When imagining the habits of high-achieving entrepreneurs, you might picture morning workouts, endless cups of coffee, or power-packed breakfast meetings. But here’s a less obvious, yet crucial, routine many of them swear by: their morning skincare rituals. For these movers and shakers, skin care isn’t just about appearances. It’s an anchor for self-care, a way to recharge their energy, and even a strategy to create a winning mindset.

The good news? You don’t need to have their million-dollar bank account to steal some of their secrets. This article breaks down the skincare routines of successful entrepreneurs and explains how you can tailor them to power up your own mornings.

Why Skincare Matters for Success

Before we jump into the juicy details, you may be wondering, “Skincare? Really? What does that have to do with success?” Well, a lot more than you think.

  1. Confidence Boost: Whether you’re walking into a meeting or logging onto a Zoom call, clear and glowing skin can give you a confidence boost. Entrepreneurs understand that how you feel about yourself impacts how you show up.
  2. Stress Relief: Skin care is a mindful moment in an often chaotic day. Spending 5–10 minutes nurturing yourself can ease stress and prepare you mentally for the challenges ahead.
  3. Discipline and Habit-Building: Skincare routines require consistency. This daily ritual reinforces the importance of discipline, an essential trait for anyone chasing big goals.

Now that we know why skincare is so hyped among the high-achieving crowd, it’s time to look at what they’re actually doing.

The Clean Slate Habit

Step 1: A Perfect Cleanser

Starting with clean skin is non-negotiable. Successful individuals understand that just as you’d never build a house on an unstable foundation, you shouldn’t layer products on a face clogged with yesterday’s grime. Many entrepreneurs opt for gentle cleansers that remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin’s natural moisture.

For example, Whitney Wolfe Herd, founder of Bumble, candidly shares the importance of a clean start to her day. Her go-to mantra? Simplicity. A lightweight foaming cleanser kicks things off, especially after workouts.

What You Can Do:

Choose a cleanser suited to your skin type. If you have oily skin, a gel or foam cleanser can work wonders. Got dry skin? Try a creamy formula. The key is to keep it gentle so your face feels clean but not tight or over-dried.

Layering Up With Hydration

Step 2: Toner and Essence Magic

Many high achievers reach for a toner or essence to prep their skin after cleansing. Toners remove leftover impurities and balance your skin’s pH, while essences add a burst of hydration and nutrients.

Take Glossier founder Emily Weiss, for instance. Her morning routine always involves balancing her skin with a hydrating essence. These hydrating steps are all about creating a smooth canvas so the products that follow can work their magic.

What You Can Do:

If you’re not familiar with toner or essence, don’t stress. Simply look for a product labeled hydrating or soothing, especially if your skin sometimes feels tight after cleansing. A quick pat all over your face, and you’ll start noticing a difference.

Vitamin C, The Powerhouse Serum

Step 3: Brighten and Protect

If there’s one product that almost every entrepreneur swears by, it’s a Vitamin C serum. Why? It’s the MVP of skincare. Vitamin C brightens dull skin, fades dark spots, and even protects against pollution. Talk about multitasking!

Take Marc Lore, founder of Jet.com. He’s been vocal about his morning routine and swears by effective products. Adding a top-notch serum with antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, is a smart move for entrepreneurs constantly exposed to urban environments.

What You Can Do:

Look for a Vitamin C serum with L-ascorbic acid, the most potent and effective form of Vitamin C. Apply a couple of drops post-toner and spread it gently across your face.

Moisturize Like You Mean It

Step 4: The Hydration Game

After the lightweight layers come the moisturizing step. Every high-achiever understands the importance of locking in the products they’ve already applied. Moisturizers give skin a protective barrier and keep it soft, even if you’re headed for battle (well, the business kind).

For example, beauty mogul and entrepreneur Rihanna swears by deeply hydrating moisturizers for that lasting glow. Her Fenty Skin line heavily prioritizes hydration because it’s the foundation of good skin.

What You Can Do:

Find a moisturizer that resonates with your skin’s needs. If it’s dry, lean into rich creams. If it’s on the oilier side, stick to gel or water-based formulas. The goal? Hydrated, healthy-looking skin.

Sunscreen Is Non-Negotiable

Step 5: Shielding Your Skin

You’ve heard it a million times because it’s true. Sunscreen is the single most impactful thing you can apply to your skin every morning. It prevents premature aging, sun damage, and even skin cancer. Entrepreneurs who care about their future know the value of protecting themselves today.

Take Elon Musk, for example. While he’s more famous for his work in tech and energy, even he has been spotted mentioning the importance of sunscreen. And he’s right! Whether you work inside or spend the day outdoors, SPF is your skin’s ultimate guardian.

What You Can Do:

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Apply generously (yes, more than you think), and don’t forget your neck, ears, and even the backs of your hands.

Bonus Rituals That High Achievers Love

The basics might end here for many, but some entrepreneurs like taking things up a notch. From face masks to under-eye creams, these additions elevate their skincare game. Here are just a few extras worth trying.

  • Face Masks: Co-founder of Drybar, Alli Webb, incorporates sheet masks once a week to deeply hydrate and refresh her skin.
  • Under-Eye Care: Whether it’s cooling gels or caffeine-packed creams, combating puffiness is a priority. It’s no surprise when they’re burning the midnight oil.
  • Facial Massage: Beauty entrepreneurs like Miranda Kerr praise the benefits of facial rollers. They swear it reduces puffiness and keeps their skin glowing.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by talk of luxury products and celebrity-level routines. But the truth is, you don’t need to spend a fortune to create a routine that works for you. Many drugstore brands offer high-quality products at a fraction of the cost. The trick is knowing what your skin needs and making smart choices.