Should I moisturize after exfoliating?

Author: Dr. Jocelyn Walsh V  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 3, 2022

Your skin needs moisture, especially after you exfoliate. Using a super-hydrating facial moisturizer after you exfoliate helps replenish any moisture loss from exfoliating.

What happens if you don't moisturize after exfoliating?

Apply Moisturizers

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.

What to apply after exfoliating?

Apply a Moisturizer

After exfoliating, make sure you thoroughly rinse away the product and any dead skin cells and then pat your skin dry with a clean towel. ”Apply a moisturizer or shea butter following your [exfoliating] and shower/soak to help your skin retain moisture and look radiant,” advises Burns.

How long should I wait after exfoliating to moisturize?

You can test this yourself with a well formulated exfoliant: at night, apply your AHA or BHA as usual after cleansing and toning, and do a "split-test." Wait 20 minutes before applying your serum and/or moisturizer to one side, but the other side of your face, apply those next steps immediately.

What moisturizer is good after exfoliating?

Glycerin is a great choice, because it keeps moisture locked deep in the lower layers of skin (British Journal of Dermatology). Jojoba oil delivers deeply-penetrating moisture while can mimicking skin's natural oils.

How To Exfoliate Properly - Exfoliating - What, Why, How And When BHA ✖ James Welsh

What not to do after exfoliating?

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 you moisturize before exfoliating?

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!

Should I moisturize after BHA?

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. Experiment with different strengths of glycolic acid or salicylic acid to see which concentration gives you the best results.

Should I exfoliate in the morning or night?

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 step should exfoliating be?

Cleaning the face before exfoliating allows you to start with a fresh slate. Exfoliation dives into the pores, more so than a mild cleanser. It's important to remove your makeup and clean your face on a daily basis. It's not always necessary to exfoliate with the same frequency.

Should I use toner after exfoliating?

Regardless of the formula, apply your toner or serum after cleansing, preferably at night, since exfoliating can make your complexion sun-sensitive. Stick with gel or foaming cleansers rather than oils and balms, which leave a residue that can prevent toners from absorbing, says Mattioli.

Should you shower before or after exfoliating?

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.

How often should you exfoliate and moisturize?

Many think that weekly exfoliation is enough, and it's a good starting point for a newbie. 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.

Should you exfoliate every day?

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Once or twice a week is great, but everyday exfoliation is even better. Clinique Derm Pro Dr. Michelle Henry gives us her top five reasons to exfoliate daily. Once or twice a week is great, but everyday exfoliation is even better.

How often should I exfoliate my 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.

What should be a skincare routine?

Here are the steps for a good skincare regimen:
  • Wash your face. Morning and night, rinse your face water and rub a small amount of gentle cleanser between clean palms. ...
  • Apply toner. ...
  • Apply serum. ...
  • Apply eye cream. ...
  • Use spot treatment. ...
  • Moisturize. ...
  • Apply retinoid. ...
  • Apply face oil.

What do dermatologists recommend exfoliating?

Dermatologists say these are the best exfoliators for smooth skin
  • St. ...
  • Stridex Medicated Pads Maximum Strength.
  • Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting Exfoliant.
  • Dove Crushed Macadamia & Rice Milk Exfoliating Body Polish Scrub.
  • Alpha Skin Care Revitalizing Body Lotion.
  • First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub.

Do Dermatologists recommend exfoliation?

For most skin types, Corey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL recommends daily chemical exfoliation, and then incorporating mechanical exfoliation into your regimen about once a week.

Can I exfoliate twice a day?

How often should I exfoliate? Twice daily – that's the aim, according to Kellett and Dr. David Orentreich, a dermatologist at Clinique. "It's better to exfoliate twice a day using mild or moderate exfoliation than to exfoliate once a week with an extremely harsh process," says Orentreich.

How long after BHA can I apply moisturizer?

BHAs are thought to self-neutralize after about 20 minutes, so most skincare experts advise letting it fully dry for at least 15 minutes before continuing with your regular skincare routine (i.e. essences, serums, moisturizers, spot treatments).

What moisturizer should I use after BHA?

"Moisturizing after applying AHA and BHA is extremely important so as to limit irritation. Look for ceramides, petrolatum, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin to hydrate and soothe skin," says Dr. Marchbein.

Can I use niacinamide after BHA exfoliant?

Niacinamide should be used after your BHA exfoliant. From there, you can apply the rest of your products in order of thinnest to thickest texture.

What is the best time to exfoliate?

If your face is dull in the morning

With less sleep comes slower skin-cell turnover, which means that dead skin cells will then pile up and result in dull complexion. Rejuvenate your skin by scrubbing away those dead skin cells and you'll be left with brighter looking skin.

In what order should I exfoliate my face?

Exfoliation Before Cleansing

Scrubbing first can remove residue, dead skin cells and dirt from the surface of your skin. Following this step with cleanser helps wash away any dead skin cells or particles on skin's surface that were lifted by the scrub.

How do you exfoliate your pubic area?

Exfoliate the Skin

Use a loofah, washcloth, or exfoliating sponge to gently exfoliate your skin before shaving. Exfoliating will remove any dead skin and allow you to shave the hair as near to the root as possible. Harsh exfoliants aren't necessary and can actually do more harm than good in your pubic area.

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