Do I exfoliate before or after body wash?

Author: Anderson McKenzie  |  Last update: Friday, October 3, 2025

Our recommendation is to exfoliate after using body wash. Body wash cleanses and softens the skin (again, we recommend using an oil-infused body wash for extra hydration), prepping the skin for an exfoliating body scrub, now that it will be less prone to potential traction and irritation.

Should you use body wash before or after exfoliating?

  • Before Scrubbing: - Purpose: Using a body wash before exfoliating can help remove surface dirt and oils, allowing the scrub to work more effectively.
  • After Scrubbing: - Purpose: Washing after exfoliating can help remove any leftover scrub particles and ensure your skin is clean.

Should you use exfoliant before or after wash?

You should cleanse first and then exfoliate. Cleansing removes dirt, oil, and impurities from your skin, allowing the exfoliation process to be more effective. Exfoliating after cleansing helps to slough off dead skin cells and can enhance the absorption of other skincare products you may use afterward.

In what order should I use a body scrub?

When it comes to using body scrub and soap in your shower routine, it's generally recommended to use body scrub first. Here's why: Exfoliation: Body scrubs are designed to exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and impurities. Using it first allows for a deeper clean and prepares your skin for the soap.

In what order should you exfoliate, shave, and wash?

Here's our guide to getting the smoothest skin––no irritation invited.
  1. Step 1: Cleanse your skin in warm water. The first thing to consider is your water temperature. ...
  2. Step 2: Exfoliate. ...
  3. Step 3: Rinse well. ...
  4. Step 4: Shave. ...
  5. Step 5: Moisturize. ...
  6. Step 6: Exfoliate again…after a couple days.

Do You Use Sugar Scrub Before Or After Body Wash? - Skin Savvy Dermatology

What is the correct order to wash your body?

According to dermatologists, you should exfoliate first, then wash your hair, and then wash your body. This will ensure that each shower product you use has time to work. If you have concerns about your skin, you should follow this order as closely as you can. This will help prevent acne, razor burn, or dry hair.

Should I exfoliate body before or after shaving?

The quick answer is yes, according to the Cleveland Clinic. You should exfoliate your skin prior to shaving, as exfoliating first can help prevent the razor from becoming clogged with dead skin cells (which can reduce its effectiveness). In other words, exfoliating first is a serious pro tip for a closer shave.

Does scrub or cleanser go first?

Cleansing before scrubbing is often recommended. By first removing dirt, sweat, and makeup, you create a clean canvas for exfoliation. This allows the scrub to effectively target dead skin cells without being hindered by surface debris.

Do you shave before or after body wash?

For ultimate comfort and confidence, we reckon shaving after, or even during a shower is the way to go. Make things easy for yourself! The warm water and steam will open up your skin's pores, softening the hair follicles, leaving it ready for a closer and more relaxing shave.

Should I scrub my body wet or dry?

Perfectly prepped skin will enable your chosen scrub to work its magic. First up, you need to soak – either under the shower or in the bath. Skin should be damp to get the full benefit of exfoliation, plus a warm temperature will help to open your pores and soften the surface of your skin.

Should I exfoliate at night or morning?

There are a few general rules to follow, though. 1) It's good to exfoliate at night in order to encourage skin repair while you sleep—but if you use harsh and irritating ingredients like retinol at night, opt for exfoliating in the morning. 2) Watch out for red, irritated skin and little bumps.

How to exfoliate skin properly?

If you use a scrub or chemical exfoliator, apply the product gently using small, circular motions. Do this for about 30 seconds, and then rinse off with lukewarm — not hot — water. If you use a brush or sponge, use short light strokes. Never exfoliate if you have open cuts or wounds or if your skin is sunburned.

What comes after exfoliating?

Generally speaking, this is the order in which skin care products should be applied: Cleanser, spot corrector, exfoliator, toner, essence, serum, eye cream, retinoid, moisturizer, face oil, SPF.

Should I use both body scrub and body wash?

Achieving smooth, healthy skin requires a balanced approach, and using a body wash and body scrub combination is one of the most effective ways to enhance your skincare routine. These skincare products work together to cleanse, exfoliate, and rejuvenate your skin, offering numerous benefits for long-term skin health.

What step do you exfoliate?

The next step after toning in your skincare regimen is exfoliating. This is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin using a chemical or a granular substance. This step is best done 2-3X per week after cleansing and toning. Helps prevent clogged pores.

What should your shower routine be?

How To Shower Properly
  • Step 1: Get the water temperature right. Dermatologists recommended you shower under warm, or even lukewarm, water. ...
  • Step 2: How to wash your body. ...
  • Step 3: Rinse properly. ...
  • Step 4: Shampoo thoroughly. ...
  • Step 5: Rinse your hair with cool or cold water. ...
  • Step 6: Apply moisturiser (almost) immediately.

Should I exfoliate before or after a shower?

Our recommendation is to exfoliate after using body wash. Body wash cleanses and softens the skin (again, we recommend using an oil-infused body wash for extra hydration), prepping the skin for an exfoliating body scrub, now that it will be less prone to potential traction and irritation.

What to use first, body wash or scrub?

If we're cleaning our bodies, we should start with a clean slate. Start with an all natural body soap to remove the outermost layer of body oils, dirt, and dead skin. Then apply your body scrub to exfoliate the skin further, removing the tough, dry layer of skin below.

What is the most hygienic way to shower?

From how often to rinse off to how we dry our bodies afterward, dermatologists weigh in on the best way to take a shower.
  1. Don't wash your hair too much. ...
  2. But don't wash too little, either. ...
  3. Focus on the dirtiest areas. ...
  4. Cleanse with care. ...
  5. Start at the top. ...
  6. If you're shaving, do it last. ...
  7. Pat yourself dry. ...
  8. Moisturize.

How often should you exfoliate your body?

Stick to physical exfoliants like sugar, salt, and coffee grinds. Try to exfoliate your body at least once every 10 days, but we recommend one to two times a week if you have sensitive skin, and three to four if your chest and back are on the oily side.

In what order should I scrub my body?

To use body scrub correctly, follow these simple steps:
  1. First, rinse your skin in warm water. ...
  2. Next, rub a small amount of body scrub between your hands and massage over your body.
  3. Rub the body scrub in gentle, circular motions with either your hand or an exfoliating glove.
  4. Scrub your skin for no longer than 30 seconds.

Do you use exfoliate before or after shaving?

Scrubbing before shaving – Using a body scrub immediately before shaving helps to remove all the dead skin cells around each hair shaft. Not only can this exfoliation help you get a closer shave, but it'll also reduce the risk of razor burn by keeping your razor unclogged and performing with peak sharpness.

Do you wash or exfoliate first?

Ideally, on the days that you exfoliate, you should cleanse first to unclog pores, then exfoliate to remove dead cells, and follow it with a rich, healing moisturizer (and sunscreen if you elect to exfoliate in the morning).

What is the best exfoliator for the pubic area?

  • Best Bikini Exfoliator Overall: First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads with BHA & AHA. Courtesy of brand. ...
  • Best Budget: Gillette Venus Intimate Grooming Daily Soothing Serum. 2/14. ...
  • Best Chemical Exfoliant: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. ...
  • Best for Ingrown Hair: European Wax Center Face & Body Exfoliator.

How not to get ingrown hairs when shaving?

Things you can do to treat and prevent ingrown hairs
  • wet your skin with warm water and use shaving gel.
  • shave in the direction the hairs are growing.
  • use as few strokes of the razor as possible.
  • rinse the razor after every stroke.
  • hold a cool, wet cloth to your skin after shaving to reduce irritation.

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