Skincare is not a fixed formula – what works today may not work tomorrow. Products change, so does our skin, and each person has a different combination of needs. And as I love testing new products, for me to repeat one, it’s because it really has made a difference to my routine– not least because we know that many of them are good, but don’t bring about a significant change.

In this post, I share in detail the synergy of the products I’ve been using in the mornings: a mix of Korean and Western formulas that complement each other well. I also share simple extra tips that make all the difference to any skincare routine.

My morning skincare is more basic than my evening skincare, because I don’t have much time or patience for it in the morning – I spend between 5 and 7 minutes (counted!) on it.

My skin is oily, and I change my moisturizers according to the season. Since it’s winter in the Southern Hemisphere, I prioritize a thicker moisturizer. At this stage, this is the routine I’ve been following in the morning: simple, practical and functional.

We’ll go step by step – from toner to sunscreen – and I’ll explain not only what use, but why I choose each item.

Step 1: Cleanse the skin

Nowadays, I don’t use a traditional cleanser to wash my face in the morning. How I apply it tretinoin (vitamin A) at night – a powerful active ingredient that should not be exposed to the sun – I feel the need to thoroughly remove any residue when I wake up. That’s why I usually cleanse my skin with a solution of glycolic acid 7% from The Ordinary.

However, this practice is not recommended for everyone. Glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant, recommended for use at night and preferably on alternate days to the use of retinoids such as tretinoin. In the morning, the ideal is to wash your face with cold water or a mild cleanserespecially if you have sensitive skin, are starting to use acids or have a routine with potent actives.

So why do I keep using glycolic acid in the morning? Because my skin, which is oily and resistant, adapted well to this combination. I feel that the glycolic acid enhances the skin’s glow by gently exfoliating, complementing the renewal that the tretinoin stimulates with continuous use. Even so, it’s worth emphasizing: this is a personal choicebased on my knowledge of my own skin.

If you’re just starting out or want to include this type of acid in your routine, the night use is safer and more effective – and always with attention to the hydration, use of sunscreen and signs of sensitivity.

Step 2: Toner

After cleansing my skin with glycolic acid, I apply the Propolis Synergy Toner from COSRX. It was the first time I used this tonic, and I know I’m going to buy it again. It’s formulated with propolis and honey extract, has a light texture and is perfect for sensitive or sensitized skin by other active ingredients. It’s one of those wildcard products: moisturizing, soothing and extremely gentlewithout the risk of conflict with other steps in the routine.

TIP

A practical Korean skincare tip that changed my routine a while ago was stop using absorbent cotton to apply the tonic. Instead, I put a few drops in the palm of my hand and apply it directly to my face, pressing gently. This not only makes the product more effective – as it goes straight onto the skin, without any waste – but it also helps to save and reduce waste. In other words: more results, less expense, and the environment thanks you. Everyone wins.

Step 3: Niacinamide

This is the only product in my skincare routine that has remained fixed for a long time – more than a year! The most curious thing is that, the first time I used niacinamide, I I didn’t like it. I felt it had dried out my skin and put it aside. But after reading more about its benefits, I decided to give it a second chance – and I’m glad I did. Today, I can no longer live without it. In addition to topical use, I also take niacinamide supplementbecause I can see a real difference in my skin.

My favorite is still Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% from The Ordinary. The formula is simple and straightforward, but what wins me over the most is the size bottle of 60ml – perfect for everyday use. I like products that make routine easierand this one does just that: good price, generous size and consistent result. Simple, practical and effective – boom!

Step 3: Serum

I’m finishing PLC Vita K Liposome Serum by Dr. Ceuracle. I opened the bottle in November last year – that is, it lasted practically eight months of daily use.That says a lot about the performance.

It was the first time I tested this serum, and I’ll definitely be using it again. The texture is very liquid, light and quickly absorbed. During a stay in Brazil, I had some pimples and was surprised by the result: it helped to lighten spots in about two weeks. Together with niacinamide, it has become a skincare game-changer for those with acne-prone skin.

I haven’t used the second serum in the photo yet, but I’ve included it here because it’s next in line. By the way, this is fourth bottle of AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum by SOME BY MI that I use – need more proof of how much I trust it? When I start using it again, I’ll probably pause the glycolic acid. It already offers a well-balanced chemical exfoliation due to the combined acids.

Step 4: Moisturizer + Vitamin C

I’m currently using Soybean Nourishing Cream by Round Lab as a moisturizer. But I don’t know if I’d buy it again. It’s light, dries super quickly and isn’t ultra moisturizing. I liked it, but not enough to say for sure that it’s going back into my routine. I think it works better for oily skinbut definitely I wouldn’t recommend it for dry skin.

I put a small amount of moisturizer on my hand and mix it with half (or even less) a spoonful of 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder from The Ordinary. I know that many dermatologists do not recommend this powder because, being pure vitamin C, it is highly potent, difficult to dose correctly and requires care when combining with other products. Since its pH is lowif it is mixed with a formula with an incompatible pH, it can end up being ineffective or even irritating.

I’ve tested several forms of vitamin C, and few have really made a difference like this one. Many formulas oxidize quickly or don’t deliver visible results. When I used this powder in the past, it irritated my skin a lotI ended up quitting. But since last year, I used it again in a different way – and this time it’s been working really well.

I would say that including this product makes the skincare routine a little more advancedthen I wouldn’t recommend it to everyoneespecially beginners. If you want me to tell you more about how I’m using it now, let me know in the comments below!

Step 5: Sunscreen

Sunscreen is the last step of my morning skincare routine. And yes, I know – it looks strange because the packaging is unlabeled. But that’s because All-Around Safe Block Waterproof Sun Milk by MISSHA simply takes forever to end. I opened in February, when I was in Brazil, and four months later I’m still using it every day.

Would you buy again? Yes, but with reservations. It’s very liquid, dries quickly and has great hold. However, I I would only use it in situations such as at the beach or swimming poolwhich was precisely my intention when I took it to Brazil. As it was already open, I ended up using it to the end – but for everyday use, I prefer other formulas.

TIP

Have a hand fan to help products dry faster. It may seem silly, but believe me: letting each layer dry completely before applying the next one makes all the difference. When you apply one product on top of another while it is still wet, you run the risk of neutralize the pH, dilute the formula or even change the texture of the products.

In addition, taking this time helps more effective absorption of active ingredients and reduces the risk of irritation – especially if you use acids or vitamin C. And the best bit: speeds up your routine in a few minutes.

My fan, poor thing, is already all dirty and patched up from so much use. But it’s still going strong.

Final Thoughts

This is my current morning skincare routine – practical, adapted to my oily skin and always changing. What about you, do you have any products that you keep in your routine or any tips that have changed the way you look after your skin? Let me know in the comments below!

Until the next sip,

Notes:

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The information presented here is for information purposes only and does not replace medical or dermatological advice.