top of page

Your Ultimate Skincare Routine: Morning & Night, Head-to-Toe

Writer's picture: Penn SmithPenn Smith

Updated: Jan 16



Hey gorgeous! Let’s talk skincare—your morning wake-up and glow and your nightly wind-down ritual. This routine will leave your skin looking and feeling its best, from head to toe. So, grab your favorite products from each category and just follow along! Every day this routine can change if you own several things in one category...So play around: pluck and play every day! I will keep expanding the categories to include more products so if you are ever unsure WHERE something fits in, just ask and I will add it in the appropriate category. I am marking the products I am currently using with a ⭐️


PS. thanks to my amazing Facebook group members I will be adding a lot more products so that you may know literally every product out there, and where it goes! I will update ASAP!


Mornings are about protection and hydration. Let’s prep your skin for the day ahead with this simple yet effective lineup:





  1. Cleanse A gentle cleanse is all you need in the morning to refresh your skin and wash away any nighttime products. Keep it simple but effective. Choose just one daily.

    ⭐️Photozyme Probiotic P291 Cleanser https://photozyme.com/?ref=PENNYSMITH code PENNSMITH saves 25%

    ⭐️TRNR Glycolic Gel to Foam Cleanser https://go.shopmy.us/p-11306499

    ⭐️Dieux Baptism https://go.shopmy.us/p-11401319

    Prequel Gleanser https://go.shopmy.us/p-3681095

    Vanicream Gentle Cleanser https://amzn.to/4gno4YQ

    ⭐️Experiment Plasma Wash https://go.shopmy.us/p-11401462

    Dermelect Rapid Repair Daily Amino Gel Cleanser https://howl.link/i1ot61jkvyi9o code PENN20 saves 20%

    Hydrinity Prelude Facial Cleanser https://go.shopmy.us/p-11401614

    Cerave Hydrating Cleanser https://amzn.to/3DotC6F


  2. Here are some of the cleansers my Facebook group members love (what a great way to find some new recommendations!! There is at least one that I am definitely going to try! I'll put a ➡️ next to the ones that are on my ever-evolving list lol):

    Aveeno Calm and Restore https://amzn.to/405KMyI

    Paula's Choice Pore Cleanser https://amzn.to/404Xxty

    CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser https://amzn.to/4iMwN8k

    La Roche Posay Hydrating Face Wash https://amzn.to/4gNsS9o

    Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser https://amzn.to/4gqbxnk

    Obagi Gentle Gel Cleanser https://amzn.to/3BGXyu6

    Dermalogica Special Gel Cleanser https://amzn.to/3WdZyRV

    Exquisite Face and Body Soothing Cleansing gel

    ➡️Make Prem Cleansing Milk https://amzn.to/4fCDvew





  3. Exfoliate (for this routine, we're using a toner). Choose just one.

    ⭐️Biologique Recherche P50 1970 https://go.shopmy.us/p-5475715

    Paula's Choice Lactic + Mandelic Liquid Exfoliant https://amzn.to/41DHTGH

    Medik 8 Press & Glow https://go.shopmy.us/p-11436766

    Drmtlgy Tingl Pads https://www.drmtlgy.com/products/tingl-exfoliating-pads?ref=3831425.7cc41f&utm_medium=social&utm_source=affiliate code PENN saves 20%

    Minimalist PHA 3% Toner https://amzn.to/4iNbnrU

    Minimalist Glycolic 8% Toner https://amzn.to/3ZYU9Ai

    The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution https://go.shopmy.us/p-11401824

    ➡️EADEM Cashmere Peel AHA & PHA Toner https://amzn.to/4gp1EGm




  1. Repair/Regenerate Now that your skin is clean, it’s time to repair and protect your skin. This step is where your skin drinks in all the restorative goodness. Look for serums packed with repairing ingredients like peptides, growth factors, exosomes or DNA repair enzymes that work at the cellular level.

Choose 1-2 repair products (no need to layer too many...and in the morning I usually choose just ONE, but you CAN choose two...layering products by their consistency of thinnest to thickckest) remember, tomorrow you can change it up if you like:


⭐️Photozyme DNA Youth Recovery Serum  https://photozyme.com/?ref=PENNYSMITH code PENNSMITH saves 25%

MaeLove Peptide Squad  https://go.shopmy.us/p-6078960

Theramid Copper Peptides https://amzn.to/3VN4fl7

Peach and Lily Copper Peptides https://howl.link/f5rnjdcmgrxry

Reviv Ultimate Serum https://revivserums.com/PENNYSMITH code PENNYSMITH gets a discount!

