Whether you use your exfoliator in the morning or evening make sure you apply a moisturizer after exfoliating to perfectly prep your skin for makeup or the day ahead, or feed your skin effective, plump-effect, moisturizing ingredients overnight!
After exfoliating or washing your face, it's generally recommended to wait about 10 to 20 minutes before applying moisturizer. This allows your skin to return to its normal pH level and ensures that the moisturizer can be absorbed effectively.
As a general rule, your skincare routine should follow this order: cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, and lastly, eye cream. Some people also double cleanse, starting with an oil based cleanser.
Since AHAs/BHAs work at a lower pH to exfoliate, it's helpful to wait a few minutes before applying your next product (ie-moisturizer). If you don't have time to wait that length of time, at least wait until the AHA/BHA is dry.
It may seem obvious, but it's worth stating that the optimal time to apply moisturizer after exfoliation is usually immediately following the cleansing and exfoliating process. This ensures that the moisturizing skin care product can penetrate deep into the skin, providing maximum hydration and soothing effects.
Layer From Lightest To Heaviest Formulas
As a general rule of thumb, apply your products in this order: cleanser, toner/essence, treatment/mask, serum, eye cream, moisturizer, oil, SPF. Sunscreen always goes last, and the only thing that you should layer over sunscreen is powder, concealer, or foundation.”
You should use the toner immediately after cleansing and before applying other serums, moisturizers, or skin oil. Also, do not skip your morning toner routine to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
In a nutshell, this is a skincare regimen where 7 layers of your toner are patted on and layered in succession. (Interesting note: 'skin' and 'toner' are the same word in Korean.)
The 4-2-4 rule is a detailed cleansing routine that involves a four-minute oil massage, a two-minute cleanse with a water-based cleanser and a four-minute rinse with warm and cold water. Read ahead to know about the Japanese double cleanse routine, and what experts have to say about it.
The general rule of thumb is to apply the thinnest consistency products first and work up to thicker textures. For those who need the exfoliating benefits of salicylic acid daily, cleanse with SA Smoothing Cleanser with Ceramides, then follow with Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum to enhance hydration.
Our top pick for the best night cream is Kiehl's Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream, as it's great for all skin types and provides long-lasting hydration. Another fantastic option is La Roche-Posay's Double Repair Moisturizer, which leaves the skin feeling nourished, soft, and supple—all for under $25.
It can remove dirt, bacteria, makeup, pollution and other impurities that your cleanser may have left behind. Using a toner can give your skin an extra-deep clean. It protects the skin. Toning after cleansing can seal up the skin's pores, better protecting your complexion against environmental stressors.
“Double cleansing means cleansing your face twice, first with an oil-based product and then followed by a water-based cleanser,” explains Dr. Wu. The first step of using an oil-based cleanser is helpful when it comes to removing waterproof makeup and sunscreen.
Whether you use your exfoliator in the morning or evening make sure you apply a moisturizer after exfoliating to perfectly prep your skin for makeup or the day ahead, or feed your skin effective, plump-effect, moisturizing ingredients overnight!
You don't need to wait for your BHA or AHA to absorb or dry; you can apply any other product in your routine—moisturizer, serum, eye cream or sunscreen—immediately afterward. Experiment with different strength exfoliants to see which concentration gives you the best results.
Wait for the serum to absorb: Give the serum some time to absorb into your skin. This usually takes a few minutes. You'll know the serum has been absorbed when your skin feels soft and smooth. Apply moisturizer: Once the serum has been absorbed, apply your moisturizer on top of it.
Retinoids don't combine well with AHAs, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or vitamin C due to potential stability issues and skin sensitivities, and soap-based cleansers can also reduce vitamin C's skin benefits.
At its simplest, your morning skincare routine should include a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. At night, you can cleanse and moisturize. From there, you can add toners, serums, treatments, retinol, and oils that serve your skin type.