Do you exfoliate or soap first?

Author: Mattie Miller V  |  Last update: Friday, November 21, 2025

Exfoliation Before Cleansing Scrubbing first loosens dead skin cells, dirt, and other debris. Following with a cleanser then washes away these loosened particles, providing a thorough cleanse and leaving a smooth, receptive surface for moisturizer.

Should you use soap before or after exfoliating?

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.

Do you use soap or scrub first?

It is generally recommended to use a face wash first before using a face scrub . A face wash helps to remove any dirt , oil , and impurities from the surface of the skin , allowing the face scrub to better exfoliate and penetrate the pores . Using...

Is it better to wash or exfoliate first?

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.

The Only Skincare Products You Actually Need

Can I use soap after body scrub?

The straightforward answer is after. While people have often tried using it before, it is not with the best results. Soap tends to clean out dead skin cells, debris, dirt, and oils, which means they don't really have much to do after a body scrub. In fact, they act as a base to prepare the body for a body scrub.

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.

Do you exfoliate first then body wash?

Exfoliation Before Cleansing

Scrubbing first loosens dead skin cells, dirt, and other debris. Following with a cleanser then washes away these loosened particles, providing a thorough cleanse and leaving a smooth, receptive surface for moisturizer.

Should I exfoliate on dry or wet skin?

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 is double cleansing?

“Double cleansing means cleansing your face twice, first with an oil-based product and then followed by a water-based cleanser,” explains Dr. Wu. The first step of using an oil-based cleanser is helpful when it comes to removing waterproof makeup and sunscreen.

Do you use shampoo or scrub first?

“Always do a scalp scrub before washing your hair, then follow with a clarifying shampoo,” says Bowman. “The most common mistake people make is applying the scrub on soaking wet hair.

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.

Which comes first, soap or scrub?

If you're wondering when to use an exfoliating body scrub, make sure you use it after you have showered or bathed, and after you have used shower gel, soap or body wash. This ensures your skin is clean and prepped for exfoliation, and the warm water ensures your skin is damp and soft.

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.

Should I apply anything after exfoliating?

Exfoliation should only occur once or twice a week and always moisturize afterward! This provides your fresh new skin with moisture and protection from the elements.

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.

What order to do skin care?

How to Layer Your Skincare Products in the Right Order
  1. Step 1: Cleanser.
  2. Step 2: Toner.
  3. Step 3: Spot Treatment.
  4. Step 4: Serums.
  5. Step 5: Retinol.
  6. Step 6: Eye Cream.
  7. Step 7: Moisturizer.
  8. Step 8: Face Oils.

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.

Do you exfoliate before or after washing with soap?

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.

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.

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.

Is it better to exfoliate at night or in the 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.

Do you wash up or exfoliate first?

Cleansing the face before exfoliation will allow chemical exfoliants to penetrate deep into the skin and prevent makeup or dirt from pushing deeper, especially if also using mechanical exfoliation. However, a gentle cleanser or exfoliant alone should remove makeup and dirt — using both may strip the skin of moisture.

How to exfoliate lips?

Pro Tip: If you're in a pinch and want to exfoliate your lips, you can DIY your own lip scrub with one part oil and two parts fine sugar. (4) You can also apply a drop or two of oil onto a soft-bristled toothbrush and lightly rub back and forth over your lips before rinsing.

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