Rejuran https://amzn.to/3Bugk8d this goes directly to their Amazon storefront

Inn Beauty Elastic Skin https://go.shopmy.us/p-8142102

CosRX The 6 Peptide Booster https://amzn.to/4iN1RET



  1. Boost (Vitamin C) Time to add a little sunshine to your routine! A Vitamin C serum is a must for brightening, evening out skin tone, and protecting against free radicals. Think of it as your skin’s morning espresso. Choose just one from this category. Don't want to use vitamin C? Thats ok, there are many antioxidants that will work!! I'll list several and I will put a 🌸 next to them so that you know they are the vitamin c alternative. :))

    THD Vitamin C (MY fave)

    ⭐️Photozyme Vitamin C $110 ($82 with code PENNSMITH) (THD vitamin C PLUS DNA Repair Enzymes...There is no other product on the market like it) https://photozyme.com/?ref=PENNYSMITH code PENNSMITH saves 25%

    Dear Lucy $99 (THD vitamin C plus arbutin and niacinamide) https://go.shopmy.us/p-1588272 code PENN10 saves 10%

    My Fave LAA Vitamin C (no irritation for ONCE!!)

    Drmtlgy Vitamin CE+F (L-ascorbic acid) $69 ($55 with code PENN) (L-ascorbic acid) https://www.drmtlgy.com/products/advanced-c-e-ferulic?ref=3831425.7cc41f&utm_medium=social&utm_source=affiliate code PENN saves 20%

    AFFORDABLE VITAMIN C OPTIONS:

    PreQuel Lucent C $23 (L-ascorbic acid) https://amzn.to/3DGoaMB

    Timeless C E + F 10% $27 (L-ascorbic acid best for sensitive skin) https://amzn.to/3ZJAMKl

    Timeless C E + F 20% $26 (L-ascorbic acid)  https://amzn.to/3BAwOM0

    COSRX The Vitamin C 23% $21 (l-ascorbic acid)  https://amzn.to/4fnLlsd

    Beauty Stat Vitamin C 20% $30 (l-ascorbic acid) https://amzn.to/3VQI1yZ

    Asterwood Vitamin C Serum $14 (L-ascorbic acid) https://amzn.to/3P7c7KD

    🌸Skyn Iceland

    🌸Maysama Green Rooibos Pressed Serum

    🌸Maysama Green Rooibos Light

    🌸The Ordinary Pycnogenol




  2. Hydrate Layer on a lightweight, hydrating serum and/or moisturizer to keep your skin plump and dewy throughout the day. Go for something that feels like a tall drink of water for your face. Choose one or two from this category (if you use two just layer by consistency, thinnest to thickest).

⭐️Protocol Water Lock https://go.shopmy.us/p-10180950

Drmtlgy Water Creme https://www.drmtlgy.com/products/water-creme-moisturizer? ref=3831425.7cc41f&utm_medium=social&utm_source=affiliate code PENN saves 20%

Dieux Instant Angel https://go.shopmy.us/p-11335296

Hado Labo Super Plumping Gel https://amzn.to/49ESnYn

Prequel Multi Quench https://go.shopmy.us/p-6695219

Iunik Beta Glucan Power Serum https://amzn.to/3BrJ9lF

TirTir SOS Serum https://amzn.to/3ZEFuc6

Naturium Barrier Bounce https://go.shopmy.us/p-11402021 code PENNYS15 saves 15%




  1. Defend (SPF) The non-negotiable: sunscreen! Whether you’re indoors or out, SPF is your ultimate defender against sun damage, premature aging, and hyperpigmentation. Choose one with broad-spectrum protection and at least SPF 30.

    Choose one from this category.

    ⭐️Drmtlgy Universal Tinted Moisturizer https://www.drmtlgy.com/products/universal-tinted-moisturizer-spf-46?ref=3831425.7cc41f&utm_medium=social&utm_source=affiliate code PENN saves 20%

    ⭐️LightSaver Activated Mineral Sunscreen SPF33 https://go.shopmy.us/p-6569965

    Dr. Rajani Age Defense SPF45 https://store.rajanimd.com/pennsmithskincare code PENN10 gets a discount.

