Breaking Down Our Skincare Pads

Why You Will Swoon Over Our Best-Sellers

Barefaced skincare pads are 100% cotton pads formulated with some of our favorite acids (AHAs and BHAs), antioxidants, and soothing ingredients to treat a wide variety of skin concerns. They combine several steps of a skincare routine into one simple swipe! (We swear multi-tasking is a love language.)

All of our pads are chemical exfoliants, meaning they include AHAs and BHAs to chemically loosen the bonds between dead skin cells so they can shed more easily. We prefer chemical exfoliants because they’re less abrasive than physical exfoliants (i.e. scrubs, clothes, brushes) and can penetrate deeper into the skin providing a more effective exfoliation…and we are all about efficiency!

The benefits of this type of exfoliation?

1. Products work better
2. Prevents clogged pores
3. Smooths uneven skin texture
4. Reveals glowing skin
5. Minimizes fine lines

The Three Types of Barefaced Pads

There are three varieties of treatment pads in the Barefaced lineup:

• Toning Pads
• Toning Pads II
• Polishing Pads (formerly Glow Peel Pads)

To understand them a little better, this episode of Skincare School breaks down the differences between Toning Pads and Toning Pads II.

Toning Pads and Toning Pads II

We believe everyone needs Toning Pads (or Toning Pads II)! That’s why they’re included in The Core Four. We strongly believe they are a staple across all skin types and routines.

So what’s in them and why are they so universally needed?

These pads are formulated with Witch Hazel Water and more to:

• Improve skin tone
• Tone the skin while removing the last traces of dirt and excess oils in the pores after washing the face
• Minimize the appearance of pores
• Calm inflammation
• Be a natural solvent (able to breakdown other ingredients so that they perform better)
• Help minimize razor bumps

AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids), like glycolic acid, lactic acid and mandelic acid, work OUTSIDE the pore. These help with:

• Sun Damage
• Dehydration
• Dead skin
• Dullness

BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids), like salicylic acid, work INSIDE the pore. These help with:

• Uneven tone
• Whiteheads
• Blackheads
• Smoothing texture

So which ones are the right fit for you?!

It's important to note, Toning Pads (II) are so much more than a toner, they’re full treatment pads! Many times 'toners' are an unnecessary part of a routine whereas Toning Pads are working on the skin to do so much—not only to prep the skin for subsequent product application, but to gently exfoliate, brighten, smooth the skin and help prevent clogged pores.

Toning Pads Usage Tips

• Designed for use on the face, neck and chest following cleanser.
• Make sure you apply all the way up to your hairline where dead skin cells can collect!
• Start with once a day (in the AM) on alternating days until tolerated. Then increase frequency one day per week until using daily.
• Then increase usage to 2x per day (AM and PM) as desired and tolerated. If it’s too irritating for your skin, sticking with 1x a day is totally cool!

When to graduate from TP to TPII

So, you introduced Toning Pads slowly into your routine and you’ve worked your way up to using them 1-2 times every day…way to go! You now have two options:

1. Stick with Toning Pads because your skin feels clear, has even tone + texture, and is on the drier side (where a higher percentage of acids is too drying/irritating.)

2. Bump up to Toning Pads II, where the greater concentration of glycolic acid can further help treat any oil, breakouts, uneven tone or texture that remain after using Toning Pads consistently.

The Power of Polishing Pads

Polishing Pads are Barefaced’s most powerful at-home treatment, designed to exfoliate, renew, and reset skin from head to toe. Powered by clinical-level acids and anti-senescent alpine rose extract, they sweep away sluggish surface cells, often called ‘zombie cells,’ to reveal fresh, healthy-looking skin and support optimal renewal. This multi-action formula smooths texture, unclogs pores, fades dark spots, reduces redness, and boosts glow, while hydrating and minimizing the look of fine lines. Use regularly for skin that looks brighter, clearer, and more even everywhere.

**New + Improved: Polishing Pads have the same great concentration of exfoliating acids you loved in Glow Peel Pads, now larger in size for easier body use and boosted with alpine rose extract for added skin benefits.**

Polishing Pads are an full-body, deep exfoliation booster treatment for:

• • Acne-prone skin
  • Oily skin
  • Dull skin
  • Mature skin
  • Hyperpigmentation (sun spots)
  • Melasma

Reasons you’ll love hybrid-use Polishing Pads:

• • Clears away dead skin and “zombie” cells that accelerate aging
    
  • Smooths rough skin and brightens skin from head to toe
    
  • Visibly improves tone, dark spots, pores, and redness
    
  • Boosts product absorption and long-term hydration
    
  • Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
    
  • Helps promote healthy skin renewal
    
  • Evens skin tone 

They're not just for the face, though–they can be used on the body to treat bumps like Keratosis Pilaris and ingrown hairs...anywhere!

Polishing Pads Usage Tips

• • Frequency: 1–3 times a week on the face and daily on the body as tolerated.
    
  • Routine: Use in the morning after cleansing, in place of Toning Pads (II). Follow with serum + SPF.
    
  • Application: Swipe one pad over your face, then neck, chest, and anywhere else you want smoother, unclogged, brighter skin. When using one pad for everything, always use on the face first before moving on to the body!
    
  • Non-negotiable: Always finish with SPF when used in the morning. Exfoliated skin is more sun-sensitive.
    
  • First time users: if this feels a little too 'spicy' for you, try rinsing or splashing your face with cool water after 5 minutes. It may take a few uses to be able to tolerate.

Using Toning Pads with Polishing Pads

Use the Toning Pads in the AM and PM after cleanser. Use the Polishing Pads 1-3x/week in the AM or PM in place of Toning Pads–and don't use any other skincare pads that same day.

Aside from Toning Pads, you don't want to use any form of exfoliation more than a few times (~1-3) a week. Over-exfoliation can lead to a damaged skin barrier, causing redness, sensitivity, dryness, and increased breakouts.