Should I exfoliate or hydrate first?

Author: Ms. Candace Wisozk DDS  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Exfoliation removes dulling, dead skin cells that prevent skin care products from penetrating properly – which means that the best time to hydrate is immediately after you exfoliate.

Should you exfoliate before or after moisturizing?

After exfoliating or washing your face, it's generally recommended to wait about 10 to 20 minutes before applying moisturizer. This allows your skin to return to its normal pH level and ensures that the moisturizer can be absorbed effectively.

What is the correct order of skin care?

As a general rule, your skincare routine should follow this order: cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, and lastly, eye cream. Some people also double cleanse, starting with an oil based cleanser.

What goes first exfoliating or hydrating serum?

Chemical exfoliants often work best on freshly cleansed skin so they're typically most effective after the cleansing steps and before any other steps (eg hydrating toners, essences, serums etc.).

What is the correct order to clean your face?

  • Wet Your Face: Use lukewarm water to dampen your skin (about 10-15 seconds).
  • Apply Cleanser: Use a gentle cleanser appropriate for your skin type and massage it into your skin for about 20-30 seconds.
  • Rinse: Thoroughly rinse your face with lukewarm water (about 10-15 seconds).
  • Dry: Pat your face dry with a clean towel.

My Science-Based Skincare Routine (easy & affordable)

What are the 7 steps of skincare?

  • Step 1: Cleansing. Start with the basics: skin cleansing. ...
  • Step 2: Exfoliation. Eliminate impurities and dead cells by carrying out an effective exfoliation. ...
  • Step 3: Mask. Apply a mask specific for you. ...
  • Step 4: Toner. ...
  • Step 5: Serum or concentrate. ...
  • Step 6: Eye contour. ...
  • Step 7: Moisturising cream. ...
  • Step 8: Sun protection!

What is the correct order of cleaning?

Following a systematic order for cleaning your house can make the task more manageable and ensure a thorough job. By starting with decluttering and moving through dusting, disinfecting, vacuuming, mopping, and specific room cleaning, you create a clean and organized living space.

Should I hydrate before exfoliating?

Exfoliation removes dulling, dead skin cells that prevent skin care products from penetrating properly – which means that the best time to hydrate is immediately after you exfoliate.

In what order do you exfoliate?

Exfoliation Before Cleansing

While less common, exfoliating before cleansing can also be beneficial. 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.

How to do facial step by step?

At Home Facial Treatment in 5 Steps
  1. STEP 1: CLEANSE. Whether you have makeup on your face or not, you want to start your facial with a clean palette. ...
  2. STEP 2: STEAM YOUR FACE. To steam your face at home there is no need to rush out and buy any fancy equipment. ...
  3. STEP 3: EXFOLIATE. ...
  4. STEP 4: MASK. ...
  5. STEP 5: MOISTURISE AND MASSAGE.

What is the 4 2 4 rule in skincare?

The 4-2-4 rule is a detailed cleansing routine that involves a four-minute oil massage, a two-minute cleanse with a water-based cleanser and a four-minute rinse with warm and cold water. Read ahead to know about the Japanese double cleanse routine, and what experts have to say about it.

Do you use hyaluronic acid before or after exfoliating?

The general rule of thumb is to apply the thinnest consistency products first and work up to thicker textures. For those who need the exfoliating benefits of salicylic acid daily, cleanse with SA Smoothing Cleanser with Ceramides, then follow with Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum to enhance hydration.

What is the correct way to layer skincare?

Layer From Lightest To Heaviest Formulas

As a general rule of thumb, apply your products in this order: cleanser, toner/essence, treatment/mask, serum, eye cream, moisturizer, oil, SPF. Sunscreen always goes last, and the only thing that you should layer over sunscreen is powder, concealer, or foundation.”

What not to do 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 should I wait between exfoliating and moisturizing?

It may seem obvious, but it's worth stating that the optimal time to apply moisturizer after exfoliation is usually immediately following the cleansing and exfoliating process. This ensures that the moisturizing skin care product can penetrate deep into the skin, providing maximum hydration and soothing effects.

What order should I do my skincare?

The right morning routine will help your skin feel calm and hydrated all day long.
  1. Step 1: Cleanser. A clean face is your starting point for a healthy, glowing complexion. ...
  2. Step 2: Toner. ...
  3. Step 3: Serum. ...
  4. Step 4: Moisturizer. ...
  5. Step 5: Eye Cream. ...
  6. Step 6: Sunscreen.

Do I moisturize or exfoliate first?

Whether you use your exfoliator in the morning or evening make sure you apply a moisturizer after exfoliating to perfectly prep your skin for makeup or the day ahead, or feed your skin effective, plump-effect, moisturizing ingredients overnight!

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 exfoliate 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.

Should I hydrate my skin after exfoliating?

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! This provides your fresh new skin with moisture and protection from the elements.

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.

What is the 7 step cleaning process?

What Are The 7 Easy Steps to Clean Any Space?
  • Getting Ready: Before you start cleaning, get all your cleaning tools and Stuff ready. ...
  • Taking Stuff Out: First, take out things that are making the place messy. ...
  • Dusting Everything: ...
  • Cleaning Surfaces: ...
  • Vacuuming and Sweeping: ...
  • Mopping the Floor: ...
  • Final Touches:

What is the hardest room to clean?

The kitchen is the home's heart for so many people. Unfortunately, it is also one of the hardest rooms to keep clean. With all those surfaces, appliances, and utensils, it's not surprising that the kitchen often takes the longest to tidy.

What are the 5 basic cleaning steps in order?

What are the Six Stages of Cleaning?
  1. Pre-clean.
  2. Main clean.
  3. Rinse.
  4. Disinfection.
  5. Final Rinse.
  6. Drying.

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