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Should you Cleanse or Exfoliate your Skin First?

If you want to start taking better care of your skin then you have come to the right place. This guide will show you the difference between exfoliating and cleansing so you can make a decision that is right for you.

How Does Cleansing Work

The good thing about cleansing is that it helps to wash away any makeup as well as several skin impurities. You may also find that exfoliation removes dead skin cells that clog your pores and this can lead to acne breakouts. Sun exposure, stress and even perspiration can cause your skin to become blemished over time and you may even find that it leads to premature aging too. 

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How Does Exfoliating Work

Mechanical exfoliation uses a sponge to scrub to remove any dead skin cells. You may find that exfoliating beads are also used to get the result you are going for. One thing to know about physical exfoliation is that it can cause the quick removal of old skin. Chemical exfoliation removes dead skin cells by dissolving them. There are a lot of new chemical exfoliants as well but you might not be able to tolerate them if you struggle with sensitive skin. The main reason for this is because a lot of them contain mandelic acid. Removing dead skin cells is the best way for you to make your skin look more vibrant and you may even find that it helps you to unclog your pores, so make sure that you keep that in mind.

When Should You Exfoliate First?

The main thing that you need to know about exfoliating first is that it helps to wash away any dead skin cells. You may find that if you use an exfoliant a new day a week, such as before you sleep or before you go to bed then you may have a gentler skincare routine when you wake up. If you want to cleanse your skin then you have to make sure that you don’t do it with a washcloth or even a sponge because if you do then this can cause a great deal of irritation. You should use your fingers and you should use a circular motion before rinsing with water.

Benefits of Cleansing First

If you cleanse first and if you use a very gentle cleanser then you may find that this helps your skin in more ways than one. You need to make sure that you use a cleanser along with lukewarm water and then you need to apply a moisturizer. You also need to avoid using an exfoliator if you are using retinoids or if you have a prescription medication for your skin. If you do then you may find that you end up struggling more than you realize, as you will be putting your skin under intense stress and this can lead to a range of issues.

How to Take Care of Your Skin

If you want to start taking really good care of your skin then there are a few things you can do. First of all, you need to make sure that you wear sunscreen that has an SPF factor of around 30 or higher. You also need to make sure that you do this daily so you can avoid sun damage. Don’t use tanning beds either as you may find that they end up leading to permanent skin damage. Establish a very simple skincare routine and make sure that you use the right products so you can take care of your skin type. If you can do this then you will soon find that it is easier for you to get the result you want.

Skin Treatments

If you want to make sure you are looking after your skin then another thing you can do is try and seek out skin treatments. It may be that you can visit some hydrafacial technicians, or that you take the time to see if they can provide you with some advice regarding your skin issues and how you can solve them. The best thing about seeing someone about your skin is that you can get the help you need and you can also get someone who can advise you on the specific skin type you have. If you can keep that in mind and if you can make sure that you are undergoing regular cleansing from a professional then this will help you to get the clear and healthy skin you have been trying to achieve so far. It’s never been easier to make a difference.

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