Is it better to exfoliate your face in the morning or at night?

Author: Dr. Earnest Cassin V  |  Last update: Tuesday, February 21, 2023

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.

What time of day should I exfoliate my face?

Though any time of day will work, exfoliating in the morning is ideal because the skin repairs itself at night,2 potentially leaving a layer of dead skin cells just begging to be sloughed off.

Should you exfoliate in the morning and night?

That means that if you exfoliate at night, any products you apply before bed will better penetrate your skin, essentially amplifying their effects. And if you exfoliate in the morning, you scrub away the dead skin cells that result from the overnight repair process.

When should you not exfoliate your face?

If an area feels dry and/or rough, it might be time to exfoliate. Important: if this same patch of skin is also irritated, red or itchy, that is a sure sign not to exfoliate.

Can you exfoliate your face morning and night?

You can exfoliate your face as part of your morning or evening skincare routine, whichever suits you best! Using an acid exfoliator like Charlotte's NEW!

Exfoliate in the Morning or Night? The Best Time to Exfoliate

What should you not do after exfoliating your face?

DON'T rinse off a chemical exfoliant

After exfoliating, don't wash it off right away - the active ingredients take time to absorb into your skin and work their magic! Leave your exfoliant on for about 15-30 minutes to ensure the ingredients dissolve and remove all dead skin cells.

Should your face be wet or dry when exfoliating?

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.

Is it OK to exfoliate face everyday?

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Why is it better to exfoliate at night?

Exfoliating in the evening can help to increase the efficiency of the skin cell turnover, resulting in a clearer complexion and fresher, healthier skin. As mentioned above, if you experience redness easily, it may be better to exfoliate at night. Your skin will have a longer time to recover!

Should you moisturize after exfoliating?

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.

How often should I exfoliate my face?

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.

Do I wash face after exfoliating?

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.

What happens if you exfoliate every night?

Exfoliating too often can strip the skin on your face of its natural oils and lead to breakouts. Too much scrubbing may also cause your skin to become irritated. Most skin care experts agree that exfoliating your face once or twice a week is best for most skin types.

What should I put on my face after exfoliating?

Apply Moisturizers

if you just finished exfoliating your face, or any other body part, the most important thing to remember is to stay moisturized. While one exfoliation won't completely strip your skin of all of its oil, it will remove most of it, leaving the surface dry.

How long after exfoliating should you moisturize?

You don't need to wait for the BHA or AHA to absorb or dry; you can apply any other product in your routine - moisturiser, serum, eye cream, or sunscreen - immediately afterwards.

Is it better to exfoliate before or after washing?

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. Exfoliating can soften your skin and allows a fresh layer of skin cells to emerge as dead skin cells are washed away.

Why do I get pimples after scrubbing?

Scrubbing can irritate your skin, causing acne to flare. What to do instead: Be gentle when washing your face and other skin with acne. You want to use a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser.

What is the best way to exfoliate your face?

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.

Should you exfoliate older skin?

Regular exfoliation is one of the most effective ways to keep older skin looking youthful and bright. As we age, our skin's natural exfoliation process slows down and causes a buildup of dead, dull skin. Exfoliating helps speed up cellular turnover, softening fine lines and wrinkles and diminishing hyperpigmentation.

What is the best exfoliator?

Our Picks
  • Best Overall: ZO Skin Health Dual Action Scrub.
  • Best Value: La Roche Posay Ultra-Fine Scrub.
  • Best Splurge: Obagi Professional C Microdermabrasion Polish and Mask.
  • Best for Sensitive Skin: Cetaphil Exfoliating Face Wash.
  • Best for Oily Skin: SkinFix Resurface+ AHA/BHA Niacinamide Resurfacing Pads.

What comes first moisturizer or exfoliator?

gently wash your face with lukewarm water and pat dry. apply a moisturizer after using an exfoliator every time. Exfoliation can easily give you dry skin over time, but a moisturizer can help your skin cells retain the moisture they still have and prevent your skin from going dry or becoming itchy.

How do you exfoliate under your eyes?

Use a gentle exfoliating serum that's formulated specifically for this area (the keyword is GENTLE). I recommend the Overnight Eye Serum. I formulated it with a blend of glycolic and lactic acids, as well as soothing allantoin and aloe vera, to safely treat this delicate area.

Why is my skin still flaky after exfoliating?

Over-scrubbing leaves skin dry and flaky. It takes off natural essential oil from the skin and leave it dry and flaky. If your face has dry patches after exfoliation, it means you need to slow down or space out your exfoliation sessions. If your skin is prone to breakouts or acne, over exfoliation can make it worse.

What are the signs of over exfoliation?

Signs of over-exfoliation
  • Sensitised skin. You feel a burning or stinging sensation when applying your regular skincare products.
  • Redness.
  • A tight, uncomfortable feeling.
  • Increased breakouts.
  • Dryness and dehydration.
  • Flaking.

What does over exfoliated skin look like?

Telltale signs that you are over-exfoliating your skin

These include irritation, redness, inflamed skin, plus your complexion can become dry and flaky. You may develop a rash like texture, leading to uneven tones like patchy, red blotches. Breakouts are another common reaction, especially small, rough, bumpy pimples.

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