Understanding the Purpose of Each Step
Before you decide the right order, it helps to understand what you’re trying to accomplish.
Cleansing: This removes dirt, oil, makeup, and environmental toxins from your skin’s surface. It preps the canvas. Exfoliating: This removes dead skin cells. Physically, this could involve scrubbing particles. Chemically, it involves acids like AHAs or BHAs.
The effectiveness of exfoliation depends on starting with clean skin. That’s why when people ask, “do you exfoliate before or after washing your face?” — the short answer is generally: after.
Why You Should Cleanse First
Exfoliating on a dirty face doesn’t make sense. You’re trying to get rid of the buildup of dead cells — not just smear dirt and oil around. Here’s why cleansing goes first:
Removes surface grime: This gives the exfoliant direct access to dead cells, not a layer of sunscreen and pollutants. Reduces irritation: Scrubbing dirty skin can force particles deeper into pores, causing breakouts or redness. Helps exfoliants work better: Clean skin allows active ingredients in your exfoliator to absorb properly.
So, in most routines, you’ll wash your face, pat dry, and then exfoliate.
When Exfoliating First Might Make Sense
There are a few exceptions to this rule. If you’re using a cleansing exfoliator (a 2in1 product), then the answer to “do you exfoliate before or after washing your face” becomes irrelevant — you’re doing both at once.
Another case is when you’re using gentle physical exfoliants (like a soft washcloth). Some people exfoliate lightly first to loosen dead skin, then cleanse to rinse it all off. This method is rare, and it’s not for sensitive skin types.
Physical vs. Chemical Exfoliants
Timing also depends on what type of exfoliant you’re using.
Physical exfoliants (scrubs, brushes) work by manually removing dead skin. Always use these after cleansing to avoid pushing grime into open pores. Chemical exfoliants (glycolic acid, salicylic acid) also go on clean skin. You’ll want to give the actives the best environment to perform, which means no excess oil or residue in the way.
Bottom line? Cleanse first, exfoliate second. Then move on to toner, serums, or moisturizers.
How Often Should You Exfoliate?
More isn’t always better. Overexfoliating leads to redness, irritation, and even breakouts. A few quick rules:
Oily or acneprone skin: 2–3 times a week. Dry or sensitive skin: Once a week. Normal/combination skin: 1–2 times a week.
Listen to your skin. If it stings, flakes, or seems raw, take a step back.
A Good Routine Answering: do you exfoliate before or after washing your face
Stick to this simple sequence:
- Cleanser: Use lukewarm water and a gentle face wash.
- Exfoliator: Physical or chemical, depending on your choice and skin needs.
- Toner: Optional, but helps rebalance pH.
- Serum/Moisturizer: Locks in hydration and active ingredients.
That routine supports balance without overloading your skin. Again, the answer to “do you exfoliate before or after washing your face?”—it’s usually after, unless your product combines both tasks, or you’re using a niche method for exfoliation first.
Final Thoughts
Skincare shouldn’t be complicated, just consistent and wellinformed. When someone asks, “do you exfoliate before or after washing your face?”—they’re really asking how to maximize their skincare efforts. Stick with cleansing first, exfoliating second. That keeps your skin clean, smooth, and prepped for whatever comes next. Simple, right?
