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When it comes to skincare, two steps can get a little confusing, and that’s cleansing and exfoliating.
There are so many rules and pieces of advice circulating on topics such as when to double cleanse, how to exfoliate effectively, how often, and when is the best time to wash our faces, etc – it can be slightly chaotic.
Some of us scrub as our lives depend on it, others pack on acids after acids, which could be ruining your skin barrier, and a few wonder whether exfoliating every day is a good idea (spoiler: it’s not). Don’t worry, we’re not coming for your regime, but as people guilty of this, we definitely don’t follow all the steps in a way to achieve the best outcomes.
To cut through all of the noise, we’ve spoken to skincare expert Dr Zoya Diwan, in partnership with Olay, to break down the most effective ways to cleanse and exfoliate.
We’re stripping it back to the basics, no 12-step routine, no unnecessary extras, just simple and effective steps that will have you glowing in no time.
Dr Zoya Diwan says, ‘A good basic routine has three pillars: cleanse, moisturise and protect (SPF). These steps support the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and allow the skin to function properly. Despite the rise of multi-step regimes in recent years, new data by Olay* shows that nearly two-thirds (62%) of women over 35 admit they have skipped or cut short their skincare routine. A routine with effective products will yield better results than a complicated one that is rarely followed – skin thrives on consistency, not complexity.
I recommend a hydrating, gentle cleanser, and dual-action product like Olay Super Cream SPF 30, which efficiently combines the moisturise and protect steps. When the basics are done well, skin is more resilient, calmer, and responds better to any actives you use later.’
When it comes to discussing why we should exfoliate, Dr Zoya explains, ‘Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that naturally build up on the skin’s surface, improving texture and brightness and allowing skincare products to absorb more effectively. When done using the right chemical exfoliant for your skin type, such as AHAs, BHAs, or PHAs, it supports healthy skin turnover without disrupting the skin barrier.
Although everyone’s skin is different, most people only need to exfoliate 1–2 times a week. More frequent exfoliation doesn’t mean better results – it often leads to irritation, especially as we age and natural skin turnover slows.’
She says how gentle exfoliants are best with ingredients including AHA’s like lactic or glycolic acid, which aid in promoting brightness and texture, whilst BHA’s like salicylic acid are great for de-gunking and breakouts. If you have sensitive skin, then options for PHAs are better as they won’t irritate the surface as much.
Shop our favourite exfoliators:
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Exfoliating Toner
A product adored by many and powered by 2% salicylic acid, it dives deep into pores to tackle blackheads, congestion, and texture without that squeaky, stripped feeling. It’s lightweight and works especially well for oily or breakout-prone skin. We would highlight that it isn’t ideal if you have ultra-sensitive skin.
Avène Gentle Exfoliating Gel for Sensitive Skin
If your skin flinches at the word 'exfoliation,' this is the one. Avène’s gentle gel uses soft exfoliating beads to smooth without irritation, while soothing thermal spring water keeps redness at bay. It’s ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types who want a glow without the soreness.
Medicube Zero Pore Pads
A product that is making its rounds on social media is none other than Medicube’s Zero Pore Pads, and it’s no wonder when they work as well as they do. Making taking care of your skin as minimal effort as possible, these small wipes come soaked in 4.5% AHA Lactic Acid & 0.45% BHA Salicylic Acid, helping to minimise the appearance of pores, and unclog any dirt and excess oil from the skin, therefore providing a healthier surface for your next steps in your routine.
As for cleansing, this would be done before exfoliating, as it is done to remove surface dirt from the skin, therefore allowing exfoliants to work deeper. ‘Cleansing removes dirt, oil, pollution, and sunscreen, which can otherwise contribute to irritation, breakouts, and dullness. A good cleanser cleans the skin without stripping it, preserving the barrier. Research from Olay has found that 81% of women over 35 say a simplified skincare routine is more appealing, and this is exactly what I would recommend – keep it gentle and not stripping.’
‘Look for glycerine, ceramides, and particularly niacinamide, which is good for supporting the skin barrier, regulating oil, and enhancing firmness. Avoid harsh surfactants or strong fragrances, especially if you have sensitive or compromised skin. Layering multiple actives can weaken the skin barrier, so opt for products like Olay Super Cream SPF 30, which combines actives designed to work synergistically.’
Shop our favourite cleansers:
Aveeno Face Calm And Restore Gentle Cleanser
Even though it isn’t recommended to exfoliate every day, this exfoliating cleansing from Aveeno is gentle enough to do so, as it is more gentle on the skin due to its non-abrasive liquid. Packed with healthy ingredients such as Nourishing Oat Oil and Hydrating PHA. Polyhydroxy Acid, it works effectively to renew the skin without causing any damage.
Skin Rocks The Cream Cleanser
Skin Rocks founder Caroline Hirons swears by a double cleanse routine in the evenings to remove the impurities of the day. Use micellar water to remove makeup from the surface, and then go in with another cleanser to work deeper and actually clean the skin. The Cream Cleanser is a brilliant addition as it is formulated with amino acids and squalane to improve the skin's barrier, reduce inflammation, and boost hydration.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
A cult classic and a favourite by many. Elemis’s Cleansing Balm works effectively at removing makeup whilst nourishing and soothing the skin, cleaning away any dirt and pollutants. It includes scented essential oils, so when you’re using it, you feel like you’re receiving an at-home spa treatment. Simply warm the product up in your hands and then massage it over the face and neck before wiping it away with a clean cleansing cloth.
There are a variety of types of cleansers on the markets from balms, oils, milks, micellar water, etc. Dr Zoya says, ‘The best cleanser is one that leaves skin comfortable, not tight. Balms or oils are great for dry skin or heavy makeup, milks or creams are ideal for sensitive or barrier-impaired skin, whereas gel or foaming cleansers are most suitable for oily or acne-prone skin, and micellar water is useful as a light cleanse but should ideally be rinsed off.’
Once you have done these steps, it’s time to apply a moisturiser. ‘Moisturiser supports the skin barrier, reduces water loss, improves skin comfort and resilience, and is non-congesting. To complement a strong exfoliant and cleanse routine, look for humectants like glycerin, barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides or niacinamide, and occlusives to lock moisture in. Olay Super Cream SPF 30, which contains both glycerin and niacinamide, provides comprehensive hydration and nourishment while delivering broad-spectrum sun protection, two essential pillars of skincare in one step,’ says Dr Zoya Diwan.
* Censuswide Survey conducted on behalf of Olay, n – 2001, Oct 2025
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