By cleansing first you help removing dirt, sweat and make up off skin's surface. You are then working with a clean base to then exfoliate away dead skin cells that can pile up on skin's surface.
Cleansing washes away dirt, makeup, and other skin impurities. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts. Cleansing first may remove surface-level dirt, allowing for better access to dead skin cells when exfoliating.
Exfoliation is not necessary on a daily basis, but it's just as important as cleaning or moisturizing the skin. Your skin is susceptible to built up sweat, oil, makeup residue, and other toxins from the air that sink into your pores. It creates a fast track to whiteheads, blackheads, and other types of breakouts.
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.
Poor exfoliation is a leading cause of blackheads and whiteheads, some of the most common signs of acne. You can also develop “undergrowth” without regular exfoliation. This is comprised of not only dead skin cells but also trapped dirt and oil, which can lead to ingrown hairs.
Ultimately, using a cleanser before an exfoliator will likely be better for most people. This allows you to clean away more dirt and debris than the other method on average.
You can exfoliate wet skin, as many people do with a loofah or a scrub in the shower, but the friction level is different when the skin cells are moist, Karen said. The dry method will help you to more effectively exfoliate, plus it's less messy, Gohara noted.
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Both are beneficial as well as essential for your skin. A cleanser cleans your skin, removing impurities and dust. On the other hand, an exfoliator removes the dead cells trapped on your skin's surface to reveal younger and healthier inner skin layer.
Most experts advise that you exfoliate two to three times per week — as long as your skin can handle it. Chemical exfoliants tend to be fine to use more regularly. Physical methods, on the other hand, may be too abrasive to use multiple times a week.
Those with very dry skin or eczema will find that water-cleansing helps to retain the skin's natural moisture. However, persons with oily, acne-prone, or combination skin might need soap or liquid cleanser to dissolve excess oil which often clogs pores and causes breakouts.
The easiest way to exfoliate your arms and legs is with a brush, sponge, or glove. This can help get rid of dead skin cells and stimulate circulation. Look for a body scrub at your local pharmacy or online and lather with it in the shower. You can also try dry brushing.
Typically, exfoliating does not cause acne. In fact, in most cases, exfoliating can help minimize acne when performed properly as part of an acne treatment program. Beware though, if exfoliating is done improperly or too often, it can bring on problems. If you use a scrub, use as directed and be gentle.
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.
After exfoliating your face or body, it's important to always follow up with a moisturizer, said Zeichner, who usually pairs exfoliating products with moisturizers that have skin-repairing ingredients such as niacinamide, ceramides and/or oatmeal.
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.
When should you use a body 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.
Gently massage the scrub onto the skin for as long as your specific product recommends, usually from 30 seconds to a full minute. Then, rinse off with warm water and gently pat your skin with a clean towel. Follow with a hydrating mask, serum or cream.
Generally speaking, board-certified dermatologist Lian A. Mack, MD, says exfoliating daily isn't recommended for many skin types as it will strip skin of its natural oils, leaving it feeling overly dry, which can then result in irritation and inflammation.
Your skin needs moisture, especially after you exfoliate. Using a super-hydrating facial moisturizer after you exfoliate helps replenish any moisture loss from exfoliating. Apply sunscreen. “If you can't tone it, tan it” might be your mantra for your midsection, but the sun isn't going to do your face any favors.
If you've ever wondered what comes first, cleansing or exfoliating, know that the confusion is understandable: though the two go hand in hand—you should always cleanse before exfoliating.