    ⭐️Neova Silc Sheer 2.0 https://amzn.to/49HJXzg

    Naturium Dew Glow Tinted Moisturizer https://go.shopmy.us/p-11402062 code PENNYS15 saves 15%

    Alastin Hydratint https://go.shopmy.us/p-2279753


AM Body Care

Your body deserves some morning love too! Some DNA repair enzymes and a fast-absorbing lotion with SPF will keep your skin smooth and protected all day. No skipping—your arms, legs, and chest need love too! Choose one or two but one must contain SPF.

⭐️Photozyme Omega 36 Body Complex https://photozyme.com/?ref=PENNYSMITH 

⭐️Aveeno Protect & Hydrate SPF60 https://amzn.to/41DNxbB




This is where the magic happens, my friend. Nighttime is all about cleansing the day away, repairing your skin, and setting it up for renewal while you sleep. Follow these steps for dreamy, dewy skin:


Double Cleanse First up, we’re washing off all the grime, makeup, and SPF that’s built up during the day. Your first cleanser should break down oil-based impurities. Think cleansing balms or oils.


Choose one first cleanse option:

⭐️Naturium Purple Ginseng Cleansing Balm https://go.shopmy.us/p-11305987 code PENNYS15 saves 15%

Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm https://amzn.to/41C1aby

TirTir Hydro Boost Enzyme Cleansing Balm https://amzn.to/3ZGet81

Next, follow up with a gentle cleanser to remove sweat and dirt. This two-step process ensures your skin is clean without stripping it. Your normal AM cleanser should work just fine for this step.

⭐️Photozyme Probiotic Cleanser https://photozyme.com/?ref=PENNYSMITH code PENNSMITH saves 25%

⭐️TRNR Glycolic Gel to Foam Cleanser https://go.shopmy.us/p-11306499

IsClinical Cleansing Complex https://amzn.to/4iHG2GV

Experiment Plasma Wash https://go.shopmy.us/p-11401462

Dermelect Rapid Repair Daily Amino Gel Cleanser https://howl.link/i1ot61jkvyi9o code PENN20 saves 20%

Hydrinity Prelude Facial Cleanser https://go.shopmy.us/p-11401614

Cerave Hydrating Cleanser https://amzn.to/3DotC6F

(any of the other AM cleansers are perfect here too)



  1. Repair | Supplement Repeat your DNA repair step from your AM routine. Your skin loves consistency, and ending the day with this reparative step will keep it strong and resilient. Choose 1-3 things MAX (example, a copper peptide, and azelic acid product and DNA repair...or a copper peptide and a growth factor...or an azelic acid product plus a peptide serum plus DNA repair etc etc. Then tomorrow you can switch it up if you own many in this category).

    ⭐️ Photozyme DNA Youth Recovery Serum  https://photozyme.com/?ref=PENNYSMITH code PENNSMITH saves 25%

    ⭐️MaeLove Peptide Squad  https://go.shopmy.us/p-6078960

    NIOD CAIS https://go.shopmy.us/p-9799207

    Theramid Copper Peptides https://amzn.to/3VN4fl7

    Peach and Lily Copper Peptides https://howl.link/f5rnjdcmgrxry

    Reviv Ultimate Serum https://revivserums.com/PENNYSMITH code PENNYSMITH gets a discount!

    Exocueticals https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=2540080&u=2430463&m=153862&urllink=&afftrack=

    Calecim https://go.shopmy.us/p-7378310 code Penny saves 15%

    Rejuran https://amzn.to/3Bugk8d this goes directly to their Amazon storefront

    Inn Beauty Elastic Skin https://go.shopmy.us/p-8142102

    Drmtlgy Needleless Serum https://www.drmtlgy.com/products/needle-less-serum?ref=3831425.7cc41f&utm_medium=social&utm_source=affiliate code PENN saves 20%

    CosRX The 6 Peptide Booster https://amzn.to/4iN1RET

    Clear 6 Serum https://empoweredskincarebyerin.com/products/clear-6-serum 

    Osmosis Stem Factor https://skinbeautifulrx.com/products/osmosismd-stemfactor?_pos=1&_sid=ea9ca9d8b&_ss=r&ref=penn-smith code PENN20 saves 20%

    Plated Intense https://go.shopmy.us/p-11398597

    Sachi Pro Resilience Serum https://go.shopmy.us/p-11402352

    Paula's Choice Azelaic Acid 10% Booster https://amzn.to/4iVJdLk

    Naturium Azelaic Acid https://go.shopmy.us/p-11402413 code PENNYS15 saves 15%




  1. Turnover (Vitamin A) Bring on the Vitamin A! Whether it’s retinol or a gentler alternative, this is your secret weapon for boosting cell turnover, smoothing texture, and tackling fine lines. Apply it sparingly—your skin will thank you! I rotate my vitamin A products (just because I own them and want to use them...I put a double ⭐️ next to my favorites).

