If you've ever pondered whether to cleanse or exfoliate first, you're not alone. The confusion is understandable, but the answer is clear: always cleanse before exfoliating. Our top recommendation? The Superfood Cleanser, which is pH-balanced and packed with antioxidants. You can purchase it here.
Laura Cline, Vice President of Product Development at Youth To The People, emphasizes the importance of starting with a clean face. "I always recommend exfoliating on a clean face, whether that means you cleansed two seconds ago or the night before," she says. The Superfood Cleanser is suitable for all skin types and can be used at any time of day. "Cleansing before exfoliating ensures that your face is free of makeup, sunscreen, and other products, making it ready for exfoliation," Cline explains. Essentially, it's fine to exfoliate without cleansing immediately beforehand, as long as you've cleansed your skin at some point beforehand without applying SPF or makeup afterward.
For those who prefer to exfoliate in the morning, Youth To The People has just released the new Superfruit Exfoliating Cleanser, which provides gentle exfoliation while cleansing. It's a 2-in-1 solution that eliminates the guesswork of which step to do first. This cleanser awakens and energizes the skin, preparing it for serums, moisturizers, or SPF.
If you're a nighttime exfoliator, the Superfruit Cleanser is still an excellent choice. Use the Superfood Cleanser to remove makeup, SPF, and excess oils, then follow up with the Superfruit Cleanser to exfoliate and brighten the skin—the ultimate double cleanse.
Don't forget about the cleanliness of your bedsheets, particularly your pillowcases. Between the oils from your hair, sweat, and those occasional nights you fall asleep with makeup on, the cleanliness of your pillow can impact your skin’s health. "You should be rotating in a clean pillowcase at least once a week," Cline advises. Still, laundry can pile up, so her general rule of thumb is: "When in doubt, cleanse."
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your skincare routine is both effective and gentle on your skin. Whether you're a morning or nighttime exfoliator, the right products and practices will help you achieve healthier, more radiant skin.
