When it comes to skincare, both cleansing and exfoliating are necessary steps in any routine. However, there is some debate about whether to exfoliate before or after cleansing. Here are some tips and information from the search results:
Benefits of Cleansing:
- Washes away dirt, makeup, and other skin impurities.
- Removes excess oil and dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts.
- Allows chemical exfoliants to penetrate deep into the skin and prevent makeup or dirt from pushing deeper, especially if also using mechanical exfoliation.
Tips for Cleansing:
- Remove makeup first with a gentle makeup remover.
- Choose a cleanser that best suits your skin type, such as oily, dry, or combination.
- Use a gentle cleanser or exfoliant alone to remove makeup and dirt, as using both may strip the skin of moisture.
Benefits of Exfoliation:
- Removes dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts.
- Elevates your daily regimen to give your skin a more radiant glow.
- Can create circulation that brings anti-aging benefits.
Tips for Exfoliation:
- There are two types of exfoliation: mechanical and chemical.
- Mechanical exfoliation removes dead skin cells through gentle scrubbing, while chemical exfoliation uses a chemical compound to dissolve dead skin cells.
- Follow exfoliation with a suitable moisturizer for your skin type.
- Depending on your skin type, physical exfoliation is recommended 2-5x a week, while chemical exfoliation is usually used 2-5x a week.
Should You Cleanse or Exfoliate First?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as it depends on your skins sensitivity and your personal preference. However, here are some tips to consider:
- Cleansing the skin before exfoliation allows chemical exfoliants to penetrate the skin and prevents a person from scrubbing makeup and dirt into the skin during exfoliation.
- Our Skin Health Experts recommend cleansing first to prep the skin and open your pores.
- Some estheticians suggest beginning your skincare routine with a pre-cleanse, which uses an oil or cleansing balm to attract surface oils and soften debris so it is easily removed without over-stressing the skin.
In summary, both cleansing and exfoliating are important steps in any skincare routine. While there is no one right answer to whether to exfoliate before or after cleansing, it is generally recommended to cleanse first to prep the skin a...
