Cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize. It’s the classic three-part skincare routine that’s both easy to follow and a great way to keep your skin looking young, bright, and healthy. However, while moisturizing has the obvious benefit of hydrating your skin, the benefits of cleansing and exfoliating are not quite as clear to many men. There’s a certain degree of crossover when it comes to exfoliants vs cleansers, and this leaves many men feeling as though they can skip one in favor of the other.
Even skincare manufacturers have not done a great job of explaining the differences between cleansers and exfoliators. Cleansers sweep away dirt, oil, and skin cells, but so do exfoliants. So what’s the difference? Do you really need to use both types of products? Which one is more effective? Can you simply replace exfoliating by doing a “double” cleansing? Finally, where can you find the best facial care products for men to cover all your cleansing and exfoliating needs?
In today’s guide, we’ll answer all of these questions and more, so let’s get started!
Exfoliator Vs Cleanser: What’s The Difference?
Cleansers are generally products that are used to cleanse the surface-level debris from the skin. This can include dirt, makeup, excess oil build-up, and dead skin cells. Alternatively, exfoliators are products designed to penetrate deeper into the epidermis to unclog pores and remove even more dead skin cells. Some products even act as 2-in-1 cleansing and exfoliating treatments, which can blur the lines between the two even further.
However, it’s easiest to think about a cleanser as a gentle preparation for an exfoliant (or any other skincare product). The cleanser removes the surface dirt and debris so that the exfoliant can come in unimpeded and really clean out your pores, leaving your face feeling smooth and refreshed. Just as cleansers help prep your skin for exfoliation, cleansing and exfoliation help make moisturizers (and other products) more effective. This is because cleansers and exfoliators work to remove the top layer of dead skin cells and any accumulated oil, making it far easier for moisturizers or treatments to penetrate deeper into the skin.
It’s important to note that cleansers and exfoliants can take different forms. Cleansers, for example, can be cleansing bars, creams, or even water-based products (just to name a few). Alternatively, exfoliants often come in the form of facial wipes or scrubs. This isn’t a hard and fast rule, but it is a good way to potentially distinguish between products that only cleanse, those that only exfoliate, and those that do a bit of both.
Do You Need to Cleanse and Exfoliate?
The short answer is yes! Once again, some products do both jobs at the same time, so even if you’re in a rush in the morning, you can still quickly cleanse and exfoliate your face without adding an extra step to the process. As mentioned in the previous section, cleansing and exfoliating are each important because they’re essentially two different parts of the same process. You want to clear away your face and make sure there’s nothing clogging up your pores or preventing moisturizers and other facial treatments from penetrating the skin. Basic cleansers are often gentle, ensuring that you don’t irritate your skin from the start. Exfoliators, on the other hand, offer a bit more power so that you can lift debris, oil, and dead skin out of the pores before finishing with a moisturizer and any other skin treatments you require.
In short, cleansing and exfoliating are both necessary. They serve different purposes, and either one is not quite as effective without the other. Just remember, cleansing is something that you should try to do every day (often once in the morning and once at night). If you have a 2-in-1 cleanser that offers gentle exfoliation, you can do both every day too, as long as it doesn’t cause irritation. However, if you want to use a more enhanced exfoliator or you have sensitive skin, you may want to limit exfoliation to just a few times per week.
Which is More Effective? Double Cleansing Vs Exfoliating
This is a question we receive a lot. If you already own a cleanser that you like, you might think that you can just use it twice and skip the exfoliating step. However, unless your cleanser also has natural exfoliating properties, double cleansing just won’t be as effective. This is because most cleansers are not formulated to pull debris out of pores. They also aren’t as good at scrubbing away dead skin cells that may still be partially attached to the surface.
As a result, double cleansing might be adequate as a temporary solution if you run out of exfoliant, but it’s not a good long-term solution. You still need to use a proper exfoliant a few times per week to ensure that you're really clearing out all the waste that builds up in your pores. Additionally, if you struggle with whiteheads, blackheads, or acne, double cleansing will not be effective at cleaning them out or reducing future breakouts.
Get the Best Face Cleansers and Exfoliators For Men
Do you want to ensure that your face is properly cleansed and exfoliated? Are you looking for a variety of products that can brighten your skin and make moisturizers, treatments, and serums even more effective? Finally, do you want to ensure that you’re using all-natural products that are specifically formulated for men’s skin? If so, Anthony is the solution.
Whether you’re looking for facial cleansers, facial exfoliants, or products that can cleanse and exfoliate simultaneously, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few of our top picks for men with varied skin types and needs:
For Cleansing
- Purifying Astringent Pads - Anthony’s Purifying Astringent Pads are a great way for men of all skin types to gently cleanse their faces with a product that won’t leave any residue. The best part? Astringent pads naturally tighten pores, helping to make skin look healthier and brighter.
- Kind Cleansing Water - Anthony’s Kind Cleansing Water, infused with natural ingredients like witch hazel and rose water, is perfect as a light, gentle cleanser that doubles as a toner to help tighten pores and hydrate your skin.
- Conditioning Beard Wash - If you have a beard, our quality Conditioning Beard Wash can help cleanse that hard-to-reach skin under the beard follicles while also making your beard feel soft and silky smooth.
For Exfoliating
- Facial Scrub - Anthony’s Facial Scrub is a great all-around exfoliant for men of all skin types. Thanks to the Bora Bora white sand particles, this scrub is gentle enough not to irritate sensitive skin but still strong enough to unclog pores and clear away unseen grime.
- Glycolic Exfoliating and Resurfacing Wipes - Our Glycolic Exfoliating and Resurfacing Wipes are specifically designed to provide thorough exfoliation while also tightening pores and brightening your complexion. Plus, like our astringent pads, you don’t have to worry about rinsing away any product afterward.
For Cleansing and Exfoliating
- Exfoliating + Cleansing Bar - Want to cleanse and exfoliate your face and body while you’re in the shower? Then Anthony’s Exfoliating + Cleansing Bar is the perfect solution. It works by combining natural cleansers and exfoliants like jojoba, shea butter, and squalane.
- Glycolic Facial Cleanser - Anthony’s Glycolic Facial Cleanser is one of our most popular products for men who want a multi-purpose cleanser. It cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates. Plus, it prevents ingrown hairs and even reduces discoloration, fine lines, and wrinkles.
- Algae Facial Cleanser - Our Algae Facial Cleanser is extremely popular because it has refreshing, natural ingredients and can even double as a calming mask if you have a little extra time to leave it on.
If you want to see even more ways to cleanse and exfoliate your face, check out all of Anthony’s cleansers and exfoliators!
Want to learn even more about cleansers vs. exfoliators? If so, be sure to check out the great products and solutions available at Anthony today!
