Do You Rinse Off Exfoliator? When to Wash It Off

How do you know if it rinses?

The product label has the answer. Check the directions before putting anything on your face, because an exfoliating scrub and an acid serum aren't used the same way.

Turn the bottle or tube around and read the directions. Phrases like rinse thoroughly, remove with warm water, leave on or do not rinse tell you what to do. The word exfoliator on the front isn't enough to go by.

The texture gives you a hint, too. A gritty scrub, a gel that rolls into little bits as you massage it, or a clay mask is generally meant to come off. Thin liquid toners and lightweight serums with glycolic acid, lactic acid or salicylic acid are often designed to stay on.

Not sure what the instructions mean? Visit the manufacturer's website or contact the brand before trying it. Guessing isn't worth the risk, particularly with concentrated acid treatments.

What should you look for?

• Rinse thoroughly means wash it off.
• Leave on means it stays on your skin, so don't head straight to the sink afterward.
• Use for 10 minutes? Set a timer so you don't accidentally leave it on longer.
• Remove with a damp cloth means wipe it away.

How long should you leave it on?

Follow the time printed on the packaging for rinse-off exfoliators. Leave-on formulas stay on your skin until your next normal cleansing step.

A physical face scrub doesn't need much time. Work it gently over damp skin in small circles for about 30 seconds, then rinse with lukewarm water. Scrubbing harder won't give you better results, and those gritty particles don't need to sit on your face.

Peeling gels and exfoliating masks have their own timings. Some come off after a short massage, while others need five, ten or fifteen minutes. Those are just examples, though. Your product's directions set the actual time.

Acid toners and leave-on serums don't need to be rinsed after a few minutes. Apply the amount stated on the packaging, let it settle into your skin and carry on with your routine. One exception: if the instructions tell you to rinse after a certain number of minutes, treat it as a rinse-off treatment.

Don't leave a rinse-off peel on overnight hoping it'll work better. Longer isn't better here. If your face starts burning badly or you notice unexpected irritation, rinse the product off straight away.

A few timing reminders

• Set a timer for masks.
• Keep your scrub gentle and brief (about 30 seconds is enough for a typical physical face scrub).
• Does your peel have a set contact time? Stick to the exact instructions.
• Never leave it on longer than recommended.

What should you apply after exfoliating?

Go straight to a gentle moisturizer after rinsing or using a leave-on exfoliant. In the morning, finish with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, especially if you're using exfoliating acids.

After rinsing your scrub or mask, pat your face with a clean, soft towel. No rough rubbing or trying to get your skin squeaky clean. That tight, stretched feeling isn't proof that the exfoliator did a better job.

Now reach for a simple moisturizer. A fragrance-free cream with glycerin or ceramides is a good option for keeping your skin hydrated. Smooth it on while your face is still slightly damp.

Using a leave-on acid toner or serum? Keep the same basic order: cleanse, apply your exfoliating product as directed, then moisturize. There's no need to wash the acid off before putting on your cream.

If you exfoliate at night, don't turn the rest of your routine into a pile of strong treatments. Skip adding several at once, particularly retinol, another exfoliating acid or a strong acne treatment if your skin already feels sensitive.

In the morning, reach for broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. The FDA advises sun protection when using alpha hydroxy acid products because they can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

What goes on afterward?

• Rinse off wash-off products.
• Pat your face dry with a soft towel (rubbing can leave freshly exfoliated skin feeling even more irritated).
• Moisturizer next.
• Using acids in the morning? Finish with SPF 30 or higher.

What if your skin feels irritated?

Stop exfoliating if your skin stays red, feels sore or becomes irritated. Give it a break and stick with gentle cleansing and moisturizing until things settle down.

Some exfoliators cause a little temporary tingling, but strong burning, ongoing stinging, swelling or painful peeling aren't things to push through. If a product causes a reaction, rinse it off and stop using it.

For the next few days, put the scrubs, peeling gels, exfoliating acids and other potentially irritating treatments aside. Wash with a mild cleanser, use a basic moisturizer and protect your face from the sun.

Think about what else is in your routine, too. Retinol, prescription retinoids and benzoyl peroxide can already make your skin more sensitive. Add exfoliation on top and you could end up with extra dryness and irritation.

If the irritation won't settle, you think you're having an allergic reaction or you have an existing skin condition that makes exfoliation difficult, talk to a board-certified dermatologist. Don't keep trying new exfoliators to fix a reaction that needs professional advice.

When should you take a break?

• Redness that sticks around after application.
• Burning or painful stinging that doesn't settle.
• New swelling or an itchy rash? Stop using the product.
• Skin that feels raw or unusually tender.

Which exfoliators should you rinse off?