Should You Cleanse or Exfoliate First?

When it comes to taking care of our skin, it may be confusing to know what steps to take and in what order. One of the biggest debates in the skincare world is whether to exfoliate or cleanse your skin first. Read on as we break down the reasons for each step and offer our recommendation on the best order.

Firstly, let’s define each step. Cleansing involves removing any dirt, makeup, or impurities from your skin’s surface. Exfoliating, on the other hand, involves using a product like a scrub to manually remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.

Many experts believe that cleansing should be the first step in your skincare routine. By starting with a clean slate, you’re allowing any additional products, such as toner and moisturizer, to absorb better into your skin. If you apply products onto unclean skin, they can mix with impurities and not penetrate as effectively.

However, some argue that exfoliating should come first. By removing the layer of dead skin cells and dirt, you’re allowing your cleanser to penetrate deeper and be more effective. It’s important to note that over-exfoliating can lead to skin irritation. It’s best to limit exfoliating to about 30-60 seconds, 2-3 times a week and use a gentle exfoliant.

After weighing the benefits of both steps, we recommend starting with cleansing. By removing any surface-level impurities, you’re allowing your exfoliator to target deeper concerns such as clogged pores and dull skin. Use a cleanser with a gentle formulation like our Pearl Facial Cleanser.

Once you’ve cleansed, use your exfoliator of choice 2-3 times a week to unclog pores and reveal smoother, brighter skin. Ultimately, by starting with a clean slate and adding in exfoliation a few times a week, you’re sure to see an improvement in your skin’s overall texture and appearance. Because you are a GEM.