You should exfoliate your face when it is freshly cleansed and free of product so that the gentle acids and hydrating ingredients can work their MAGIC on your skin as effectively as possible. So before exfoliating, use a double cleanser like Goddess Cleansing Ritual.
Ultimately, using a cleanser before an exfoliator will likely be better for most people. This allows you to clean away more dirt and debris than the other method on average. However, be aware that it does come with a little more skin sensitivity.
Most skin care lines will have you cleansing first, exfoliating second, and then moisturizing and sunblocking to top things off. But celebrity dermatologist Dr. Harold Lancer, creator of the unique, step-reversing Skin Revival system, says that exfoliating at the beginning might get you better results.
Exfoliation Before Cleansing
Scrubbing first can remove residue, dead skin cells and dirt from the surface of your skin. Following this step with cleanser helps wash away any dead skin cells or particles on skin's surface that were lifted by the scrub.
Exfoliator goes before both toner and essence! When doing your skin care routine, exfoliator comes right after your double cleanse. This removes any remaining debris from your pores as well as aids in cell turnover. Following up with toner helps bring your skin's pH levels back into balance.
Apply a Moisturizer
After exfoliating, make sure you thoroughly rinse away the product and any dead skin cells and then pat your skin dry with a clean towel. ”Apply a moisturizer or shea butter following your [exfoliating] and shower/soak to help your skin retain moisture and look radiant,” advises Burns.
You should exfoliate your face when it is freshly cleansed and free of product so that the gentle acids and hydrating ingredients can work their MAGIC on your skin as effectively as possible. So before exfoliating, use a double cleanser like Goddess Cleansing Ritual.
Regardless of the formula, apply your toner or serum after cleansing, preferably at night, since exfoliating can make your complexion sun-sensitive. Stick with gel or foaming cleansers rather than oils and balms, which leave a residue that can prevent toners from absorbing, says Mattioli.
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.
Niacinamide should be used after your BHA exfoliant. From there, you can apply the rest of your products in order of thinnest to thickest texture. For daytime, always finish with SPF 30+ as your last step.
Your skin needs moisture, especially after you exfoliate. Using a super-hydrating facial moisturizer after you exfoliate helps replenish any moisture loss from 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.
DON'T rinse off a chemical exfoliant
After exfoliating, don't wash it off right away - the active ingredients take time to absorb into your skin and work their magic! Leave your exfoliant on for about 15-30 minutes to ensure the ingredients dissolve and remove all dead skin cells.
Most experts advise that you exfoliate two to three times per week — as long as your skin can handle it. Chemical exfoliants tend to be fine to use more regularly. Physical methods, on the other hand, may be too abrasive to use multiple times a week.
Toner before face mask
It's a little known fact that toners make one of the best mask primers. Not only that, but using toner before a face mask can help soothe irritated skin, rid the skin of excess impurities and oil, prevent premature aging and more.
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).
Niacinamide Serum – As most niacinamide serums are water-based, it's best to apply them after cleansing and toning and before oil-based serums or moisturizers. This way, you ensure the highest possible absorption and effectiveness. Cover your entire face with the serum, but feel free to concentrate on oily areas.
Don't Mix: Niacinamide and vitamin C. Although they're both antioxidants, vitamin C is one ingredient that's not compatible with niacinamide. "Both are very common antioxidants used in a variety of skincare products, but they should not be used one right after the other," says Dr.