Choose one turnover product:

If you are a tretinoin user, it goes here otherwise OTC:

⭐️Naturium Retinaldehyde https://go.shopmy.us/p-11307067 code PENNYS15

⭐️⭐️Protocol Enzyme Active Retinol Serum https://go.shopmy.us/p-11307080

⭐️⭐️Photozyme GFS Plus https://photozyme.com/?ref=PENNYSMITH code PENNSMITH saves 25%

⭐️Isdin Retinal Advanced https://amzn.to/4gzJAJm

⭐️Dr Whitney Bowe Advanced Retinal Treatment https://go.shopmy.us/p-11402573




  1. Specialize (Eyes) The delicate skin around your eyes deserves some extra love. Use a targeted eye cream or serum to reduce puffiness, fine lines, and dark circles. A little goes a long way here.

Choose one eye product:

⭐️Photozyme Iquad https://photozyme.com/?ref=PENNYSMITH code PENNSMITH saves 25%

Dermelect Revitalite Eyes https://howl.link/050ursumlbj1j code PENN20 saves 20%

Strivectin Peptight Eye Serum https://amzn.to/4gjJeGY

OneSkin Eye https://go.shopmy.us/p-2439951 code PENN15 saves 20%

Revision DEJ Eye Cream https://amzn.to/3DqhW3c

NIOD Fractionated Eye Concentrate https://go.shopmy.us/p-11402626



  1. Moisturize Seal it all in with a rich, nourishing moisturizer. This locks in hydration and keeps your skin feeling soft and supple all night long.

⭐️SkinFix Triple Lipid Moisturizer https://go.shopmy.us/p-11307712

Vanicream Daily Moisturizer https://amzn.to/3DhBdE9

Biologique Recherche Creme Mask Vernix https://go.shopmy.us/p-11402647



PM Body Care

Don’t forget your body—it’s skin too! After your shower, apply a nourishing body lotion or cream. Bonus points for one with exfoliating ingredients like AHAs to keep your skin smooth and hydrated.

⭐️Amlactin Daily Nourish 12% https://amzn.to/3BCvXu7


If you would like to see my routine to combat crepey skin then watch this video:

IMPROVE crepey skin with this EASY routine!! https://youtu.be/qUENpJZ5w_w





Extras like essences, mists, and overnight acid masks can take your skincare routine to the next level! Essences and mists are optional steps that go right after cleansing, delivering a quick boost of hydration and prepping your skin to absorb other products more effectively. They’re perfect for when you want to pamper yourself or give your skin an extra layer of love. Just spritz or pat them on, and you’re good to go.


Essences/Mists I love:

⭐️Violette FR Boum-Boum Milk https://go.shopmy.us/p-6569952

Sukoyaka Suhada Urea Moisture Essence https://amzn.to/49VJk5l

Rejuran Moisture Treatment Essence https://amzn.to/4gq1squ

NIOD Superoxide Dismutase Saccharide Mist https://go.shopmy.us/p-8341799



Overnight acid serums or masks are a game-changer for those times when your skin needs a reset. These replace your regular nighttime routine: after your double cleanse, apply the acid product, let it work its magic, and then follow with a simple moisturizer. That’s it—no extra serums or creams needed. The acids gently exfoliate, unclog pores, and brighten your complexion while you sleep. Just be sure to limit use to 1-2 times a week and always follow with SPF the next morning to protect your fresh, glowing skin.


Overnight Acid Serums/Masks I love:

Dermelect Self Esteem Sleep Serum https://howl.link/w95bjagw2bqpf

Sunday Riley Good Genes All in One Lactic Acid Treatment https://go.shopmy.us/p-11436480


And there you have it—a comprehensive skincare routine that’s as luxurious as it is effective. Take these steps, personalize them with your favorite products, and watch your skin thrive. Consistency is key, so stick with it and enjoy the glow!

XX Penn



PPS Helpful graphics for you:






 


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.

10,579 views9 comments

Recent Posts

See All
bottom of page