Pennsylvania Cosmetology Practice Exam

Cleansing is indeed the first step in a skincare routine as it involves removing dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities from the skin. By starting with cleansing, the skin is primed to effectively absorb subsequent products such as serums, moisturizers, and treatments. This foundational step ensures that the skin is clean and prepared, allowing for better penetration of active ingredients from other products, thereby enhancing their efficacy.

In contrast, moisturizing, exfoliating, and applying sunscreen are all essential parts of a skincare regimen but come into play after the skin has been properly cleansed. Moisturizing helps to hydrate and protect the skin, exfoliating aids in removing dead skin cells to promote a smoother complexion, and sunscreen is crucial for protecting the skin from UV damage. However, none of these steps can effectively function unless the skin has first been thoroughly cleansed.