Pre-soaked prep pads have quietly become a favourite first step for a lot of routines, and vitamin prep pads add a fresh, brightening-feeling twist to that step. If you just picked up a jar and you are not sure where it fits, this guide covers the simple version: where prep pads go, the two ways to use them, and how often makes sense.
We will use the Freshly Juiced Vitamin Skin Prep Pads as a gentle, sensitive-skin-friendly example throughout.
Where vitamin prep pads fit in your routine
Vitamin prep pads go on right after cleansing, before your serums and moisturizer. Their job is "prep" — getting skin into a soft, hydrated, even-feeling state so the steps that follow have a smooth surface to sit on. In order, that looks like cleanse, then prep pad, then layer your actives, then moisturizer (and SPF in the morning).
Because the essence comes pre-measured in each pad, you skip the guesswork of how much toner to pour. The textured surface also lightly sweeps away leftover cleanser residue as you glide it, which is why many people find their next steps apply more evenly. If you enjoy a hydration-first approach, a prep pad slots neatly into ideas like the 7-skin method of toner layering.
Soak or swipe: two ways to use one pad
There are two easy ways to use a single prep pad, and the one you choose depends on what your skin wants that day. Swiping is the everyday method: glide the pad gently across your face and neck to sweep and prep in a few seconds. Soaking turns the same pad into a mini step: press it flat onto drier or tight-feeling areas, like the cheeks or around the nose, and leave it for a couple of minutes like a small local mask.
Neither method needs pressure. Let the essence and the soft surface do the work rather than rubbing, especially if your skin tends to react easily. When you are done, follow with the rest of your routine while your skin still feels slightly damp, so your serum and moisturizer have that prepped, receptive base to sit on.
How often should you use prep pads?
For a gentle daily prep pad, once a day is a comfortable starting point, and many people build up to morning and night. Because this is a prep-and-hydrate step rather than a strong exfoliating treatment, it is designed to be used regularly. That said, everyone's skin is different, so if yours is on the reactive side, start every other day and see how it feels before going daily.
Pay attention to how your skin responds over a week or two rather than a single use. If your surface looks smoother and your following steps feel like they sink in nicely, you have found your rhythm. If anything feels tight or overworked, ease off the frequency.
Morning versus night: does it change?
The pad works the same way morning and night; only the steps around it shift. In the morning, use it to sweep away the residue of overnight products and prep for serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. At night, it helps tidy up after cleansing so your evening treatments go onto a clean, even canvas. If you double cleanse in the evening, the pad is a nice final "everything's off" check before your actives.
If you are layering hydration, a prep pad pairs well with a watery toner such as the Supple Preparation Unscented Toner for people who like an extra fragrance-free hydrating layer before serums.
FAQ
Do I use vitamin prep pads before or after toner?
A prep pad can act as your toner step, so most people use it instead of a separate liquid toner right after cleansing. If you like extra hydration, you can follow the pad with a watery, fragrance-free toner before your serums.
Can I use vitamin prep pads every day?
Yes, a gentle daily prep pad is designed for regular use, and many people use it once or twice a day. If your skin is reactive, start every other day and build up as it gets comfortable.
Should I rinse my face after using a prep pad?
No, prep pads are a leave-on step. After swiping or soaking, simply continue with your serum and moisturizer while your skin still feels slightly damp.
Do prep pads exfoliate my skin?
A gentle prep pad mainly hydrates and sweeps away leftover residue rather than chemically exfoliating. Its soft surface helps smooth the look of your skin without a strong acid step, though you should always check a product's own label for its ingredients.
How many pads should I use at once?
One pad is typically enough for the whole face and neck. Using more than one at a time is unnecessary for a prep step and just uses up the jar faster.
Building your prep step
A vitamin prep pad is one of the easiest ways to make the rest of your routine feel more polished, without adding a complicated step. Cleanse, prep, layer, protect — that is the whole idea. If you would like to see how the pad fits a calm, sensitive-skin routine, explore the Freshly Juiced Vitamin Skin Prep Pads and pair them with the hydrating and calming steps your skin already loves. As always, patch test a new product first and introduce it gradually.
