Your Daytime Regimen

The morning routine is all about protection from the sun, pollution and the
elements, according to Dr. Rogers, so leave your peel pads and treatment products,
like retinol, for night.

STEP 1: CLEANSER
In the morning, start by splashing your face with warm water or, if you must, wash
with a gentle face cleanser designed for your skin type.
Try: iS Clinical Cleansing Complex

STEP 2: TONER
Most people choose to skip toners, partly because there’s a lingering assumption
that most toners are harsh and irritate the skin. Fortunately, that’s not the case
anymore. While they don’t physically “shrink” pores, the new breed of toners can
serve multiple purposes, like act as a delivery system for antioxidants, vitamin B
derivatives and even toning acids. Additionally, each type of toner is intended for a
different skin issue, so it’s important to use the right kind for your skin concern.
However, if you have lived all your life without using a toner and your skin looks
healthy, Dr. Rogers says there is no need to start using one. “Toners were created to
help return the skin’s pH after it became too basic from harsh soaps,” explains Dr.
Rogers. “Face cleansers are now so much better balanced that toners are not a
required step for me.” That said, if you have a toner that you like using, there’s no
harm in sticking with it.
Try: PCA Skin Nutrient Toner

STEP 3: ANTIOXIDANT SERUM

Serums are super-concentrated, nutrient-dense treatments that address specific
concerns, so it’s better to keep them as close to the skin as possible. There are
various serums available on the market today, but for daytime, Dr. Rogers
recommends antioxidant serums, which provide a variety of benefits—from blunting
your skin’s inflammatory response to neutralizing damage from UV rays and
environmental pollutants.
Try: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic 

STEP 4: EYE CREAM

According to Dr. Annie Chiu, a board-certified dermatologist, it’s vital to apply an eye
cream at least every night—if not twice a day—starting in your 20s. “It’s about
maintaining the health and thickness of the eyelid skin. Improving the skin quality in
this area early on ensures that the eyelid skin does not easily lose laxity and its
smooth appearance later on.”
For best results, consistency is key. “Regular use of eye cream over time will keep the
eyelid skin elastic and can improve or prevent against some fine lines or collagen
loss. Remember: Nothing is magic. Results don’t occur overnight,” Dr. Chiu adds.
“You can further protect the delicate skin around your eyes by choosing an eye
cream with SPF or applying sunscreen every day.” Dr. Chiu also advises people to
remember to wear sunglasses when outside to protect against UV-light damage and
lines that can creep up around the corners of your eyes from squinting.
Try: Neocutis Lumiere

STEP 5: SPOT TREATMENT

According to Dr. Diane De Fiori, a dermatologist at Rosacea Treatment Clinic,
prescription medications and acne spot treatments need to be applied as close to
the skin as possible to maximize their benefits.
As acne spot treatments differ in active ingredients, check your product packaging or
consult your dermatologist for the best way to apply it. Prescription-strength benzoyl
peroxide, a common acne spot treatment ingredient, has a one- to three-hour
working time, according to esthetician and acne specialist Ashley Wiley. “Any cream
that comes in contact with it before it has completed its work will likely inhibit the
active ingredient from working properly.”
Remember that acne spot treatments can dry out your skin, so always apply only on
spots where you need it.
Try: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment with Benzoyl Peroxide