Scrub or Face Wash First: What’s the Right Skincare Order?
With so many skincare products and options available, it’s natural to feel confused about the correct order of use. One of the most common dilemmas people face is deciding whether to use a scrub or face wash first. This confusion often arises because both products leave the skin feeling refreshed, glowing, and clean.
However, while their effects may seem similar, their functions are quite different. A face wash cleanses the skin by removing dirt, oil, and impurities, while a scrub exfoliates to eliminate dead skin cells and unclog pores. This blog post addresses the common “face scrub or face wash first” query by breaking down each step in detail. Read on to learn more.
Table of Contents
Scrub or Face Wash First: Which Comes First and Why?
With so many skincare products out there, it’s easy to get confused about the correct order of use, especially when it comes to scrub or face wash first. To make the right choice, it’s important to understand what each product does, how they differ, and how to use them effectively in your skincare routine.
What is Face Wash?
A face wash is a mild cleansing product meant to remove dirt, oil, sweat, bacteria, and other impurities from the skin. Unlike harsh soaps, face washes are formulated to clean without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Some face washes are also enriched with ingredients like salicylic acid, aloe vera, or hyaluronic acid to target concerns such as acne, dryness, or sensitivity.
Purpose:
- Cleanses the skin
- Removes oil, sweat, and surface dirt
- Prepares your face for other products
What is a Face Scrub?
A face scrub is an exfoliating product that contains tiny granules or beads used to slough off dead skin cells and impurities trapped in pores. Scrubs help improve skin texture, reduce dullness, and allow better absorption of skincare products like serums and moisturizers.
Purpose:
- Exfoliates dead skin cells
- Unclogs pores
- Brightens the skin and improves texture
What Comes First? Face Wash or Face Scrub
Always start with a face wash, then use a scrub. Cleansing first removes surface dirt, oil, and grime, allowing the scrub to exfoliate more effectively. This clears the way for your scrub to work more effectively. If you scrub first without cleansing, you risk pushing impurities deeper into your pores, which can lead to breakouts or irritation.
How to Use Face Wash and Face Scrub?
We believe you now have the answer to your query, “Should I use face scrub or face wash first?” Now it’s time to learn the correct way to use both products for the best results on your skin.
Below is a simple, step-by-step guide to using face wash and scrubbing the right way.
Wash Your Hands: Clean hands first to avoid transferring any sort of dirt or bacteria to your face.
Wet your face: Use lukewarm water to gently dampen your skin. This helps open up pores and prepares your skin for cleansing.
Apply Face Wash: Take a small amount of face wash and gently massage it onto your face in circular motions for 30–60 seconds. Focus on oily or acne-prone areas like the T-zone. Rinse off with lukewarm water.
Pat Dry with a Towel: Use a clean, soft towel to gently pat your face dry. Avoid rubbing to prevent irritation.
Apply Face Scrub: With your skin slightly damp, apply a small amount of face scrub. Gently massage in circular motions, concentrating on areas with dead skin or clogged pores (like nose, chin, and forehead). Scrub for no more than 1 minute.
Rinse Thoroughly: Use lukewarm water to rinse off all scrub particles. Make sure nothing is left behind.
Tone (Optional): Apply a toner to help close your pores and restore your skin’s natural pH balance.
Moisturize: Finish your routine with a moisturizer to hydrate and protect your skin.
Face Wash or Scrub: Skin Type-Based Recommendations
| Skin Type | Face Wash Recommendation | Face Scrub Recommendation |
| Oily Skin | Use a foaming or gel-based face wash twice daily to control excess oil. | Use 2-3 times a week with salicylic acid or fine exfoliants to unclog pores. |
| Dry Skin | Use a cream-based or hydrating face wash to retain moisture. | Use once a week with gentle, creamy scrubs to avoid over-drying. |
| Combination Skin | Use a balanced cleanser that targets oil in the T-zone without drying cheeks. | Use 1-2 times a week, focusing on oily areas only. |
| Sensitive Skin | Choose a fragrance-free, mild face wash with soothing ingredients like aloe. | Limit to once every 10 days or skip if irritation occurs; use a very mild scrub. |
| Acne-Prone Skin | Use a face wash with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to fight breakouts. | Use once a week with anti-acne, non-abrasive scrubs; avoid harsh particles. |
| Normal Skin | Use a gentle cleanser to maintain balance; twice daily is ideal. | Use 1-2 times a week to maintain glow and remove dead skin. |
Conclusion
When it comes to skincare, many wonder, scrub or face wash first? The right order is essential for healthy, glowing skin. Always start with a face wash to remove dirt, oil, and impurities. Follow it with a scrub to exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog pores. Using them in the correct sequence boosts product effectiveness and prevents irritation. Based on your skin type, adjust the frequency for best results. Remember, knowing whether to use scrub or face wash first makes all the difference.
FAQs
Can I scrub after face wash?
Yes, it’s ideal to scrub after using a face wash. Face wash removes surface dirt, allowing the scrub to exfoliate more effectively.
Should I use face wash after scrubbing?
No, using face wash after scrubbing can irritate your skin. Scrubbing should be followed by a gentle rinse and a moisturizer, not another cleanser.
First face wash or scrub: what is the ideal order?
The ideal order is face wash first, then scrub. Cleansing first preps the skin for better exfoliation.
What to choose first scrub or face wash, for glowing skin?
Choose face wash first to cleanse, then follow with a scrub 2-3 times a week to boost glow by removing dead skin cells.
Should we use face wash after scrub?
No, using face wash after a scrub may over-cleanse and dry out your skin. Always use face wash first.
Can we use face wash after face scrub and face waxing?
Avoid using face wash right after scrubbing or waxing. It may cause irritation. Use a calming toner or aloe gel instead.
Can we use scrub after face wash?
Yes, that’s the correct sequence. Scrub after face wash for best results in exfoliation and skin renewal.
What to use first scrub or face wash, for pigmentation?
Use face wash first to clean the skin, then a mild scrub to target pigmentation by removing dull skin layers.
How effective scrub before or after face washing?
Scrubbing after face wash is more effective. It ensures your skin is clean, so the exfoliants work deeply.
Are there any side effects of using facewash just after scrubbing?
Yes, using face wash after scrubbing can cause dryness, redness, or irritation since the skin is already exfoliated.
