EXFOLIATION VS. CLEANSING: WHICH SHOULD YOU DO FIRST?

To achieve healthy and radiant skin, it is essential to maintain a proper facial care routine.

Within this routine, two key steps are exfoliation and cleansing. Both processes play a critical role in maintaining beautiful skin, but it's important to understand their differences, benefits, and the proper sequence to get the best results.

This Jess Beauty article will explore these two concepts and their differences. In addition, we will provide guidelines on when and how to perform each of them.

Differences between Exfoliation and Cleansing

Exfoliation and cleansing are two main steps in a facial care routine, but they have significant differences in terms of their purpose, method, and frequency of application. Let's see the differences between the two:

Facial cleansing involves removing impurities, makeup, and excess oil from the skin. It is performed to keep the skin clean and free of obstructions, preparing it for subsequent treatments and products.

You can use specific cleaning products, such as gel cleaners, foams, or cleaning oils.

On the other hand, exfoliation is a deeper process that aims to remove dead skin cells. It helps to improve skin texture, smooth it, and promote cell renewal.

Exfoliation can be carried out using physical exfoliants, which contain small particles to remove dead cells through gentle friction, or chemical exfoliants, which use mild acids to dissolve dead cells.

How to do it

Facial cleansing is done by applying the chosen cleansing product to damp skin and gently massaging in circular motions. Then, rinse with lukewarm water to remove residue and gently pat the skin dry with a clean towel.

Try Jess Beauty Face Reset Cleanser, a soft gel cleanser made with moisturizers and naturally derived ingredients to nourish and cleanse the skin.

Exfoliation is done by applying the chosen exfoliant to damp skin and gently massaging in circular motions. In the case of physical exfoliants, the particles help to remove dead cells through friction.

In the case of chemical exfoliants, it is left to act for a certain time so that the acids dissolve dead cells. Then, rinse with lukewarm water and dry the skin.

It is recommended to do facial cleansing twice a day, in the morning and at night, to eliminate impurities accumulated during the day and at night. This allows the skin to be clean and prepared for subsequent treatments and products.

On the other hand, exfoliation is done less frequently. It is recommended to do it once or twice a week, depending on the skin. Exfoliating too frequently can irritate the skin, so it's important not to overdo it.

The correct order in a facial care routine is to cleanse the face first and then exfoliate. Facial cleansing helps remove surface impurities and prepares the skin for more effective exfoliation. By removing blockages from your pores, exfoliation can reach the deeper layers of your skin and work more efficiently.

Exfoliate: before or after shaving

Pre-shave exfoliation helps prepare the skin and facilitates a smoother, more effective shave. These are the reasons:

1. Removal of dead cells: Facial exfoliation before shaving helps remove dead cells and residues accumulated in the skin.

This allows for a smoother, more even surface for the blade to glide, preventing it from catching on rough or uneven areas of skin.

1. Hair Lifting: Gentle exfoliation can help lift facial hair, making it easier to cut during shaving. By exfoliating, hairs become more accessible, which can prevent pulling or cutting during the shaving process.
2. Ingrown Hair Prevention: Exfoliating before shaving helps prevent the appearance of ingrown hairs. Removing dead cells and unclogging pores reduces the chance of hair tangling under the skin and becoming ingrown hair.

Exfoliation before shaving can be done using a mild scrub suitable for the face. It is important to avoid excessively aggressive exfoliants that can irritate the skin or cause sensitivity. After the exfoliation, you can proceed with shaving following the usual routine.

How to choose a cleanser and exfoliator according to the type of skin

When choosing a cleanser and exfoliator for your skin type, you should consider your skin's specific needs and ingredients that work better for you. Here are some general guidelines for different skin types:

• Dry skin: Look for mild, creamy cleansers that don't strip your skin's natural oils too much. Avoid products with irritating ingredients like strong fragrances or alcohol. For exfoliation, opt for gentle, non-abrasive scrubs that won't dry out or irritate your skin.

• Oily Skin: Look for light cleansers, oil-free and specifically formulated to control excess oil. Ingredients like salicylic and glycolic acid can help unclog pores and control excess sebum. For exfoliation, consider chemical exfoliants with mild acids that help dissolve dead skin cells and regulate sebum production.

• Combination skin: If you have combination skin, you can opt for a gentle cleanser that is not too greasy or astringent. Look for products that balance your skin's natural oils without drying it out. For exfoliation, consider gentle scrubs that are effective on oilier areas of your face, like the T-zone, but aren't too drying for drier ones.

• Sensitive skin: For sensitive skin, look for cleansers and exfoliators that are gentle, fragrance-free, and free of harsh ingredients. Opt for products with calming ingredients like oatmeal, chamomile, or hyaluronic acid.

• Enzyme exfoliants, which use natural enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells, are often gentler and suitable for sensitive skin.

Remember that these are only general guidelines and each person may have individual needs and reactions. Choose products from brands that formulate their products with high-quality ingredients, like Jess Beauty.

In conclusion, facial cleansing and exfoliation are essential steps in a skincare routine. Cleanse daily to remove impurities while exfoliating once or twice a week.

Remember to choose the products that suit the needs of your skin, to achieve optimal results. Visit the Jess Beauty catalog and discover the best skin care products.