A Simple and Effective Morning Skincare Routine

Let’s talk about morning skincare for those of us over 40, with aging skin and zero time for ourselves.  

Having a simple yet effective morning skincare routine does not have to be complicated.

On the contrary, it should be simpler than what you do at night.

Your nighttime routine should heal and repair your skin while your morning routine prepares and protects it for the day.

Think of this as a framework you can follow and plug your preferred products into. With spring around the corner, maybe you could benefit from a morning skincare refresh. 

The products below are a mix of drugstore and luxury brands. (Several recommendations and more budget-friendly options are included.)

But do your research for your skin type and needs, or talk to your dermatologist, and then give each new product a try for at least 30 days to see its efficacy.

I have tested dozens of products over the years.

It’s an investment of time and money, but the benefit is healthy skin that makes me feel confident. 

If you leave today’s post motivated to commit to your routine and wear sunscreen daily, I did my job. 🙂 

A Simple and Effective Morning Skincare Routine for Women Over 40

Caudalie Micellar Cleansing Water, $32 | REN Ready Steady Glow Toner, $22 – $40 |SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, $182 | La Roche-Posay Niacinamide Double Repair Face Moisturizer, $21 | EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen, SPF 46, $40

5 Steps to Prepare and Protect

Cleanse

Some experts will tell you not to wash your face in the morning, arguing that, since you went to bed with a clean face, you risk over-cleansing your skin of its natural oils.

However, I can’t imagine not washing my face after I wake up.

If you go to sleep using a chemical exfoliant, retinoid, or just a heavy night cream, you’ll want to wash all that off. (More on that in a minute.)

And with a house full of kids, by the time I wash my face, it’s been touched a hundred times.

You do want your morning cleanser to be gentle and protect the skin barrier.

I currently use the Caudalie Micellar Cleansing Water ($15 – $30).

This is really light and gentle while also hydrating. It’s nice for the morning. You put some a cotton pad and wipe your face. You don’t need to rinse it off.

I’m also never without the La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser ($17.00). This is just a fantastic, do-it-all cleanser.

And long time readers know I adore the Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil, but I use it at night as the first step in a double cleanse.

A quick note: I’m often asked if I do my skincare before or after a workout.

I cleanse with the Caudalie first thing, throw on a little moisturizer and my sunscreen, and go to my workout.

THEN, I get home, shower , wash my face with the La-Roche Posay and do my entire routine.

There is no reason to waste your products if you are going to sweat and wash them off an hour later.

Tone

Next, I tone.

The REN Ready Steady Glow Toner, is a staple in my routine and the only one I will use. Even though my skin is sensitive, this is gentle enough to use daily.

It’s the best of everything; it lightly exfoliates, brightens, tightens, and hydrates.

A toner like REN is essential for your skin in the morning if you use an exfoliant or retinoid at night as it removes any dead skin washing may have missed and it preps your skin for the next layer of active ingredients.

Vitamin C 

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that stimulates collagen production in your skin. 

It also fights fine lines and brightens your complexion. Skincare experts also tout it as one of the best anti-aging ingredients ever.

You want to use Vitamin C in the morning because it helps protect your skin from free radicals. 

And use it on dry skin. 

I’ve tried several Vitamin C products over the years, from drugstore brands to $200 + serums. There are a lot of solid products that can fit any budget.

I have splurged on SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. Some might call this the holy grail of Vitamin C, with its cult-like following.

It gets high praise from beauty experts and consumers alike. It’s been the most effective of all the Vitamin C’s I’ve tried on my skin.

One of the cons of it is that it’s costly.

An alternative to SkinCeuticals is the MAELOVE Glow Maker. I found this thanks to a recommendation from a reader, and it’s an excellent alternative for under $40.

Is it as effective? No.

Some experts disagree with these being in dropper bottles. They argue that when the formulation is exposed to oxygen, it loses its potency. However, I recently heard a dermatologist explain that that is likely only an issue when you’re not finishing the bottle quickly.

I use this every day, so unfortunately, it’s not great for my wallet. A bottle lasts me about six weeks. 

The SkinCeuticals is impressive, but MAELOVE is a solid choice as a budget option.

Another option I like, especially if you are just starting to use Vitamin C, is the  TruSkin Vitamin C serum, available on Amazon for about $20 as a final alternative. 

Regarding Vitamin C (or any active skincare), you must research options and try a few different products to see what your skin can handle.

I have found that a serum with 15% L-ascorbic acid is perfect for my skin to see results. Generally, you don’t want anything under 8%, or you won’t see any change.

Also, I keep Vitamin C in the refrigerator.

Whatever Vitamin C you use, apply it to your face, neck, and hands and let it set for a few minutes. Brush your teeth or make your bed before going to the next step.

And you MUST wear sunscreen with Vitamin C.

Optional Layers

Before you moisturize this is where you can add optional serums.

Just be sure the vitamin C is absorbed and whatever you’re layering works with Vitamin C.

I still use Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum every day, morning and night.

I have a more in depth feature on why I would take this if I was stranded on a desert island here.

Moisturize

Next up, moisturize. 

Add your moisturizer after the Vitamin C and whatever else you layer on settles.

I love the La Roche-Posay Niacinamide Double Repair Face Moisturizer. 

It is incredibly hydrating and non-greasy. I also love the fact that it’s only $20.

I will note, though, that I have sensitive skin, and their moisturizer option with SPF makes my eyes water and burn.

SPF 30 +

Finally, SPF is the most crucial step in any morning skincare routine. 

If you don’t protect your skin upfront, there’s no point in spending money on products to repair it. 

You need to use a generous amount all over your face and neck. 

I enjoy the EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen, SPF 46. It has over 40,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, and it’s well worth the praise.

It’s GREAT for sensitive skin, especially if you have acne, redness, or rosacea, and it’s just under $40. I started using it back in July and am sticking with it.

Apply generously to your face and neck, and don’t forget your hands. It absorbs quickly and layers nicely under makeup.