Toner or Serum First? Skincare Routine for a Youthful Glow

Did you know that applying cream before toner or serum prevents them from penetrating deep into the skin?

This means that even if you have multiple skincare products, you might not be using them in the correct order. Layering skincare products properly helps your skin absorb more active ingredients, increasing the chances of seeing effective results.

This guide on toner or serum first explains the correct order of product application to maximize skincare benefits.

What Is A Toner?

A toner is a lightweight, water-based product that refreshes the skin after cleansing. It penetrates the deeper layers to enhance absorption, providing hydration and soothing effects.

Benefits Of Modern Toners

Modern toners offer unique benefits with their hydrating and soothing properties, including:

• Removing leftover dirt, makeup, and cleanser residue.
• Balancing the skin’s pH after cleansing.
• Hydrating and prepping the skin for better product absorption.
• Tightening enlarged pores.

How and When to Apply Toner

Apply toner after cleansing your face with a chemical-free face wash to remove any leftover cleanser residue. Soak a cotton pad with toner and gently swipe it across your face.

What Comes Next After Toner? 

The next step after applying toner is to evenly massage your face with a concentrated serum tailored to your skin concerns. The next step after applying toner is to evenly massage your face with a concentrated serum tailored to your skin concerns.

Related Blog: Facial Toner Uses & Benefits

What is a Face Serum?

A face serum is a highly concentrated product designed to target specific skin issues. It contains active ingredients that penetrate deeper into the skin than other skincare products.

Benefits of Face Serum 

A face serum enhances your skincare routine, working best on a thoroughly cleansed face. Its benefits include:

• Improving skin texture and tone.
• Protecting against sun damage.
• Reducing the appearance of dark spots.
• Addressing specific issues for oily, dry, and acne-prone skin.

How and When to Apply Serum

You can apply face serum after toner and before moisturizer. Pour 2-3 drops onto your palm, warm it by rubbing your hands together, and gently spread it evenly over your face.

What comes next after the serum? 

After applying the serum, use a moisturizing cream suitable for your skin type, followed by an SPF sunscreen for best results.

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Toner or Serum First: Steps of the Correct Skincare Order Explained

The correct order for skincare products is from thinner to thickest consistency. This enables all products to absorb into the skin seamlessly. Here are steps to apply your products correctly:

Step 1: Cleansing 

The skin’s surface is exposed to external stressors like dust, pollution, and harsh sun rays, which can alter its appearance and cause issues like dullness, uneven texture, or premature aging. This makes cleansing essential.

A gentle cleanser contains active ingredients that help balance the skin’s pH level and protect it from environmental pollutants.

Step 2: Exfoliation

Effective exfoliation is the second step after cleansing. It prepares the skin to absorb products like toners and serums more effectively.

Without regular exfoliation, skincare products cannot absorb properly as they must penetrate a layer of dead skin. Exfoliation removes this barrier for maximum absorption, allowing each product to penetrate as deeply into the skin as possible.

Step 3: Mask

Masks are typically ingredient-specific and deliver a high dose of hydrating and nourishing ingredients to the skin. They help remove dirt, oil, and dust from deep within the pores that the first layer of cleansing might miss.

Prepping your skin with a mask enables the following skincare products to penetrate deeper and work more effectively.

Step 4: Toner

Toner, while not always necessary, can be useful for treating acne by hydrating dry skin and maintaining a balanced pH level, which may help prevent breakouts.

Similar to the functions of the previous steps, toner removes any remaining dirt or oil after cleansing and exfoliating. It also prepares the skin for better absorption of subsequent products.

Step 5: Serum

A serum is a lightweight skincare product that absorbs quickly into the skin and is generally applied after a cleanser or toner.

It enhances skin hydration, brightens the complexion, and targets specific skin care concerns like hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and dullness.

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Why Does Skincare Order Matter?

The order in which you apply skincare products can significantly affect their effectiveness. When using multiple products, it’s essential to layer them correctly to ensure each product’s active ingredients penetrate the skin effectively. Misapplying products can reduce their benefits and even irritate them. Here’s why the order matters:

Absorption, Consistency, and pH: Proper sequencing enhances absorption, maintains consistency, and balances the skin’s pH.

Penetration of Active Ingredients: Applying products in the right order ensures that active ingredients reach deeper layers of the skin.

Impact of Misapplication: Using thicker products (like moisturizers) before lighter ones (like serums) blocks absorption.

Maximizing Benefits: Following the correct order maximizes the effectiveness of each product, leading to a healthier and more radiant complexion.

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Can I Use Toner and Serum Every Day?

Yes, you can use both toner and serum daily, but choose the right types for your skin and consult a dermatologist if needed.

Key Points To Remember:

• Toner Type Matters: Hydrating or balancing toners are safe for daily use, but astringent toners with alcohol should be used less often.
• Serum Concentration: Most serums are suitable for daily use, but if yours has high concentrations of active ingredients, use it every other day or only at night.
• Listen To Your Skin: If irritation occurs, adjust your routine as needed.

Conclusion 

While applying skincare products correctly is important, let’s not forget the crucial fact of knowing your skin type. Since it will help you create the right skincare routine for your skin and will help solve any skin problems you may be facing. Each product is used for its unique properties. So,understanding your skin problems is equally important to help determine the preference for using one product over another and will help end the dilemma of whether to use serum or toner first or skip one altogether. 

FAQs 

When to apply toner and serum?

Apply toner after cleansing and before serum. This promotes better absorption and maintains skin pH balance.

How to use serum and toner?

Use both after cleansing. Apply toner first, then serum for better absorption.

Can I use toner and serum together?

Yes, toner preps the skin, and serum provides targeted treatments.

Should I buy toner or serum first?

• For better absorption and prepping: Buy toner first.
• For targeting specific concerns (e.g., acne, hydration, anti-aging): Buy serum first.

How many drops of serum and toner should I use?

• Serum: 2-3 drops.
• Toner: 4-5 drops.
  Adjust based on skin type and product consistency.

Do you put the serum on before or after toner?

Apply serum after toner. Toner preps the skin for better absorption.

How long should I wait before applying serum after toner?

Apply serum immediately after toner on damp skin for best results.

What are the 5 basics of skincare?

1. Cleansing
2. Exfoliating
3. Toning
4. Treating
5. Moisturizing

How to use toner and serum for oily skin ?

• Cleanse your face using a cleanser suitable for oily skin. 

• Apply toner onto a cotton pad and gently swipe across your face, focusing on areas with excess oil. 
• Dispense a few drops of serum onto your fingertips and gently massage it into your skin. 

When to use toner and serum in skin care routine: Day or night?

You can use both toner and serum during your morning and nighttime skincare routine. While applying the products as per the correct skincare order, focus on specific ingredients in serum or toner to suit your day and night skincare needs.

Can I use the serum daily?

Yes, most serums are safe for daily use, depending on the type and your skin needs.