The key difference between cleanser and exfoliator is that cleansers remove dirt and bacteria, whereas exfoliators remove dead skin cells. Both cleaners and exfoliators are necessary for healthy skin. A cleanser purifies the skin by removing sebum, bacteria, dust, and other impurities, while an exfoliator removes the dead skin on the surface of the skin, revealing younger-looking skin.
Key Takeaways
- Cleansers remove dirt, bacteria, and pollutants, while exfoliators remove dead skin cells.
- Daily use of a cleanser is recommended, whereas exfoliators should be used once or twice a week.
- Proper cleansing and exfoliating contribute to healthy, youthful-looking skin.
What is a Cleanser?
A cleanser is a skincare product used to remove oil, dirt, makeup, and other pollutants on the skin, keeping the pores clean and preventing acne. It is important to cleanse the skin using a cleanser twice a day, in the morning and at night, to get rid of oil, dirt, sebum, and bacteria. Water is not enough to wash these impurities away since they are not water-soluble. There are different types of cleansers, such as foam cleansers, gel cleansers, cream cleansers, balm cleansers, and powder cleansers.
Benefits of cleansing include providing smooth and healthy skin, helping to absorb skincare products, stimulating blood circulation, fighting signs of aging, and giving a younger-looking skin. It also hydrates the skin, giving it a soft look with a natural glow.
To use a cleanser, first wet your face, then put a small amount of cleanser on the palm and apply it to the face gently in circular motions, including the eye area. Rinse the face with cool or lukewarm water, pat dry, and continue the usual skincare routine.
What is an Exfoliator?
An exfoliator is a chemical or granular substance used to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. It is considered a treatment that improves youthful appearance and beauty by preventing dry, flaky skin and clogged pores. Before exfoliating, it’s necessary to understand your skin type (sensitive, oily, dry, normal, combination, acne-prone) and select the right exfoliator to avoid irritation. Those with oily skin can exfoliate more often, while those with normal or dry skin should limit exfoliating to once or twice a week.
Exfoliators can be classified into chemical exfoliators (using enzymes and acid-based products), physical exfoliators (using a granular scrub), and mechanical exfoliators (using a machine or device). There are also facial exfoliators made of small particles suitable for delicate facial skin and body exfoliators made of thicker and larger exfoliating granules for thicker body skin.
Exfoliation has numerous benefits, including preventing acne, preventing clogged pores, evening skin tone, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It also helps in the absorption of skincare products, stimulates collagen synthesis, boosts circulation, and increases cell turnover. However, exfoliation can also cause dryness and irritation in the skin and can be costly. Some exfoliators can be harmful to the environment and aquatic life.
To use exfoliators, first wash the face gently with a mild cleanser, then apply the exfoliator to the face for about 30 seconds in a circular upward movement, avoiding the eye area. Rinse the face with cool or lukewarm water, pat dry, and continue the usual skincare routine.
What is the Difference Between Cleanser and Exfoliator?
The key difference between cleanser and exfoliator is that cleansers help to remove dirt, bacteria, makeup, and other pollutants on the skin, while exfoliators help to remove dead skin cells. Cleaners should be used daily, usually twice a day, while exfoliators are not for daily use and should be used once or twice a week.
Summary – Cleanser vs Exfoliator
A cleanser is a skincare product that removes oil, dirt, makeup, and other pollutants on the skin, purifying and giving a healthy, younger-looking skin. A cleanser is smooth textured and can be used twice a day, recommended for daily usage. An exfoliator, on the other hand, is a chemical or granular substance used to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This removes flaky skin, clogged pores, and acne, provides an even skin tone, and boosts blood circulation. It contains exfoliating granules and should be used only once or twice a week. This is the summary of the difference between cleanser and exfoliator.
