[Routine Help] Why are chemical exfoliants used after cleansing? Is there research to back up this 'common wisdon'?

Beauty Tips For Body Care
I'm trying to find a good routine for my skin, and one of the changes I thought up would be using AHA / BHA exfoliants prior to cleansing, so there's no tacky film on my face under the moisturizer (Paula's Choice gels can feel sticky after they dry). I did a quick online search for exfoliating first, and nearly every source I can find says to ALWAYS cleanse first.Why is this? Why aren't there any details justifying such? Is there research?It almost seems like common sense that the exfoliant would help remove / dissolve stuff prior to cleansing, while cleansing first means the dissolved gunk would just stay on your face. Am I missing something?
Girls Blog 2015
Submitted by mholl0704