Should You Wash Your Face Before Exfoliating? The Pros and Cons

Should You Wash Your Face Before Exfoliating?

Exfoliating is an important step in any skincare routine. It removes dead skin cells, dirt, and excess oil to reveal fresh, glowing skin. But should you wash your face first before exfoliating? The answer is not always straightforward.

Whether to cleanse before exfoliating depends on your skin type, the exfoliant used, and even time of day. Understanding the pros and cons will help you determine the best approach for healthy, radiant skin.

Purposes of Washing and Exfoliating

Face washing and exfoliation serve different purposes:

• Washing removes makeup, sunscreen, dirt, sweat, sebum, and superficial impurities from the skin's surface.
• Exfoliating deeply cleanses pores, eliminates dead skin cells, and evens skin texture and tone.

Ideally, you want clear and clean skin before exfoliating so the scrub can work most effectively. But exfoliants also contain cleansing ingredients that wash away debris as you scrub.

Pros of Washing Before Exfoliating

There are benefits to cleansing skin before exfoliation:

• Removes surface dirt, oil, and makeup so the exfoliant scrubs deeper.
• Prevents irritation from scrubbing debris into pores.
• Thorough cleansing allows better exfoliant absorption.
• Softens skin and opens pores for improved exfoliation.
• Preps skin for any serums, creams, or masks applied after exfoliating.

Cons of Washing Before Exfoliating

However, there are also disadvantages to double cleansing:

• Over-washing can dry out or strip skin of natural oils.
• Too much cleansing stresses sensitive skin types.
• It takes more time in your skincare regimen.
• Some cleansers have ingredients that interfere with the exfoliant.

When You Should Wash Before Exfoliating

Here are some situations when pre-cleansing is recommended:

• In the evening to remove makeup, sunscreen, and daytime pollutants
• When using a scrub with larger, coarser particles
• If using a separate chemical peel product after exfoliating
• When skin is oily or prone to blackheads and breakouts
• During times of heavy sweating such as summer months

When Washing May Not Be Necessary

It's fine to skip the face wash before exfoliating when:

• Exfoliating in the morning and skin is already clean.
• Using a very gentle scrub with smaller scrub particles.
• Skin is dry or sensitive and prone to irritation.
• Pressed for time - exfoliant will provide some cleansing.

Choosing the Right Exfoliant

The type of exfoliant you use will also determine if pre-cleansing is recommended. Here's how common exfoliants compare:

Scrubs

Traditional face scrubs use physical abrasives like salt, sugar, beads, nuts, seeds, or pumice to mechanically slough off dead skin. Most contain a cleanser base.

• Coarser scrub particles require pre-washing to avoid irritation.
• Gentler scrubs with dissolving grains may not need washing beforehand.

Chemical Exfoliants

Chemical exfoliants like glycolic, salicylic, lactic, and polyhydroxy acids dissolve dead skin cells. They do not have a scrubbing effect.

• Always wash before applying chemical exfoliants since they do not provide cleansing action.
• Too many acids without washing can seriously irritate and damage skin.

Cleansing Brushes and Devices

These electric face brushes use rotating or vibrating bristles to cleanse and exfoliate simultaneously.

• Pre-rinsing is not needed since the device washes as it exfoliates.
• Avoid scrubbing dirty or makeup-covered skin which can worsen irritation.

Exfoliating Cleansers

All-in-one cleanser scrubs contain both washing ingredients like surfactants plus exfoliants. Many also have added skin conditioners.

• No pre-wash needed as the cleanser and exfoliant work together.
• Rinsing afterwards is important to remove residue.

Wipes, Pads, and Towelettes

Convenient single-use wipes infused with exfoliating acids allow you to cleanse and exfoliate in one step.

• No need to wet your face first - the wipes clean as they exfoliate.
• May not provide as deep cleaning compared to washing.

Finding the Right Face Wash

If you do opt to cleanse before exfoliating, choose the right face wash for your skin type:

For Normal and Combination Skin

Try gentle foaming, cream, or gel cleansers with ingredients like:

• Glycerin - hydrates skin
• Jojoba beads - provide light exfoliation
• Aloe vera - calms and soothes
• Tea tree oil - antibacterial

For Dry Skin

Look for hydrating cleansers with:

• Ceramides - repair skin barrier
• Hyaluronic acid - binds moisture
• Avocado, sunflower, or olive oil - soften skin
• Vitamin E - powerful antioxidant

For Oily and Acne-Prone Skin

Use clarifying cleansers formulated with:

• Salicylic acid - clears pores
• Charcoal - absorbs excess oil
• Clay - soaks up sebum
• Witch hazel - reduces inflammation

For Sensitive Skin

Look for soap-free cleansers rich in:

• Aloe vera - soothing and healing
• Chamomile - anti-inflammatory
• Green tea - antioxidants reduce redness
• Oat kernel extract - protect and strengthen skin barrier

Exfoliating Based on Skin Type

Tailor your exfoliation method to your skin's needs:

Normal Skin

• Gentle scrubs 2-3 times a week
• Soft cleansing brush 1-2 times per week
• Glycolic or lactic acid exfoliant 2 times a week

Dry Skin

• Fine-grained sugar or ground nut scrubs 2 times per week
• Cleansing brush once weekly if tolerated
• Lactic or mandelic acid once a week

Oily and Acne-Prone Skin

• Salicylic acid cleanser daily
• Clay mask weekly to absorb oils
• Glycolic or salicylic acid 3 times per week

Sensitive Skin

• Gentle scrubs with jojoba beads or soft spherical particles once a week
• Washcloth in circular motions for very mild manual exfoliation
• Polyhydroxy acid exfoliant once a week if tolerated

Exfoliating Safely and Effectively

Keep these tips in mind to exfoliate successfully:

• Always dampen skin with water before applying scrub.
• Massage gently using light pressure in circular motions.
• Focus on oily zones like nose, chin, and forehead.
• Limit exfoliating to 2-3 times per week maximum.
• Rinse thoroughly and follow with moisturizer.
• Use sun protection after since freshly exfoliated skin is vulnerable.

Patch test new products. Stop exfoliating if skin feels irritated. See your dermatologist if inflammation, rashes, or other reactions develop.

The Bottom Line

Cleansing before exfoliating has benefits of prepping skin and allowing deeper scrubbing action. But it also carries risks like irritation or over-drying. Considering your skin type, exfoliant choice, and regimen needs will help determine if that extra wash step is right for you and your skin goals.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.