My Morning Skincare Routine (From an Esthetician)

My Simple Morning Skincare Routine (From an Esthetician)

Some of you may not know this, but I went to esthetician school in 2020. One of the biggest takeaways from that experience was learning that skincare doesn’t need to be overly complicated to be effective.

With so many products and trends on social media, it can feel like you need a 10-step routine to have clear, glowing skin. But the truth is, a few intentional steps can make a huge difference.

Over the years, I’ve simplified my routine and focused on products and techniques that actually work. My morning skincare routine is quick, easy, and helps my skin look brighter, more sculpted, and protected throughout the day.


1. Wake Up Your Skin with Ice Therapy

One of my favorite ways to start the day is with a little cold therapy.

I use my Skin Gym CryoCicles, but you can also fill a bowl with ice water and gently dip your face in for a few seconds. This helps reduce puffiness, tighten the skin, and boost circulation for an instant refreshed look.

If you wake up feeling swollen or tired, this step makes a noticeable difference.

Shop my favorite ice globes here: https://go.shopmy.us/p-58344909


2. Depuff and Sculpt with Gua Sha

Next, I use a gua sha tool to help with lymphatic drainage and facial tension.

This step helps move excess fluid, reduce puffiness, and create a more sculpted appearance over time. I love focusing on my jawline, cheekbones, and under-eye area.

The key is to use light pressure and always glide upward and outward.

Shop my gua sha tool here: https://go.shopmy.us/p-58344756


3. Brighten with Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of my favorite skincare ingredients and a staple in my morning routine.

I use SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, which is one of the most well-known vitamin C serums for brightening the skin, evening out tone, and providing antioxidant protection.

It gives my skin a healthy glow and helps fade discoloration over time.

Shop SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic here: https://go.shopmy.us/p-58345064


4. Hydrate and Strengthen the Skin Barrier

Hydration is so important, especially if you want your skin to look smooth and plump.

Some mornings I use Rhode Glazing Milk for an extra boost of ceramides, followed by Clinique Moisture Surge to lock in hydration.

This combination leaves my skin feeling fresh, dewy, and deeply moisturized.

Shop Rhode Glazing Milk: https://go.shopmy.us/p-58345117
Shop Clinique Moisture Surge: https://go.shopmy.us/p-58345573


5. Optional Eye Patches

If my under-eye area feels puffy or dry, I’ll use eye patches while getting ready.

I rotate between the Rhode Peptide Eye Patches and the Derma E Vitamin C Bright Eyes Hydro Gel Patches.

They’re perfect for mornings when you want to look a little more awake.

Shop Rhode Eye Patches: https://go.shopmy.us/p-58351856
Shop Derma E Eye Patches: https://go.shopmy.us/p-58344613


6. Add a Healthy Glow

When I want a little extra color, I mix a few drops of Tan-Luxe The Face into my moisturizer.

It gives my skin a natural-looking glow without needing makeup and is one of my favorite beauty shortcuts.

Shop Tan-Luxe Drops: https://go.shopmy.us/p-58345211


7. Protect Your Skin with SPF

If there is one product I recommend to everyone, it’s sunscreen.

No matter how many skincare products you use, protecting your skin from UV damage is the most important step for preventing premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage.

I love the Beauty of Joseon Rice + Probiotics Sunscreen because it feels lightweight, hydrating, and wears beautifully under makeup.

Shop my favorite sunscreen: https://go.shopmy.us/p-58352043


My Philosophy on Skincare

After attending esthetician school, I learned that consistency matters far more than having an elaborate routine.

You don’t need dozens of products to achieve healthy skin. Focus on:

  • Reducing puffiness
  • Supporting lymphatic drainage
  • Using antioxidant protection
  • Keeping your skin hydrated
  • Wearing SPF every single day

That’s really the foundation of a great skincare routine.


Shop Everything Mentioned

Shop everything from this routine here:
https://shopmy.us/collections/5295668

Shop more of my favorite beauty products here:
https://shopmy.us/hannahpicchi


Final Thoughts

Skincare should feel simple, effective, and enjoyable.

You don’t need an overwhelming routine to get glowing skin. A few quality products and consistent habits can make all the difference.

This routine has become one of my favorite parts of my morning, and I love how refreshed, sculpted, and protected my skin feels afterward.

Sometimes, less really is more. ✨

Shop everything mentioned in this post here: https://shopmy.us/collections/5295668

SKINCEUTICALS | C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid Serum:
https://go.shopmy.us/p-58345064

RHODE SKIN | Glazing Milk Ceramide Facial Essence 124ml:
https://go.shopmy.us/p-58345117

TAN-LUXE | The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops:
https://go.shopmy.us/p-58345211

RHODE SKIN | Peptide Eye Prep Depuffing Eye Patches 6 Pack:
https://go.shopmy.us/p-58351856

Caudalie Vinoclean Gentle Foam Cleanser:
https://go.shopmy.us/p-58345504

SEPHORA | Gua Sha Rose Quartz – Face and Neck:
https://go.shopmy.us/p-58344756

SKIN GYM | Cryocicles Facial Ice Globes:
https://go.shopmy.us/p-58344909

CLINIQUE Moisture Surge™ 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator Gel-Cream Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid:
https://go.shopmy.us/p-58345573

BEAUTY OF JOSEON | Rice and Probiotics Face Sunscreen:
https://go.shopmy.us/p-58352043

DERMA E | Vitamin C Bright Eyes Hydro Gel Eye Patches – Ct:
https://go.shopmy.us/p-58344613

Shop more of my favorite products here: https://shopmy.us/hannahpicchi

Keep Up with Hannah

Similar Posts