Tone. Rinse off the cleanser with lukewarm water. Want the deep dive on the skincare steps? But whether it’s an absolute necessary is widely debated. Cleansing directly afterwards would wash the exfoliant from your skin before it has a chance to work. Do you exfoliate before or after toner? The order of these products are generally from thinnest to thickest in consistency.The only thing to note: if you're applying acids, generally apply vitamin C first, then BHA, then AHA, then your other treatments because you want to go from lower pH to higher pH for optimal results.Did you use a mask after cleansing and toning? Toner after mask Most people know it's crucial to moisturize after masking, but adding a spritz of toner is an often overlooked step. “After cleansing but before your serums and moisturisers apply your toner,” recommends Abigail. For toners, essences or toning essences, if they're great at hydrating, apply a handful of layers on and watch your skin get super hydrated and plumped up! STEP 2: TONER / ESSENCEAfter cleansing, when skin is still slightly damp, apply a hydrating toner. Korean toners typically balance the skin's pH back to a healthy ~5.5 while imparting instant hydration.Follow up with an essence as they are formulated to truly drench skin with hydration. Toners that contain AHAs or BHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids) are a different story, as they act as an exfoliating step in your routine. If you enjoy using your best toner and it your skin has no problem with it, do so after cleanser. … ‘For those who can’t tolerate any of the above acids, mandelic acid may be less irritating to use as the larger molecules don’t penetrate as deeply.’, For more skincare advice and product recommendations, head to our Hair & Beauty section at the top of the page. Regardless of the formula, apply your toner or serum after cleansing, preferably at night, since exfoliating can make your complexion sun-sensitive. ‘Masks, if used, can be applied once or twice a week,’ says Dr Kluk. Retinol is known for being a pretty potent potion, so on the days you apply it, swap out any acid-containing products to avoid any reactions. STEP 3: EXFOLIATORS / MASKSNow your skin is cleansed, toned and hydrated. It’s important to start with a clean face before you exfoliate. Do exfoliate if you have oily skin. This will help clear out your pores. You can apply these daily to weekly depending on the product. Apply to Clean Skin, at Night . You can skip the treatments then - or double down for even more intensive results.Typically, your skin will love the pampering (in facials, a whole lot of products are massaged into skin), but do be careful that you're not too layering on too many acids, vitamin C, or retinol-based formulas altogether. ‘Using a sunscreen can help protect against skin cancer, as well as early onset of skin ageing, such as wrinkles or pigmentation,’ Mahto confirms. Which, we might add, you should be doing every day anyway! Slough away the surface layer of the skin with your exfoliant tool of choice. Can a facial really help get rid of blackheads. With approximately a bajillion products on the market (just a ball park), it’s safe to say that skincare order can get a bit confusing. ‘Vitamin A creams, such as retinol or retinaldehyde, may increase sensitivity to the sun and so should be applied at night – and SPF should be applied the following morning. Depending on your skin’s level of sensitivity, you may want to avoid acids completely on the days you’re using retinol (more on why later). ‘At night, using a vitamin A product [like retinol] will help boost collagen production in the skin as well as even out skin tone,’ Dr Mahto explains. The purpose of a toner is to remove any dirt or oil left behind after cleansing your face. Otherwise, your Refreshen Microdermabrasion treatment will remove any dirt and oil … A final option for those determining whether to exfoliate before or after cleansing is to use both mechanical and chemical exfoliation. These may help if you struggle with breakouts, clogged pores or slow skin cell turnover, depending on the particular acid. (The cloth should be used to gently wipe off your creamy or oily makeup-removing cleanser.) Prescription Products. ‘Not all skin types need a toner,’ adds Kate Bancroft, founder of Face the Future. Finish your nightly routine with your usual moisturiser or the best night cream for your skin type. ‘Following retinol with any other topical skincare will dilute the active ingredient, vitamin A, and reduce its effectiveness,’ Bancroft adds. This is also when you should be applying the best eye cream for your needs – whether that’s for dark circles, bags or perhaps wrinkles. A good way to remember how to layer product is: thinner, water-based products first followed by oil-based, thicker products, and always ending with SPF [during the day].’. There is some debate over whether or not toners are necessary. Exfoliator goes before both toner and essence! Now, it's time to seal it all in with a moisturizer that's right for your skin type. ‘If you have oily skin or breakouts, choose salicylic acid. Now it's time for serums, ampoules and oils. Also, exfoliating your skin after toning makes no sense whatsoever because with a toner you apply it with cotton wool and then leave it on the skin. If you like the way your skin feels after using a toner, you should use one. ‘Acids are potentially quite irritating to the skin and can cause redness, peeling and sensitivity, so it’s best to select one product and only add others if there is still a clinical need and your skin is able to tolerate it. You would definitely exfoliate before you tone. And if your skin is particularly dry, you could try layering an oil over the top to lock in moisture, but it may not be essential. After you’ve wiped away your makeup, the next step is mechanical exfoliation. Depending on your skin type, be sure to choose the best moisturiser for dry skin, best moisturiser for oily skin or best moisturiser for combination skin. This removes any