Facial cleanser or facial exfoliator? Here’s why both are great for your skin!

You probably know that a facial exfoliator can help make your skin feel smooth and fresh. But if you’re already using a cleanser, do you really need to exfoliate as well? And which should you use first? All good questions!

The right cleanser and exfoliant can have amazing benefits for your skin, and both fit nicely into your skincare regime. Let’s explain why.

Facial cleanser or facial exfoliator? Here’s why both are great for your skin!

Why use an exfoliant?

Exfoliation is the process of removing the “clutter” from your skin. Your skin is constantly shedding cells as part of its natural regeneration process. These dead cells sit on your skin and clog your pores, causing irritation and acne.

Then there’s all the stuff from daily life: makeup, pollution, sweat, and other contaminants. Put all that together and you’ve got the makings of a breakout.

Ever sanded a piece of furniture? A facial exfoliant is like that: it clears away the top layer of rubbish, leaving fresh, clean skin beneath. Perfect for moisturising! A clear canvas allows moisturiser to penetrate your skin more deeply, rather than just sitting on top of all that buildup.  Makeup also glides on much more easily after exfoliating.

Exfoliating is especially beneficial if you’re prone to blemishes. It helps to draw out those impurities and unclog pores.

What makes a great exfoliant?

Ground avocado seed, that’s what! It’s just powerful enough to buff that debris out of your pores, but gentle enough to maintain your skin’s natural balance. It goes with avocado oil itself, which contains a rich blend of fatty acids to carefully cleanse as you exfoliate.

And they’re both in the Avo Tree Facial Exfoliant!

This luxurious exfoliant also contains the amazing kiwi seed oil and bamboo leaf extract: both rich in natural antioxidants to soothe the skin and enhance softness.

So, if exfoliating is so good at unclogging your skin, do you really need a cleanser as well?

Indeed you do!

Why use a cleanser?

A cleanser is designed to do exactly that – cleanse your skin of dirt, excess oil, makeup and other skin care products that you’ve applied in the morning or at night. But unlike an exfoliant, a cleanser washes the skin without “buffing” it. This makes it gentle enough to use up to twice a day without stripping skin of its valuable oils.

A cleanser should work with your skin’s acid mantle – the protective film on the outermost layer on your skin. The acid mantle is made up of amino acids, fatty acids, lactic acid, sebum, and water, and has a pH of around 4.5 to 5.5. Its job is to maintain the moisture within your skin while protecting against the harsh effects of the environment. Harsh cleansers like plain old soap are usually too alkaline for the acid mantle, and can leave delicate facial skin dry and irritated.

What makes a great cleanser?

Natural oils are similar in structure to your skin’s own lipid layer, so they’re a great way to cleanse without drying your face out. That’s why the Avo Tree Cream Cleanser contains nourishing avocado oil. Avocado also delivers the goodness of plant sterols, lecithin, minerals, and vitamins A, C, D, and E to help strengthen the skin as it washes away impurities.

We’ve all heard about the wonders of Manuka honey. This precious native honey has been scientifically recognised for its anti-microbial and skin healing properties, which can help to prevent blemishes. Manuka honey has even been shown to work with the skin’s immune system and promote tissue repair. Just what your skin needs after a day fighting the elements!

Antioxidants are also a crucial part of any skin regime, and the Avo Tree Cream Cleanser has one of the best: elderberry! Elderberry extract is known to increase oxidative defense capacity and help relieve photoaging and damage caused by UVB rays.

So, when should you use which?

Great news: it doesn’t really matter! Both a cleanser and an exfoliant have their own benefits, so it’s totally up to you which you use first. Most skincare professionals recommend exfoliating two to three times per week to help keep your skin looking radiant. Cleansing is something you should do morning and night to help get any grime off your face and shine like the star you are.

Find our Cream Cleanser here and our Facial Exfoliant here

To learn more about our miracle oil we use in every product (cold pressed Avocado Oil), ways to lock in moister to your skin, our skincare routines, ways to naturally increase collagen production and ways to buy natural, sustainable skincare and much more head to our blog here