What goes first exfoliator or mask?

Author: Christy Rutherford  |  Last update: Saturday, November 1, 2025

Indeed, for increased effectiveness, it is important to exfoliate your skin BEFORE applying your mask. The epidermis - that is to say the superficial layer of our skin on which a care product acts - is made up of dead cells (the “cosmeocytes”) which form a protective skin barrier.

Do you exfoliate before or after a mask?

Exfoliate first to get the dead tissue and excess make-up off. Masks are typically a treatment (acne masks, hydrating masks, vitamin-c masks for dark spots, etc) so there's no point in treating dead skin or skin that still has a little bit of make-up on it. It's more effective to exfoliate first.

Which comes first, a mask or a scrub?

Therefore the correct order of skin care should be: First the facial scrub and then the mask .. The first in fact prepares the skin making it more reactive to absorb the ingredients contained in the mask and in this way the treatment is more effective.

In what order should I do face masks?

  1. Step 1: Cleansing. Start with the basics: skin cleansing. ...
  2. Step 2: Exfoliation. Eliminate impurities and dead cells by carrying out an effective exfoliation. ...
  3. Step 3: Mask. Apply a mask specific for you. ...
  4. Step 4: Toner. ...
  5. Step 5: Serum or concentrate. ...
  6. Step 6: Eye contour. ...
  7. Step 7: Moisturising cream. ...
  8. Step 8: Sun protection!

What order should I exfoliate my face?

Ideally, on the days that you exfoliate, you should cleanse first to unclog pores, then exfoliate to remove dead cells, and follow it with a rich, healing moisturizer (and sunscreen if you elect to exfoliate in the morning).

How to exfoliate | who needs it| who should avoid | Dermatologist explains

Can I use a clay mask after exfoliating?

Yes, using a face mask after exfoliating is perfectly okay. In fact, exfoliating makes it easier for the skin to absorb the ingredients in your face mask by removing the dead layer of cells on the surface, making it easier for the skin to absorb the ingredients in your face mask.

What is the correct order of skin care?

How to Layer Your Skincare Products in the Right Order
  1. Step 1: Cleanser.
  2. Step 2: Toner.
  3. Step 3: Spot Treatment.
  4. Step 4: Serums.
  5. Step 5: Retinol.
  6. Step 6: Eye Cream.
  7. Step 7: Moisturizer.
  8. Step 8: Face Oils.

What step in routine is face mask?

In the evening after you've cleansed, exfoliated (1-2x per week), toned, and applied any serums, then it's time for a hydrating sheet mask. Leave this ultra-nourishing, calming treatment on for 15-20 minutes before removing, and lightly massage any remaining serum into skin for instantly glowy, supple skin.

Do you exfoliate or toner first?

By first lightly exfoliating the skin removing dead skin cells and then adding toner, you'll prep your skin to optimally allow moisturizers, serums, and treatments to penetrate more deeply and work more effectively. Toning provides additional benefits to the skin.

Why should you put your mask on first?

emergency they should put their own oxygen mask on first even before helping children because otherwise the passenger will run out of oxygen and be unable to help anyone else. This is true when it comes to self-care because putting oneself first is an unselfish act and a priority.

How to do facial step by step?

At Home Facial Treatment in 5 Steps
  1. STEP 1: CLEANSE. Whether you have makeup on your face or not, you want to start your facial with a clean palette. ...
  2. STEP 2: STEAM YOUR FACE. To steam your face at home there is no need to rush out and buy any fancy equipment. ...
  3. STEP 3: EXFOLIATE. ...
  4. STEP 4: MASK. ...
  5. STEP 5: MOISTURISE AND MASSAGE.

Do you exfoliate or scrub first?

Cleanser Before Scrub

This allows the scrub to effectively target dead skin cells without being hindered by surface debris. Exfoliating then removes these dead cells, revealing fresh skin beneath and prepping it for moisturizer, oil, or serum. This method can lead to softer, smoother skin.

Which comes first, scrub or mask?

Always cleanse or scrub your face before applying your mask.

How to exfoliate skin properly?

If you use a scrub or chemical exfoliator, apply the product gently using small, circular motions. Do this for about 30 seconds, and then rinse off with lukewarm — not hot — water. If you use a brush or sponge, use short light strokes. Never exfoliate if you have open cuts or wounds or if your skin is sunburned.

Can I exfoliate after a peel off mask?

But here's the catch: while masks can often have exfoliating properties, they should not be used on top of chemical peels or physical exfoliants, especially not on the same day.

What order do you exfoliate?

Benefits of using exfoliant first

If you cleanse first, the cleanser helps you exfoliate better, while if you exfoliate first, the exfoliant helps you get a deeper cleanse. That's why proactiv's systems are built to deliver both steps at the same time or in quick succession.

What is the order of face masks?

Once you're ready for a treatment medley, the rules are simple: “Always apply exfoliating or purifying masks first, and then hydrating, oxygenation, or rejuvenating masks,” says Czech. Follow up with toner and moisturizer for a lasting glow.

What do you put on after a face mask?

WHAT TO DO AFTER FACE MASK. After using a face mask sheet, follow up with your regular skincare routine. Apply your favorite serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen if it's part of your daytime regimen.

What comes first before face mask?

Must: cleanse!

The most important thing to do before masking is to cleanse. If your skin is not clean and dry, you'll end up putting the mask on over dirt and bacteria, which obviously defeats the purpose of masking.

What is double cleansing?

“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.

What is the 4 2 4 rule in skincare?

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.

What step is exfoliation in skincare?

Myth: You have to exfoliate before toning, else it's ineffective. Fact: Cleanse, tone, then apply any AHA or BHA exfoliant, regardless of texture (gel, cream, lotion). Follow with any treatments in your routine as they're designed to work best over exfoliated skin.

In what order do I clean my face?

Skin Care Routine Order: The Proper Steps of a Skin Care Routine and Why Each Step Matters
  1. Step 1: Cleanser. The first step to your skincare routine is always cleansing. ...
  2. Step 2: Toner/Astringent. ...
  3. Step 3: Masks / Exfoliator. ...
  4. Step 4: Serum. ...
  5. Step 5: Moisturizer. ...
  6. Step 6: Eye Treatment. ...
  7. Step 7: Primer + Makeup.

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