remaining debris from your pores as well as aids in cell turnover. After cleansing, when skin is still slightly damp, apply a … Typically, exfoliators should be applied as follows.Dry/Sensitive Skin – 2 Times WeeklyCombination/ Oily Skin – 3 Times WeeklyNormal Skin – 2-3 Times depending on how your skin feels that week!Some exfoliators can be used daily and the product instructions will specify that.After cleansing and toning is also when you would apply sheet masks, modeling masks, wash-off masks. ‘The order and steps depend on your skin type, which is why when reading blogs and online articles, you have to keep in mind the person writing might have totally different skin needs to you,’ explains Ksenia Selivanova, co-founder of skin consultancy Lion/ne. Again, a silicone cleansing brush is your best choice for daily use. How often you should exfoliate depends on your skin type and skin concerns. And of course, in the AM, SPF, always. Marie Claire is supported by its audience. It also softens your dead skin cells that are on you face. Wet your face with warm water, and massage a cleanser that fits your skin type into your skin. Again referring to The Inkey List’s earlier advice, apply hydrating serums first and treatment serums second. If you ask yourself ‘what order should I apply my skincare products? Alternating Skincare Steps. Toner (depends on type) can leave a layer of ingredients, remove excess oil. It is not supposed to be washed off, but by using an exfoliater [and water] you're rinsing the toner off. The function of a moisturizer is to hydrate, yes, but it's not going to penetrate anywhere near as much as a serum. However, if the mask and exfoliator are both meant to exfoliate, that's too much for skin. Out of the two, a face mask comes first. If you have sensitive skin, Joy recommends rinsing your face with lukewarm water after using an exfoliating toner and adjusting your usage as the seasons change. Regardless of … More and more of us are using potent skincare ingredients, like acids and retinol, on the regular, so it’s important to know which of the strong stuff don’t mix. Test to see what works best for your skin. Our estheticians will provide personalized recommendations. If your skin is oily or combination - a lighter moisturizer that is water-based and one that doesn't clog pores is recommended. You should absolutely use an exfoliator after cleansing and never before. No doubt you will have heard talk of exfoliating acids in the context of skincare too- if you’re a regular reader, you’ll be au fait with an exfoliating toner and the overwhelming preference of derms, facialists and skincare experts for chemical exfoliants over physical ones. While exfoliating and smoothing the skin are the desired result for most everyone, I’m seeing a lot of damage being caused from using exfoliating liquids too often, which leads to poor results for the skin’s overall health. The same goes for acids,’ explains Dr Kluk. This is key for a healthy skin environment and essences are incredibly effective ways to bring moisture to the deeper layers of the skin.Some products double as toners and essences. In the morning, it’s a good idea for vitamin C serums to come next, as they can offer additional protection for skin during the day. (Believe it or not, there is actually a wrong way and a right way to wash your face.) If you enjoy using your best toner and it your skin has no problem with it, do so after cleanser. Whether you prefer seven steps or a couple, we're here to make sure you're using your products in the right order. Will exfoliating enhance the effects of your mask? This step is essential as water-based cleansers alone won't remove things like your makeup, your night cream, SPF, and oil commingled with impurities. Free Shipping US $40+ & Pick 2 Free Samples! To answer that, first you need to know what toner is. Otherwise, layers of hydrating and nourishing ingredients are loved by skin. This is because a toner is meant to shrink your pores. ‘For example, dry and reactive skin will not need a toner, and oils aren’t suited to every skin. Hydrating serums can be used at any time of day, so you may want add one in here, too. Toning removes anything left behind, refreshes your skin, and lets your skin absorb your moisturizer to … The biggest risk would be to your wallet, as you'd be wasting money by adopting this skincare strategy. Before proceeding with the application of the mask it is important to apply a facial tonic. If you want to smooth and hydrate the skin, choose lactic acid. ‘It functions to remove dirt, sweat, grime, microbes and pollution from the skin surface, as well as creating a clean base to then apply further products.’. Whether you are blessed with clear skin or constantly battle acne, oil or redness, a proper skincare routine is necessary to ensure the health of your face. If your skin is dry or normal - a slightly heavier moisturizer is great, especially in the winter months. ‘I would suggest applying a mask after cleansing in the evening, then following with the rest of your usual skincare routine.’. These types of toners are being used once or twice a day after cleansing, as a way to exfoliate (remove surface dry skin cells) and give a smooth appearance to the skin. These can lead to dryness, flaking, itching, sensitivity and irritation if they are overused. Shop this super comforting cream that seals it all in. ‘An example of this would be avoiding the application of AHAs, such as glycolic acid, and retinol or any of the prescription retinoid creams together. Bookmark for future reference. If your doctor’s prescribed you any meds (think Tretinoin or Hydroquinone), … Every third day is a good frequency to begin with. It's primed to be gently (remember, being harsh on skin is never a good thing) exfoliate. Depending on the day of the week, you're also freshly exfoliated. A post shared by The INKEY List (@theinkeylist). ‘I would avoid using multiple products with irritant properties at the same time,’ explains Dr Kluk. ‘AHAs, such as glycolic or lactic