As a skincare expert with years of experience in the field, I've always been passionate about understanding the intricacies of skin health and the most effective ways to maintain it. The debate on whether to exfoliate or cleanse first is a common one among skincare enthusiasts and professionals alike. Let's delve into the science and practicality behind this question to provide a comprehensive answer.

Step 1: Cleansing

The first step in any skincare routine is to cleanse the skin. Cleansing is essential because it removes dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities from the skin's surface. It prepares the skin for the subsequent steps in the routine by ensuring that the products applied afterward can penetrate more effectively.

When you cleanse, you're not only removing surface debris but also loosening the dead skin cells that accumulate on the skin's surface. This is important because these dead skin cells can clog pores and lead to breakouts or dullness. Cleansing products come in various forms, such as creams, lotions, gels, and micellar waters, each designed for different skin types and concerns.

Step 2: Exfoliating

After cleansing, the next step is typically exfoliation. Exfoliation is the process of removing the top layer of dead skin cells to reveal the fresh, new cells underneath. This process can be physical, where small particles scrub away the dead skin, or chemical, where acids dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells.

Exfoliating is beneficial for several reasons. It can help improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote an even skin tone. It also allows for better absorption of skincare products, including serums and moisturizers, by ensuring that there is no buildup of dead skin cells.

However, there's a twist to this traditional order, as suggested by some experts, including celebrity dermatologist Dr. Harold Lancer. He proposes that exfoliating first might yield better results. The rationale behind this approach is that by exfoliating before cleansing, you're removing the barrier of dead skin cells that could potentially hinder the effectiveness of the cleanser. This allows the cleanser to work more deeply and effectively.

Conclusion

The order of cleansing and exfoliating can depend on the individual's skin type, the specific products being used, and personal preference. For most people, cleansing first followed by exfoliating is a safe and effective approach. However, if you have particularly stubborn dead skin cells or are using a product that recommends exfoliating first, it might be worth experimenting to see if it works better for your skin.

Remember, it's crucial to be gentle with your skin and not to over-exfoliate, as this can lead to irritation and damage. Always follow up with a good moisturizer and sunscreen to protect your skin from environmental aggressors.

Now, let's move on to the next step.

read more >>

Most skin care lines will have you cleansing first, exfoliating second, and then moisturizing and sunblocking to top things off. But celebrity dermatologist Dr. Harold Lancer, creator of the unique, step-reversing Skin Revival system, says that exfoliating at the beginning might get you better results.Jan 4, 2012read more >>