Can I skip moisturizer after exfoliating?

Author: Kariane Jast IV  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Immediate application: Moisturizing just after exfoliating is crucial to ensure deep penetration of the moisturizer for maximum hydration and soothing effects, though waiting a few minutes after using chemical exfoliants can help avoid any unforeseen interactions.

What happens if I don't moisturize after exfoliating?

Do both!!! Exfoliating will take off the flakes that are there, but will dry your skin out and create more flakes if you don't moisturize properly afterward.

Is it necessary to apply moisturizer after scrub?

  • Yes, it's important to apply moisturizer after scrubbing.
  • When choosing a moisturizer after scrubbing, look for a product that is hydrating and nourishing.
  • It's also a good idea to wait a few minutes after scrubbing before applying moisturizer, to allow your skin to fully absorb the benefits of the scrub.

What should you avoid after exfoliating?

After peeling, your skin is even more sensitive. Therefore, avoid direct sun exposure, which can lead to even more visible signs of aging. If you must expose yourself to the sun, use a broad spectrum physical sunscreen. Avoid strenuous workouts, dry saunas and steam baths.

How long to wait after exfoliating to moisturize?

You don't need to wait for your BHA or AHA to absorb or dry; you can apply any other product in your routine—moisturizer, serum, eye cream or sunscreen—immediately afterward. Experiment with different strength exfoliants to see which concentration gives you the best results.

Should You Moisturize After Exfoliating? - Skin Savvy Dermatology

How to tell if you're over exfoliating?

Check out these five signs that point to a little too much exfoliation, and learn how to give your skin a radiance boost without going overboard.
  1. Irritation and Visible Redness. ...
  2. Increased Oiliness and Shine. ...
  3. Breakouts. ...
  4. Flakiness and Dry Skin. ...
  5. Increased Sensitivity. ...
  6. Give Your Skin a Break. ...
  7. Reassess Your Current Routine.

How do you hydrate your skin after exfoliating?

Use Soothing Moisturizers

If you don't have acne-prone skin, Finney recommends using a thicker ointment like Aquaphor to help soothe and moisturize skin, especially in areas that are red or irritated. "Use a gentle cleanser (or just rinse with water!), use a thick moisturizing cream and sunscreen," suggests Finney.

Should I exfoliate my face at night or morning?

When it comes to morning versus night exfoliation, you're going to reap the best benefits from exfoliating in the morning time. This is due to the oils your skin produces overnight. You'll be able to more smoothly remove all impurities, dead skin, and oils, when you exfoliate in the morning, rather than at night.

Can over exfoliating cause cystic acne?

Over-exfoliation may cause the skin to overproduce oil to replace the lost moisture. It usually makes pores to close, leading to breakouts and cystic acne.

What moisturizer should I use after exfoliating?

If you've gone in with a physical scrub, a hydrating, soothing moisturizer is your best bet. Look for ingredients like aloe vera, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid. For those who've ventured into the realm of chemical exfoliants, pick a moisturizer that's going to soothe and repair.

What is the black stuff when I rub my skin?

The “black stuff” when you rub your skin is nothing but dead cells, dirt and surface grime. It comes off due to friction caused by rubbing your skin.

What exfoliate do dermatologists recommend?

Size: 1.7 oz.
  • Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Paula's choice skin perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. Courtesy of brand. ...
  • Best for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution Acne Toner. ...
  • Best for Combination Skin: Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser. ...
  • Best for Dry Skin: RéVive Enzyme Essence Daily Resurfacing Treatment.

Can I use exfoliant without moisturizer?

While you might want to have glowing, freshly-exfoliated skin every day, over-exfoliating can cause damage to your skin and its natural barrier. Exfoliation should only occur once or twice a week and always moisturize afterward!

Is it normal for skin to look worse after exfoliating?

As your over-exfoliation worsens, your skin can become dry and flaky. Dry skin builds up dead skin cells faster, so you're more likely to see a layer of dead skin over the surface of your skin. This layer of dead skin can cause dry skin to look very dull. You may also see more redness than usual with dry skin.

Is it important to apply moisturizer after scrub?

While cleaning and using the scrub on your skin is important, it is equally important to moisturize your skin afterward. A safe and gentle face moisturizer or face cream retains the skin's moisture barrier and prevents dryness. It is a good way to delay the signs of aging on the facial skin.

Is it better to exfoliate your face Dry or wet?

It depends on the product you're using and the ingredients. Generally, chemical exfoliants are applied to dry skin and then washed off with warm or cold water. If you're using a physical exfoliant on your body in the shower, exfoliating wet skin is much easier.

What happens if you never exfoliate your face?

“Depending on your skin, you might not notice any difference. However, a lack of exfoliation can contribute to acne breakouts, in particular blackhead or comedone formation (i.e plugged pores). In the case of dry skin, under exfoliating can also hinder the absorption of active ingredients in moisturizers.

Should I use toner after exfoliating?

If you're aiming for peak performance from your skincare routine order, it's important to exfoliate first; then bring in the toner. Here's why—it turns out dead skin cells block product absorption.

What happens if you don't moisturize after exfoliating?

While one exfoliation won't completely strip your skin of all of its oil, it will remove most of it, leaving the surface dry. Therefore, exfoliating without applying a good moisturizer is guaranteed to leave the face drier than it was before exfoliation.

How do I know if I'm over exfoliating?

Red, irritated skin is likely the first sign that you exfoliate too much. Immediately after any exfoliation, the skin will appear slightly red and puffy. However, if the redness and irritation linger for hours or into the next day, you can be sure that you've gone a bit too far.

What's the best natural moisturizer for dry skin?

Home remedies for dry skin
  1. Sunflower seed oil. A 2013 study found that sunflower seed oil improved hydration when used as a moisturizer on participant's arms. ...
  2. Coconut oil. Another natural oil that works well to treat dry skin is coconut oil. ...
  3. Oatmeal bath. ...
  4. Drinking milk. ...
  5. Honey. ...
  6. Petroleum jelly. ...
  7. Aloe vera.

How long does it take to see results from exfoliating?

For people with acne, it may take up to 8 weeks to see an improvement in the condition of their skin. For anti-aging benefits, it may take even longer to see the results. In general, consistent and regular exfoliation is important for maintaining the benefits of exfoliation.

What comes off when you exfoliate?

There are three main types of exfoliators: physical exfoliators, which use scrubs, brushes, or sponges to manually remove dead skin; chemical exfoliators, which rely on AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) to dissolve dead skin cells; and enzymatic exfoliators, which use natural fruit enzymes to ...

Why is my skin still flaky after exfoliating?

Because, over-exfoliating can make your skin severely dehydrated. You may also notice dry/flaky patches and your foundation could even start to sit funny. Hence why it's also important to follow any exfoliation with a shiz ton of hydration.

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