acid can be used throughout the week depending on tolerance and sensitivity to gently chemically exfoliate the upper layer of dead skin cells, leading to a brighter complexion,’ explains Mahto. Why we like them: Do remove all makeup before exfoliating. When doing your skin care routine, exfoliator comes right after your double cleanse. Shop the All-in-One Cleanser our Estheticians Recommend. Following up with toner helps bring your skin’s pH levels back into balance. And if you want to brighten dark spots or treat wrinkles, choose glycolic acid. ‘Caution is required with the exfoliating acids – the AHAs and BHAs,’ Dr Mahto warns. Check out our edits of the best SPF moisturisers and best sun creams for our top recommendations. You can pat your face with a clean towel so … These days acids come in just about every skincare form, from cleanser to toner, serum and moisturiser. ‘Cleansing your skin is the most basic part of a good skincare routine and ideally should take place twice daily,’ explains consultant dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto. Final step is your eye cream. DON’T exfoliate visibly damaged skin at all. Don't forget the eye area needs extra love. (Layered before your treatment serum if you’re doubling up.). A frequently asked question is, where do the best face masks fit into your routine? BEFORE APPLYING A FACE MASK Exfoliate. While it’s not an absolute rule not to do so, many people would find using the two at once far too irritating. Exfoliating with AHA or BHA from the neck down has great benefits as well. By PopSuga r. January 4, 2012. Check out this useful skin tip from bellasugar.com! Typically, yes. Facial skin should be cleansed every morning and evening, along with any time your face becomes dirty or sweaty. The short answer is after cleansing, before all your other skincare steps, about twice weekly. STEP 5: SEALANTS (MOISTURIZERS)You did so much good for your skin. Have more questions? However, to benefit your skin to the maximum you can add a few more steps. Tone. Not only does a high quality toner work as skin prep, but it works post-mask (or post-exfoliator) too. Are you confused about all the different steps?Here are the steps – and the right way to order them – recommended by our estheticians for the best results. 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This gentle two-step process helps keep skin cleansed down to pores while keeping the skin barrier intact.Some cleansers effectively combine the two steps.Getting this step right can have profound and very fast results - including less sensitivity, less breakouts, and more glow. Shop the Toning Essence Our Estheticians Recommend. Shop the Recommended Treatment for Winter-time. This way you get the deep cleansing you’re looking for. The best primer for radiance, blurring, locking down make-up and more, The best foundation for dry skin to fix a patchy, flaky complexion, Make-up expiry dates: How to tell if your cosmetics are past it, The best eyebrow shapes for your face and eye shape, How to contour like a professional make-up artist, This is how much you’re spending on make-up every year. Shop the Mask Set Created By An Esthetician. Also I think exfoliating before cleansing prepares your skin. And a face mask gives best results when applied to open pores. You don’t need to use every acid just because you can! If you didn't exfoliate in the morning, you can do it now. DO it in this order! Exfoliate: you do this after cleaning your skin because your cleanser has softened up your dead … Don’t exfoliate before you cleanse, otherwise you’ll just skim the surface and the product won’t do its job. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. So what’s the safe limit for how many AHA/BHA products you can use in one go? STEP 1: DOUBLE CLEANSEStart with an oil-based cleanser to remove oil-based impurities. But whether it’s an absolute necessary is widely debated. TONER / ESSENCE. ‘I’m not a big fan of toners as they often irritate the skin,’ says consultant dermatologist Dr Justine Kluk. If you are mixing and matching products, though, then I think it makes sense to use a toner after cleansing to ensure that your face is completely bare and ready for your mask, especially if the mask is to be applied to a clean dry face. If it's a system, like with Ole Henriksen, then use the products in the steps as recommended. Sheet masks typically are great for daily use - if you want a fast track to well hydrated skin.Can you mask after exfoliating? Many people can’t even tolerate using these on the same day, so my advice would be to choose one or the other unless advised otherwise by a dermatologist.’, Kate agrees: ‘I don’t like to mix acids and retinols at the same time; some skins are highly susceptible to retinoid reactions and mixing too many actives in one go is asking for trouble.’. First thing’s first – wash your face morning (and night too) as the first step in your routine, using your best cleanser and a hand-hot flannel, microfibre or muslin cloth. Happy 2018, friends!We're kicking off the new year with a special announcement!In 2015, we proudly partnered with Restore NYC, a... Free Shipping on US orders over $50 + 2 Free Samples. However, it’s important that you follow the guidance on using acid-containing products and introduce them to your skin slowly. Start by removing make-up and washing the day’s grease and grime away – double cleansing comes in to play in the evenings – again using your trusty flannel, microfibre or muslin cloth. You're cleansed, toned and hydrated. From glycolic acid to vitamin C serums to retinol and more, out skincare routines are no longer a case of simply cleansing, toning and moisturising. Below you’ll find a handy ‘cheat sheet’ for the order you apply skincare products as advised by the experts. ‘Sometimes a hydrating spray is a better option.’. Some people do well exfoliating with AHA or BHA twice a day, whereas others find that once a day or every other day is a perfect balance. 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