WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Your Morning Skincare Routine: Protect & Prevent

Part Three of Our Four-Part Series on Building the Ideal Skincare Routine

If you’ve been following along, you’ll know that in Part One, we talked about the Core Four - the key ingredients that deliver real, science-backed results for your skin. Then in Part Two, we broke down the Bookends of your routine: your cleanser and moisturiser. Today, we’re diving into how to build your ideal morning routine, where the focus is all about protection and prevention.


This is one of the most important parts of your skincare journey—especially if you’re younger or just starting out. Getting this right sets the foundation for healthy skin long-term.

The Goal: Protection & Prevention

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Your morning routine is your daily defence strategy. You want to:

Prevent further damage, particularly from UV rays

Protect the skin from environmental stressors like pollution, smoking, diet, and oxidative stress

And the two ingredients that help us do this best are:

1. Antioxidant

2. SPF

We then complete your morning routine with your Bookends—your cleanser and moisturiser.

Yes, you can add in extras like peptides or exfoliating acids later on. But let’s focus on getting the basics right first. That’s what I do in clinic: build the essentials, then add layers depending on your skin’s needs.

STEP 1: CLEANSE GENTLY

Start your morning with a quick, gentle cleanse. Overnight, we sweat, our hair gets in our face, and let’s be honest—we’re probably not changing our pillowcases as often as we should. A light cleanse removes all that buildup and preps your skin for the active ingredients to come.


Keep it simple:

• Cream or gel-based cleanser that suits your skin

• No need for a double cleanse in the morning

• Don’t overthink it—just make it a habit

STEP 2: APPLY YOUR ANTIOXIDANT

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Think of antioxidants as your skin’s internal bodyguard. They help neutralise any damage caused by UV rays or environmental aggressors. The two I reach for most in clinic? Vitamin C and Niacinamide.


Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)

Vitamin C is one of the most researched, potent antioxidants on the market. It works by neutralising free radicals (the unstable molecules created by sun exposure and pollution) before they can damage your skin.

Some key points:

• Boosts the effectiveness of your SPF by up to 10x

• Brightens the skin

• Helps with collagen production

• Best used as a serum, in the morning


My top pick:

SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic – Contains 15% L-Ascorbic Acid + Vitamin E + Ferulic Acid. Backed by 18+ clinical studies and patented for stability and efficacy. A gold standard.


If you’re after something more affordable:

Medik8 C-Tetra or Vichy Liftactiv Vitamin C – Both use stable derivatives like tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, which are gentler and still effective.


Important note:

Vitamin C is not a pigment eraser. While it helps reduce oxidative stress, you may need other ingredients (like hydroquinone or prescription options) for stubborn pigmentation.

Vitamin C Top Picks

€193,00

A daytime Vitamin C antioxidant that delivers advanced environmental protection and improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness.

€55,00

Utilising the antioxidant power of vitamin C and E, the hydrating serum brightens and smooths the complexion, while fighting free radicals to reduce visible signs of ageing.

€50,00

Formulated with 15% pure Vitamin C, this powerful serum boosts skin antiox defenses to brighten skin and boost radiance.

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Niacinamde

Niacinamide is a true all-rounder—especially for sensitive, inflamed, or acne-prone skin.


Its benefits include:

• Reducing inflammation and redness

• Managing oil production

• Improving skin texture and pore appearance

• Fading post-inflammatory pigmentation

• Supporting the skin barrier


You can also layer in niacinamide with other products. For example, Obagi Rebalance moisturiser or Obagi Daily Hydro Drops (both with 2% niacinamide) are beautiful options for extra hydration and support.

€145,00

Lightweight emulsion delivering intense hydration without a heavy or tacky feel. Visibly improves the early signs of photoaging by increasing skin cell turnover to resurface skin, helps reclarify and even skin tone, and improves the appearance of wrinkles and elasticity.

€55,00

A first-of-its-kind discoloration treatment to visibly correct persistent dark spots with long-lasting results, while respecting the natural tone of all skin.

STEP 3: Moisturise based on how your skin feels

You don’t need a “moisturiser for dry skin” or “for oily skin”—you need a moisturiser that works for how your skin feels today. Some mornings I want something light, others I feel like I need more. And that’s totally okay.


Choose something that:

• Supports your barrier

• Contains ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids, or hyaluronic acid

• Works under SPF and makeup


(You can find my go-to moisturiser recommendations in Part Two of this series if you missed it.)

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step 4: Always finish with SPF

SPF is your last step—always.

Even the best antioxidant won’t protect you if you don’t wear sunscreen.


A few notes:

• Apply two full finger lengths of product for your face and neck

• Use a separate SPF, not one mixed into your moisturiser if you can

• Go with a non-tinted SPF first, then layer on a tinted SPF (like ColorScience) if you want extra coverage and protection


This is the one product I want you to never skip.

The Morning Routine Recap:

If you want to keep it simple, this is all you need

That's it!

Four simple steps to protect your skin now - and into the future.

Ready to build your morning routine?

Coming Next

Part 4: the Ultimate PM Routine for Skin Correction


We hope you're enjoying this skincare journey. Because we're here to guide & simplify!