Using a face wash and facial scrub are two essential steps in every man’s skincare routine. This post answers the question: should you cleanse or exfoliate first?
Are you confused about when to use face wash and when to use a facial scrub? How do these two products fit together and what order should they be used in?
Since both are essential for guys who want clear, healthy skin, we’ll show you when and how to use a facial cleanser and exfoliator for the best results!
Benefits of Face Cleanser
Before we talk about the proper order of these skincare steps, let’s clear up what these products actually DO.
Face wash is a type of cleanser specifically designed for the face. The type of cleanser you use on your face matters. It’s important to use a face wash or cleanser that can thoroughly cleanse your skin of oil and debris without overdrying it.
Bar soaps are much too harsh for the face. Soap disrupts your skin’s natural pH level and strips the skin of it’s natural oils. Ironically, this can lead to an overproduction of oil as your skin tries to compensate.
Instead, look for a face wash that is able to deep clean the skin without being too harsh. The JESSE JIMZ Clean Slate Purifying Face Wash is a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser that also doubles as a beard wash.
Face wash should be used twice daily – morning and night – unless you have dry skin. In that case, cleansing your face once per day is plenty.
Benefits of Face Scrub
Facial scrub or an exfoliant is used to remove the top layer of dead skin cells and blackheads on the face. Facial scrubs contain particles that gently scrub the debris and dead cells off the face.
Similar to cleansers, facial scrubs can have natural ingredients that contribute to pulling impurities and toxins from your pores.
It’s important to exfoliate regularly to prevent ingrown hairs, blackheads, and blemishes. Exfoliation also promotes cell turnover for younger, brighter-looking skin.
Face scrubs should only be used 2-3 times per week. Exfoliating too often could lead to dry, irritated, and red skin.
Do you need to add the perfect scrub to your routine? We recommend True Grit, a gentle, yet effective face scrub from JESSE JIMZ. This detoxifying formula contains natural exfoliants and charcoal extract to deep clean pores.
Should You Cleanse Or Exfoliate First?
To summarize these two skincare essentials:
- Face wash is used daily to clean the top layer of skin
- Face scrub is used 2-3 times per week to remove dead skin cells and pore-clogging impurities
So how do these steps fit together on days when you want to use both a face wash and face scrub? Some say you should use an exfoliator first, followed by face wash – while others say that cleansing is the first step. And that’s where the confusion lies!
So which should be first?
The answer is – there is no answer. Either option works and it really comes down to your preferences.
Cleanser Before Scrub
By cleansing first, you are creating a clean canvas for your exfoliator to work on. After cleansing, your face is dirt-free which allows the exfoliator to target the dead cells effectively. Through this method, you can be assured that each of your products is being used most effectively.
Scrub Before Cleanser
This is a more unconventional method, however it has its benefits. When you use a scrub first, you are removing the dead cells off the face. Following with a cleanser ensures that all dead cells, dirt, and impurities have been removed from the face. This also leaves the face free of any scrub particles that may have not been washed away earlier.
Our Verdict
We recommend you try both methods! There is no definite right or wrong answer when it comes to skincare but rather, what works best for you. See which method suits your skin better and then go with that.
Here is a tip from us: if the scrub does not have cleansing properties, we recommend that you scrub first then cleanse – this ensures that all residue from the scrub is removed.
However, if your scrub does contain cleansing properties (like JESSE JIMZ True Grit), then it can be used as a cleanser replacement, not exceeding 3 times a week. This eliminates all confusion and saves you a step!
Whichever method you choose to use, your skin will look cleaner, smoother, and brighter as a result!
Ready to step up your skincare and grooming routine? Try our Skin Essentials Set, which includes our 3 must-haves for clear, healthy, youthful skin:
- Clean Slate – Purifying Face & Beard Wash
- True Grit – Detox Face Scrub
- Saving Face – Age Defense Moisturizer
