Because of its water-like consistency, toner is meant to be applied immediately after cleanser and before serums, moisturizers, and oils.
Right: Apply the oil in the evening after cleansing, toning with an alcohol-free toner (left damp on the skin for extra hydration), and applying a serum. Mix 4-6 drops of the oil directly in with your nighttime moisturiser and apply to both the face and neck.
Since most toners are water-based, they absorb into the skin fairly quickly. Make sure to let the toner sink in completely before applying other products--this will help your skin retain moisture and protect against impurities. Finish by applying any treatment products and moisturizer.
You should use toner after washing your face, and before using serum or moisturizer.
A good rule of thumb is to apply products from thinnest to thickest—toner, serum, moisturizer, oil. Be sure to always start with a clean face.
As a rule of thumb, we typically recommend applying products in order from lightest to heaviest. For oils and serums, that usually means applying serums (which are often water-based) first. After the serum absorbs into your skin, you can apply facial oil, and then moisturizer and sunscreen.
Wet Or Dry? It's best to apply toner to a dry face, especially if you're using a pH balancing toner. To use toner properly, after cleansing, pat your face dry or dry it with a light towel. Then, place some toner onto a cotton pad and spread it over your face and neck.
Damp skin is more receptive to products so there is no need to wait for your tonic to dry first. Apply your moisturizer directly after spritzing your Natural Face Toner to lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated for longer.
A toner's job is meant to gently refresh your skin without stripping it of its natural moisture. This means toner won't irritate sensitive skin or cause excessive dryness. Toner also prepares the skin to drink up your post-cleansing moisturizer and any other skin treatments that you may apply.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% Exfoliating Serum
"It's best used at night and contains lactic acid, a gentle but effective alpha hydroxy acid that works to eliminate dead skin cells to improve the overall texture and tone of the skin," the derm revealed.
Exfoliate two or three times a week
While over-exfoliating (every day) can lead to skin irritation, dryness and accelerated signs of aging, exfoliating two to three times per week (or just once if your skin is sensitive) can help keep pores from becoming clogged and leave the skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Yes! Hyaluronic Acid can be combined with Vitamin C products or applied separately as the second layer of defense.
Limit to Two Serums Per Routine
We recommend you use no more than two serums per routine. Again, alternating skin care items is a strategy here. If you have many serums that you like, use one to two in your morning routine and two different serums in the evening.
The reason why people suggest a maximum of two or three serums comes down to layering and penetration. Heaps of brands, salons and experts recommend leaving time between applying your serums and moisturisers, and doing it in a specific order so as to allow all of the ingredients to actually sink into your epidermis.
Using a cotton pad, apply toner all over your face and neck. If you have a toner spray then spritz it all over your face, neck, and then wipe off using a cotton pad. Use a moisturiser according to your skin type after applying a toner. Take some moisturiser on your palm and apply dots all over your face.
02. The order. It is so important to layer your skincare correctly to get the most out of them. When it comes to Vitamin C serums, they are best applied right after toner.
Generally we follow the cleanse, tone, and moisturize series of steps. When we add in a hyaluronic acid serum, it should come after a toner and before the moisturizer in order to optimize the absorption of weights of hyaluronic acid. Repeat after me: after a toner, before a moisturizer.
It'll also absorb into your skin most effectively after you've cleansed and exfoliated, so it makes sense to apply it during your nighttime routine. When you use your vitamin C serum during the night, you'll also avoid the risk of photosensitivity, which can occur in some cases with daytime use.