Morning Skincare Routine For Sensitive Skin
struggling with oily skin, breakouts, or irritation?
What if I told you that you could improve all that in just 5 minutes each morning? Waking up at 5 a.m. for work, I used to rush through my mornings, often skipping skincare entirely. My skin paid the price—excess oil, breakouts, and irritation. My initial thought was that doing less would help, but in reality, I was making matters worse. It took years of negligence and a global pandemic for me to finally become more intentional about my skincare routine. Now, I’ve perfected it—this quick, 5-minute routine has been my go-to for 2–3 years. I repurchased the same products because they work so well for my oily, sensitive, acne-prone skin.
This routine may not be one-size-fits-all, but it can offer helpful tips and product suggestions for anyone looking to manage similar skin concerns.
Step 1: gENTLY CLEANSE THE SKIN
This gentle cleanser effectively removes excess oil and dirt without stripping the skin. It's fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, perfect for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Use lukewarm water and gently massage the cleanser into your skin. This cleanser works well as a double cleanse if you wear makeup, ensuring your skin is thoroughly clean without drying it out.
Pro tip: Use lukewarm water and pat dry with a microfiber towel for minimal irritation.
Step 2: aPPLY TONER
If there’s one product that single-handedly managed my acne breakouts while also preventing future ones, this would be it. This toner was my saving grace for mask acne in 2020! It unclogs pores, smooths skin texture, and reduces oil production without over-stripping the skin.
Pro tip: Apply with hands, not a cotton pad, to maximize absorption.
step 3: eye cream
I struggle with dark under-eye circles, and this area of my skin tends to be more dehydrated. After trying eye creams upwards of $40, I found that this drugstore version is just as effective, if not better. It provides lightweight hydration and brightening to prevent fine lines and puffiness.
Pro tip: Tap gently with your ring finger to avoid tugging the delicate eye area.
step 4: moisturize
This lightweight, oil-free moisturizer provides just the right balance of hydration without clogging pores or increasing oiliness. It’s gentle on sensitive skin and absorbs quickly.
Pro tip: Gently massage a small amount evenly over your face and neck for long-lasting hydration.
step 5: sunscreen
My skin has allergic reactions to the main ingredients found in most chemical sunscreens. Mineral sunscreen became my only option. This one from Supergoop! has been a non-negotiable staple in my routine. It is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and perfect for sensitive, acne-prone skin.
Pro tip: Smooth it over your face and neck for full coverage. Reapply throughout the day as needed. No white cast is a bonus!
This quick, 5-minute morning skincare routine has been a game-changer for my oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. While I still deal with oiliness and hormonal acne, I feel much more confident managing these skin concerns. This routine has led to a noticeable improvement in reducing breakouts and minimizing texture.
Skincare is personal to you, and what works for me may need to be adjusted to fit your needs. If you have sensitive skin, try this routine and see how it works for you! Have a favorite product or tip of your own? Let me know! Follow me on Instagram for the latest skincare updates or new product updates: @michelleboongaling.
