Do I Exfoliate Before or After Skincare is still commonly misunderstood as one of the most important steps for every person’s skin care regimen. Many individuals find themselves bewildered by the question: “Before or after using creams and lotions?” The answer is not as simple as it might seem because it really depends on what kind of exfoliation you are doing, the products which are being used and your individual skin type. And in this article it is, we will discuss this subject further, demystifying the concept of exfoliation and what is its role in your skin care routine.
Understanding Exfoliation
Exfoliation is the removal or shedding of the most outside layer of the epidermis, which include the dead skin cells. This technique is employed with the purpose of facial skin improvement, comedown elimination, as well as the strengthening of the greater penetration of therapeutic agents through the skin. There are two basic forms of exfoliation:
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Physical Exfoliation: This truly intends that there is a utilization of scours or instruments to focusing on the dead skin cells which might be brush or wipe.
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Chemical Exfoliation: This involved either a corrosive as alpha hydroxyl corrosive (AHA) beta hydroxyl corrosive (BHA) or a natural product protein to eliminate the dead skin cells from the skin's surface.
Thus both are effective; however depending on the skin type and the type of problem the method needs to be chosen.
Exfoliating in Skincare: Everything You Need to Know
As an effort to respond to the question, “Do I exfoliate before or after skincare?” what’s more, a proper utilization of a skincare program requires you to understand its fundamental concept initially. A number of them entail washing, putting on treatment (with serums or actives), hydrating, and shielding (with sunscreen at every given time of day).
Exfoliation is generally done after washing but before the application of treatment and then a moisturizer. Let’s break this down:
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Cleansing: Cleansing removes dirt, sebum, and cosmetics from the skin so that the subsequent step to be taken is the exfoliation.
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Exfoliation: It is additionally vital to shed at this step since you eliminate the layer of dead skin cells so the treatment and cream can be ingested.
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Treatment: Serums and actives base on the skin, subsequent to peeling, it gives a more proficient entrance of serums and actives.
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Moisturizing: Emollients retain absorbed water and shield the skin barrier.
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Sunscreen (morning): Sunscreen also helps to protect needless to say dangerous UV rays, which is very necessary if you have exfoliated because skin will be more sensitive.
Why Timing Matters
Exfoliation is a strong and very helpful process in skin treatment, but it is very sensitive in timing and choice, and if scheduled wrongly you can end up with problems like irritation and the reduced effectiveness of your product. Thus, the last conclusion about the answer to the question “Do I exfoliate before or after skincare?” consider these factors:
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Improved Absorption: Peeling serves as the preparation of the skin for the reception of serums or other types of moisturizing because active substances work with fewer interferences – with obstacles such as dead skin cells, for example.
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Skin Sensitivity: It is not recommended that one exfolates after applying actives for they may cause the skin to become irritated more especially if one is using substances such as retinoid or vitamin C.
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Product Build-Up: Exfoliation removes all remaining by products that are normally left behind by cleansing therefore giving the skin enough prepping.
Guidelines for Including Exfoliation According to the Skin Type
Oily and Combination Skin
- If your skin type is oily or you have combination skin, exfoliation can free clogged pores from oil and keep the skin matte. The gentle body scrub with microscopic grains or other chemical body scrub that contains BHA such as Salicylic acid should be used instead. Do not go over the top with exfoliation and use it twice or thrice a week at most and ensure you use a non-pore clogging moisturizer.
Dry and Sensitive Skin
- For dry or sensitive skin the use of exfoliants can potentially cause the skin barrier to become weakened if overdone. This is because chemicals such as lactic acid that cause chemical peels should only be used lightly when they have to be used at all and this should only be done once or twice a week at most. Every time, ensure you wash the face and apply a moisturizing serum and a rich moisturizer to get a fresh skin.
Normal Skin
- Normal skin types may take manual and chemical exfoliation without any problem. Try several and find what is most effective and exfoliate the skin twice to thrice a week. Then apply serum and moisturizer as a method to regain the skin’s balance after exfoliating.
Morning vs. Night Exfoliation
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One more question to ask while trying to understand whether to exfoliate before or after putting on the skincare product of your choice is is the time of day. Here’s a brief guide:
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Morning Exfoliation: During the morning it is also possible to exfoliate in order to receive smooth and beautiful skin, perfect for applying make-up. But make sure to apply sunscreen afterwards since your new skin is tender.
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Night Exfoliation: It also works best at night because your skin has time to heal and renew itself while you are asleep. This is especially beneficial if you’re employing using exfoliating acids they make the skin more vulnerable to sun damage.
Read Also: Must Try Best Korean Oil Cleansers For Oily Skin
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Over-Exfoliating: Overuse of exfoliates means skin becomes sensitive to UV light which causes redness, irritation and a damaged skin barrier function. Remember not to go against the recommended washing prescriptions for the type of skin you have.
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Skipping Sunscreen: Your skin becomes sensitive to UV exposure after exfoliating. In the daytime you need to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen.
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Mixing Incompatible Ingredients: They must not be used together with other strong scrubs together with active products such as retinoid without consulting a dermatologist.
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Using Harsh Scrubs: Still, large physical exfoliates are rough and can cause micro tears on the skin. Opt for mild choices instead.
Proper Exfoliation Timing As One Of Several Benefits
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When you exfoliate at the correct point in your skincare process, you’ll notice many benefits:
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Improved Product Absorption: They shall sink into the skin layers and work optimally.
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Brighter Complexion: Exfoliating the face removes all the dead skins and reveal skin that is brighter than before.
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Reduced Breakouts: This is because dead skin cells block the hair follicles, and once this process is eliminated; one cannot get acne.
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Smoother Texture: Exfoliation works helping to smoothen skin’s outer layers allowing touching the skin and feeling it better.
Conclusion
To answer the question “Do I exfoliate before or after skincare?” is clear: Generally, the procedure of exfoliation should be performed after washing the face but before applying other kinds of care products such as serum or moisturizer. Following this order outline, all the benefits of your skin care system will be maximized and you will get the skin you have always wanted. Make sure you are embracing the right type of exfoliation regimen based on your skin type, do not overdo it and most importantly wear your sunscreen. CHOKS! For that reason, you may easily incorporate exfoliation into your treatment plan and enjoy its outstanding effects.
FAQ’s: Do I Exfoliate Before or After Skincare
When to apply exfoliating cream?
You may exfoliate your face at any time of day. Some individuals like to exfoliate in the morning for a fresh-faced look, while others exfoliate at night to eliminate any daily build-up of dead skin. Whenever you decide to exfoliate, cleaning is the first crucial step.
Can you cleanse after exfoliating?
Scrubbing initially can remove residue, dead skin cells and grime from the surface of your skin. Following this step with cleanser helps wash away any dead skin cells or particles on skin's surface that were raised by the scrub.
When to use an exfoliating cleanser?
You may use exfoliating cleansers regularly without suffering any ill effects. Dry or sensitive skin? Stick to two or three times a week. That's enough to brighten your face, smoothen up any imperfections and soften its texture without drying it out.