Table of Contents
- What Does a Face Wash Do?
- What Does a Face Scrub Do?
- Face Wash or Scrub First? - The Correct Order
- Why the Order Matters
- How to Use Face Wash and Scrub Together?
- Final Note
- FAQs: Face Wash or Scrub First
You’ve probably wondered this at some point: should you wash your face first or scrub first?
Many of us use both but aren’t sure of the right order - and that small confusion can make a big difference.
Using your face wash and scrub in the wrong sequence can make your skincare less effective, or worse, irritate your skin. Cleansing and exfoliating are essential for glowing, healthy skin, but they work best when done in the right order and with the right rhythm.
So, let’s break it down clearly - what each step does, why order matters, and how to get that perfect post-wash glow without harming your barrier.
What Does a Face Wash Do?
A face wash is your skin’s daily reset button. It removes dirt, oil, sweat, pollution, and sunscreen that accumulate throughout the day. Unlike soaps that can strip away natural oils, a good face wash cleanses gently while keeping your skin hydrated and balanced.
Think of face wash as your pre-cleanse step. It clears away surface-level impurities so that your exfoliating scrub can reach the dead skin cells and excess sebum underneath more effectively.
What Does a Face Scrub Do?
A face scrub is an exfoliator - it helps remove the dead skin cells that make your complexion look dull or uneven. It can contain fine physical particles (like walnut powder, coffee, or rice beads) or mild chemical exfoliants (like fruit enzymes or lactic acid).
Scrubbing encourages new cell turnover, unclogs pores, and gives your skin a smoother, brighter texture. It also enhances the absorption of your moisturisers and serums that follow.
Face Wash or Scrub First? - The Correct Order
The correct order is face wash first, scrub second.
Here’s why: when you start with a face wash, you remove the surface dirt, makeup, sweat, and oil that sit on top of your skin. This gives your scrub a clean canvas to work on, so it can focus on removing dead skin cells effectively.
If you scrub first, you risk pushing dirt and impurities deeper into your pores, causing clogged pores or breakouts.
Why the Order Matters
Your skin is layered like an onion - the top layer holds dead cells, oil, and dirt. Washing first removes surface buildup, allowing your scrub to target the deeper layer safely.
If you reverse the order, the scrub particles might drag impurities into open pores, leading to irritation, blackheads, or acne. Cleansing first also softens your skin, making exfoliation gentler and more effective.
How to Use Face Wash and Scrub Together?
- Wet your face with lukewarm water. This helps loosen impurities.
- Cleanse using a foaming or gel-based face wash. Massage for 30 seconds and rinse.
- Apply your scrub. Use gentle circular motions, focusing on the nose, chin, and forehead. Avoid the delicate eye area.
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft towel.
- Hydrate. Follow up with toner, serum, and moisturiser to keep your barrier nourished.
- Sunscreen is a must if you exfoliate in the morning - your fresh skin needs protection from UV rays.
Final Note
When it comes to skincare, order matters. Always wash first and scrub second - that’s the golden rule for clean, healthy, glowing skin.
Your face wash prepares the skin by removing impurities, while your scrub polishes away the dullness to reveal your natural glow. Follow with hydration, and your skin will thank you.
FAQs: Face Wash or Scrub First
Can I use face wash and scrub daily?
You can use a face wash daily - ideally twice a day - to keep your skin clean from dirt, oil, and pollution. However, scrubs should not be used daily as they exfoliate the skin.
How long should I scrub my face?
Scrubbing for 30 to 60 seconds is enough to remove dead cells without irritating the skin. Use gentle, circular motions and avoid pressing too hard.
Can I use a foaming face wash after exfoliating?
If your scrub is mild, yes, you can follow up with a foaming face wash. But generally, it’s better to cleanse first and scrub second to avoid over-cleansing. If you feel the need to wash again, choose a very gentle, hydrating foaming cleanser that soothes your skin.
Should I scrub in the morning or at night?
Nighttime is the best time to scrub. Your skin renews itself while you sleep, so exfoliating in the evening helps remove the day’s buildup of oil, pollution, and sunscreen, allowing night serums and moisturisers to work more effectively.
What is the correct order to clean your face?
The ideal cleansing order is face wash first, then scrub, followed by toner and moisturiser. Washing removes dirt and oil, scrubbing removes dead skin cells, and moisturising restores hydration. This three-step flow ensures your skin stays clean, smooth, and balanced.
What should I apply after scrubbing my face?
After scrubbing, your skin is fresh but slightly more exposed, so hydration is essential. Apply a gentle toner or essence, followed by a lightweight moisturiser or serum. If it’s daytime, always finish with sunscreen to protect your newly exfoliated skin.
Do I soap or scrub first?
Always soap or cleanse first. Washing your face removes surface impurities and makeup, ensuring the scrub can work on the actual dead skin cells instead of dirt. Cleansing first also prevents the scrub particles from spreading grime deeper into pores.
Should I moisturize after using a scrub?
Exfoliation temporarily removes surface oils, so applying a moisturiser right after helps lock in hydration and maintain a healthy skin barrier. Choose a calming, non-comedogenic formula with ceramides or aloe vera for the best post-scrub care.
What is the difference between a scrub and a cleanser?
A cleanser (face wash) removes dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin’s surface, while a scrub exfoliates deeper by removing dead cells to smooth texture and brighten tone. Think of the cleanser as your daily cleaner and the scrub as your weekly polish.
