas that are exposed to the air/sun and are more likely to be dehydrated and sun-exposed.
TIRTIR Milk Skin Toner. I actually bought this for my face, but found it too hydrating/rich for purpose. But I love it, so repurposed it into a body toner!! Love love love it this way - especially the idea of using up products to nurture that neglected body skin!!
Photozyme's Omega 3 Body Complex This DNA Repair balm is key to not only moisturising my skin but getting those DNA repair enzymes working hard at combatting crepiness on the arms, legs and other bits that are starting to show signs of loss of elasticity.
USE CODE PENNSMITHfor 25% off
Aveeno Body SPF60. This is silky and soaks in so nicely not leaving any stickiness.
FTC: Links in this post are affiliate ~ Please note that all links on this page are affiliate and I participate in the Amazon Associates program which is an affiliate program. Any time you see an Amazon link it is affiliate. If you choose to use my links please know that I appreciate it!
Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided on this blog is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or skin related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this website should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare/skin professional. The statements made about specific products throughout this website are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. It is important that you check labels to determine if a product is right for you. Before starting any treatment at home consult a health care or skin care professional to determine if it’s right for you.
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