By layering your toner multiple times, your skin gets to absorb more of the hydrating ingredients one layer at a time, ultimately giving you more hydrated and healthier skin. When your skin is fully hydrated, all the other products you use actually work better.
Another frequently asked question about the 7 Skin Method is it is possible to use multiple toners through the many layers. To that, we say yes! Our rule of thumb when it comes to layering different toners is to layer them on from the thinnest viscosity and texture, to the thickest, richest texture.
In short, the '7 skin method' is the process of layering three to seven layers of toner or an essence-and-toner-in-one onto your skin immediately after cleansing.
By layering your toner multiple times, your skin gets to absorb more of the hydrating ingredients one layer at a time, ultimately giving you more hydrated and healthier skin. When your skin is fully hydrated, all the other products you use actually work better.
Directly Apply by Hand
Because the toner will absorb and work best when using clean hands. Similar to using cotton, the application of toner by hand is also enough to be gently patted so that the toner can be more absorbed into the skin.
A toner isn't a makeup remover. If you're seeing bits of makeup residue on your cotton pad, odds are, you aren't cleansing properly. Try the 60-second cleansing trick, it will literally change your life, save you money and save you product.
When & how often do I apply these layers? You apply these straight after cleansing (and exfoliation) and before you add all your serums and moisturisers. When repairing skin, you can do 7 skins every night, your dehydrated skin will tell you as it feels tight.
Vitamin C + vitamin E
Vitamin E is no slouch as a skin care ingredient itself, but when paired with vitamin C, the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University states that the combination is more “effective in preventing photodamage than either vitamin alone.”
7 Don't Mix: Niacinamide + Vitamin C
Whereas vitamin E and ferulic acid make vitamin C work better, niacinamide can decrease the efficacy of vitamin C several fold, notes Dr. Mariwalla.
Retinoids and serums can be used together, especially if the serum is soothing or hydrating. Be careful using very aggressive face oil serums with retinoids.
Yes, you certainly can use hyaluronic acid with vitamin C and E. Including all three in your routine will help you reap the rewards of these potent powerhouses. With this combination you will be left a vibrant complexion whilst combating signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
K-Beauty toners nurture and purify the skin
Also called lotions, K-Beauty toners are rich in ingredients that hydrate skin rather than rid it of moisture. You can find ingredients like kelp extract, mineral water, amino acids, hyaluronic acid, grapeseed oil, and carrot root oil in K-Beauty toners.
It goes a bit like this: a balm or oil cleanser (1), a foaming cleanser (2), an exfoliant (3), a toner (4), an essence (5), an ampoule or serum (6), a sheet mask (7), an eye cream (8), a moisturizer (9), and then either a thicker night cream or sleeping mask or an SPF (10).
When to Rub vs. When to Pat: Almost your entire skincare regimen — toners, essences, serums, moisturizers, and eye creams included — should be patted into the skin, since liquids, creams, lotions, and gel-based offerings absorb best with this technique.
If your hands are clean you can pour a small amount of toner into them and gently pat your toner on. Once you pat it in place you can gently lay your hands on your face and allow it to absorb into your skin. Done!
Instead of pouring the toner on a cotton pad or cotton ball, you would spray a fine mist all over your face and neck.
Why? “Your skin cells are like fish—they need water to live, so leaving toner damp on your skin is a great way for your moisturizer to lock in all the hydrating benefits that toners offer. It doesn't have to be dripping wet—just damp.”
“When you use your hands to apply toner through a tapping motion, you get an immediate hydration you can really feel,” summarizes Alex Song, brand manager of Korean brand Klairs. That's truly what makes this method the best one for people with dry and/or sensitive skin types.
Toners are basically products you use to rebalance your skin's pH after cleansing, exfoliate, provide your skin with a first layer of hydration, and prime your skin to better absorb the next product(s). You can go for either a hydrating or exfoliating toner, but can also reap the benefits of both by combining the two.