What step is exfoliation in a skincare routine?

Author: Miss Vincenza Beier  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 27, 2025

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.

What step of skincare routine is exfoliating?

It's generally recommended to exfoliate after cleansing and before applying any serums or moisturizers, usually 2-3 times a week, depending on your skin type. This helps remove dead skin cells and allows better absorption of other skincare product...

What are the 7 steps of skincare?

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

When should I exfoliate in my skin care routine?

It's generally recommended to exfoliate after cleansing and before applying any serums or moisturizers, usually 2-3 times a week, depending on your skin type. This helps remove dead skin cells and allows better absorption of other skincare product...

What are the 5 skin care steps?

Skin 101: how to build a basic skincare routine
  • step 1: cleanse. No matter what your skin needs are, cleansing should be your first priority. ...
  • step 2: exfoliate. Now that we've got those dead skin cells out of the way, it's time to exfoliate. ...
  • step 3: tone. ...
  • step 4: treat. ...
  • step 5: moisturize.

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

What is the 7 skin routine?

In a nutshell, it involves applying up to seven layers of toner in between your cleanser and moisturiser - yes 7 layers! In Korea, toners are commonly referred to as 'skins', so the 7 skin method actually means 7 toner method. It might sound a bit strange to add a product to your skin upto 7 times.

What are the 10 steps of skincare routine?

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).

Where do you put exfoliator in routine?

Liquid exfoliants should be applied to dry skin after cleansing. Allow to fully absorb into the skin before moving onto your serum or moisturiser.

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 comes after exfoliating?

Generally speaking, this is the order in which skin care products should be applied: Cleanser, spot corrector, exfoliator, toner, essence, serum, eye cream, retinoid, moisturizer, face oil, SPF.

Do you put toner or moisturizer first?

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.

What are the 4 basic skincare routines?

Nighttime skin care routine
  • Step 1: Makeup remover. First, be sure to remove any makeup if you have it on. ...
  • Step 2: Cleanser. Next, wash your face using a gentle cleanser or one suited to your skin type. ...
  • Step 3: Toner. ...
  • Step 4: Moisturizer.

What is the best night moisturizer?

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.

Do you exfoliate before or after toner?

Whichever exfoliant format you choose, it should be applied after cleansing and toning with a traditional hydrating toner. The other products in your routine, like serums, boosters and moisturizers, go on after your exfoliant in order from thinnest to thickest texture.

How do I prepare my face for exfoliating?

To prep your skin, Dr. Spizuoco recommends washing your face with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water to remove oil, dirt, and other impurities. Then, pat dry with a clean towel. Take your favorite chemical exfoliant and apply gently in small, circular motions after cleansing.

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.

Do you put retinol or hyaluronic acid first?

HA provides hydration, which can counteract the potential drying effects of retinoids. Since Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a water-based serum, it would be applied first and then after, you would apply retinoids, such as Retinol 1% in Squalane, as it's an anhydrous formulation.

When to use exfoliate in routine?

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).

What order should I do my skincare?

The right morning routine will help your skin feel calm and hydrated all day long.
  1. Step 1: Cleanser. A clean face is your starting point for a healthy, glowing complexion. ...
  2. Step 2: Toner. ...
  3. Step 3: Serum. ...
  4. Step 4: Moisturizer. ...
  5. Step 5: Eye Cream. ...
  6. Step 6: Sunscreen.

How to exfoliate under eyes?

Choose products specifically tailored for use under the eyes—check labels to make sure there's no warning against using the product near the eyes. Only exfoliate the skin under the eyes and on the corners where crow's feet form, not the eyelids or directly under the lash line.

Why is Korean skin so good?

Hydration and Moisturisation - The base of Korean skincare is hydration. Koreans use products like serums, sheet masks, and moisturizers to keep the skin hydrated at all times for a clean, soft, and supple look.

What is the 7 skin care routine?

Basically, the 7 Skin Method is a skincare routine to really hydrate your skin by using a toner/essence seven times. Yes, you read that right! Seven times! So keep scrolling to discover some of my favorite toners are and to find out what I thought about the 7 Skin Method and how it helped my winter skin.

How many serums can you use at once?

A general rule of thumb is to layer 2-3 serums. This ensures skin doesn't become overwhelmed and gives each formula the space to absorb properly. However – as mentioned above, all skin is unique. Some skin concerns could benefit from up to 5 serums, if heightened moisture, protection and firming for example is needed.

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