Should You Exfoliate Before or After Washing Your Face? When to Exfoliate

Should You Exfoliate Before or After Washing Your Face?

Figuring out the right order for your skincare routine can be confusing. When it comes to exfoliating your face, you may wonder whether it's better to exfoliate before or after cleansing.

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, dirt, and oil that can build up on your skin. By gently sloughing off this debris, exfoliating leaves your face smoother, brighter, and prepped for the rest of your skincare products.

But while exfoliation is an important part of most skincare routines, placing it in the wrong spot can lead to irritation. Understanding when to exfoliate based on your skin type and preferences is key.

The Benefits of Exfoliating Your Face

Before delving into the exfoliate before or after wash debate, let's first go over why exfoliation matters for your complexion:

• Removes dead skin cells: Buildup of dead cells can make skin dull.
• Unclogs pores: Clears away impurities to reduce acne.
• Smooths skin texture: Softens rough patches for an even tone.
• Allows better absorption: Helps products penetrate deeper.
• Prevents ingrown hairs: Exfoliating preps skin for shaving.
• Minimizes fine lines: Gently retextures skin to reduce wrinkle appearance.

Choosing the right facial exfoliant and using it at the optimum point in your routine is key to reaping these rewards.

Should You Exfoliate Before or After Washing Your Face?

Now, to get to the heart of the mattershould exfoliating come before or after cleansing your face? The short answer is: it depends.

Here are the pros and cons of exfoliating before vs. after washing your face:

Exfoliating Before Washing Your Face

Pros:

• Lifts away surface dirt, oil, and debris
• Prepares skin for a deeper cleanse
• Creamy/gentle scrubs spread easier on dirty skin

Cons:

• Can spread bacteria if skin isn't pre-cleansed
• Harsher scrubs may be overly abrasive
• Not ideal for sensitive skin types

Exfoliating After Washing Your Face

Pros:

• Less risk of irritation or sensitivity
• Gets deep into pores to clear out impurities
• Allows even application and absorption of scrubs

Cons:

• Exfoliant may not spread as easily over wet skin
• Less effective at removing surface dirt and oil

As you can see, there are benefits to both approaches. Typically, the best practice is to wash your face first before exfoliatingbut your individual skin type and preferences should also guide your choice.

How to Decide: Exfoliate Before or After Face Wash

Here are some tips on deciding when to add exfoliation to your skincare routine:

1. Consider your skin type

Sensitive skin: Exfoliate after washing. Avoiding scrubbing dirty skin reduces irritation.

Oily skin: Either before or after washing works. Oily skin isn't as prone to dryness or irritation from exfoliating.

Dry skin: Exfoliate after cleansing. The skin will be more hydrated and better tolerate exfoliation.

Normal or combination skin: Personal preference. Your skin likely isn't too sensitive or too dry for exfoliating before washing.

2. Choose your cleanser wisely

Harsher cleansers with active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or retinoids can make skin more sensitive. If using one of these, opt to exfoliate after cleansing to avoid irritation.

3. Pay attention to your scrubs texture

Gentler, creamy exfoliants are better suited for pre-cleansing. Save rougher scrubs with beads or abrasive particles for post-wash exfoliating when skin is cleaner.

4. Know your skin's sensitivity

If your skin gets red or irritated easily, exfoliate after washing as a precaution. This helps avoid exacerbating sensitivity.

5. Time it strategically

Exfoliating at night allows products to absorb while you sleep. For removing daily buildup, an exfoliating cleanser in the morning works well.

How to Exfoliate Your Face

Once you decide the optimal time to exfoliate, make sure you're doing it correctly. Here are some tips:

1. Never scrub hard

Exfoliating requires gentle pressure in small circular motions. Avoid rubbing harshly, which can cause microtears in the skin.

2. Focus on problem areas

Pay extra attention to congested areas like the T-zone to clear clogged pores. But don't overdo it on pimples.

3. Use lukewarm water

Very hot water can strip the skin. Exfoliate with a comfortable, lukewarm temperature.

4. Limit to 2-3 times per week

Exfoliating daily may disturb the skin's protective barrier and do more harm than good.

5. Moisturize after

Always follow exfoliation with a hydrating moisturizer to replenish the skin.

6. Listen to your skin

If your face feels sensitive or irritated, cut back on exfoliating frequency until it recovers.

Choosing a Facial Exfoliant

The products you choose for cleansing and exfoliating also factor into the before or after face wash decision. Here are some popular options:

Exfoliating Cleansers

These multitasking products cleanse and exfoliate the skin in one step. Look for ones with gentle beads, fruit enzymes, or chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs.

Scrubs and Masks

For targeted exfoliation, use a standalone scrub or mask 1-3 times per week. Consider your skin type when selecting the right texture.

Cleansing Brushes and Devices

Sonic cleansing brushes provide a deep clean while also exfoliating. Use a light touch to avoid irritation.

Chemical Exfoliants

AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid gently loosen the bonds between dead skin cells. Try applying before heavier creams at night.

Additional Tips for Exfoliating Face Skin

Keep these extra pointers in mind to maximize the benefits from your exfoliation routine:

Prep with a makeup remover

Always take off all makeup before exfoliating to avoid rubbing particles into the skin.

Splash with water after

Rinse face with cool water to remove any lingering scrub and pat dry gently.

Avoid over-exfoliating

Listen to your skin and cut back exfoliation if you notice irritation or sensitivity flaring up.

Apply SPF after morning exfoliation

Since exfoliation reveals fresh new skin, be sure to apply sun protection in the mornings.

Use retinoids sparingly

Combining prescription retinoids like tretinoin with exfoliation may over-dry the skin.

Let cleansing masks sit

When using a rinse-off cleansing mask, leave it on for the recommended time before scrubbing off.

Who Should Avoid Exfoliating?

While most people can benefit from occasional exfoliation, some circumstances require avoiding it:

Sensitive Skin Conditions

People with conditions like eczema, rosacea or psoriasis should use caution or avoid exfoliating if it causes flares.

Skin Infections

Avoid exfoliating over top of contagious skin infections like cold sores as it could spread the virus.

Accutane Treatment

Isotretinoin/Accutane use makes skin extremely vulnerable to irritation. Skip exfoliating while on treatment.

Damaged Skin Barrier

Exfoliation before the skin barrier has a chance to heal after procedures like laser or dermabrasion can worsen irritation.

Sunburn

Never exfoliate sunburnt skin as it sloughs off the protective blistered skin too early.

The Takeaway

While the ideal order for your skincare routine depends on your preferences and skin type, these tips can help determine when to exfoliate for the best results:

• Sensitive skin: Exfoliate after cleansing
• Oily skin: Either before or after cleansing
• Dry skin: Exfoliate after cleansing
• Use gentle scrubs before washing, harsher ones after
• Exfoliate 2-3 times per week maximum
• Always moisturize post-exfoliation
• Adjust your method if skin becomes irritated

Pay attention to how your skin looks and feels to find your optimal exfoliating schedule. With the right technique and consistency, you can reveal smoother, glowing skin.

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.