Cleansing and exfoliating are two techniques that we use to remove dirt and impurities from our skin. However, although the two of them seem to have the same function, they are quite different. They cannot be done interchangeably. But what do I do first? Do I use exfoliation before the cleanser? Or do I have to cleanse before I exfoliate? The answer is that it is always highly advisable to cleanse your skin before exfoliating rather than the other way around. Why? Just because of the following reasons:
To remove surface impurities: Cleansing your skin first removes makeup, dirt, oil, and other impurities that can block your pores. This prepares your skin and allows the exfoliant to work better on a skin surface free of impurities.
To have effective exfoliation: When your skin is clean, the exfoliant can reach and remove the dead skin cells more effectively, providing a better exfoliation experience.
To have gentle cleansing on the skin: Cleansing first can help avoid irritation or excessive dryness. Exfoliating on dirty skin might push impurities deeper into your pores, potentially leading to breakouts or irritation. By cleansing your skin first, you guarantee good results and avoid further problems.
Cleansing versus exfoliating
Benefits of cleansing
By using a good cleanser, you can remove dirt, oil, and impurities. This first step prevents clogged pores, which can lead to acne and breakouts, and, by preventing issues like acne, blackheads, and whiteheads we can minimize the risk of skin infections and imperfections.
Cleansing prepares the skin for the products you are going to apply in the following steps of your skincare routine. Cleansed skin is better prepared to absorb other products like serums, moisturizers, and treatments and this makes those products more effective.
Proper cleansing helps maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance and hydration. The use of a gentle cleanser ensures that your skin does not lose too much of its natural oils, which are essential for skin health.
Regularity is key in any beauty treatment and cleansing is not the exception. Regular cleansing keeps the skin looking fresh and rejuvenated. It also supports the skin’s natural renewal process by removing dead skin cells and other debris, which promotes healthy skin.
Benefits of exfoliating
The main benefit of exfoliation is that it removes dead skin cells and this process usually reveals fresher, smoother, and brighter skin underneath.
The removal of dead cells improves skin texture. Regular exfoliation helps smooth out rough patches and uneven skin texture, making your skin feel and look softer and more refined, which will give your face a younger look.
Exfoliation, by being a deep way of cleaning our skin, helps to clear out clogged pores by removing dead skin cells and other remains that can lead to acne, blackheads, and whiteheads, and this is possible because it penetrates the skin better than regular cleansers.
As it happens after any type of cleaning method, by removing the layer of dead skin cells, exfoliation allows other skincare products to penetrate more deeply and work more effectively.
Exfoliation promotes the turnover of skin cells, encouraging new cell growth. This stimulation of the skin can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation over time.
Exfoliating can help reduce dullness, revealing a brighter, more radiant complexion. You will discover a different glow after a good exfoliation.
Why Are They Different?
You may still think that these two beauty steps are quite the same, however, there are differences between them. Let’s analise the main differences together.
Purpose
- Cleansing focuses on removing surface-level impurities like dirt, oil, and makeup. It is essential for maintaining basic skin hygiene and preventing clogged pores.
- Exfoliating is more about removing dead skin cells and encouraging cell turnover. It is a deeper process that targets skin texture, tone, and brightness.
Frequency
- Cleansing is typically done twice a day, in the morning and at night, to keep the skin clean and free from impurities.
- Exfoliating is usually done less frequently (from one to three times a week, depending on your skin type) to avoid over-exfoliating, which can lead to irritation and damage.
Impact on skin
- Cleansing maintains skin health by keeping it clean and balanced.
- Exfoliating enhances the skin’s appearance by improving texture, tone, and radiance.
Both steps are essential for a healthy skincare routine, but they target different aspects of skin care and should be used together for the best results.
