Complete Guide to Face Cleansers and Face Washes
Face care is essential for all. It is important to know how different face care products work for us. Today, we see the difference between face cleanser and face wash.
Face cleanser gently removes surface dirt, makeup, oils, that accumulate on the skin whereas face wash is foaming and water-based with astringents for deep cleaning the skin and tightening the pores.
Face cleanser v/s face wash
Let us see how face cleanser and face wash are used for cleaning our face.
Face cleanser
- It removes makeup, dead skin, excess oil, sunscreen, and dirt from the surface of the skin
- It hydrates the face making it less wrinkled, rough or dry and keeps it soft
- It keeps the skin youthful and smooth by reducing acne and puffiness
- It can be used by people having dry skin, normal skin, combination skin, mature skin and sensitive skin
- It is available in forms of lotion, oil, cream and powder
- It is gentler as compared to a face wash
- It is more hydrating and moisturizing
- It should be used in the evening
- It can be rinsed or wiped dry
- It is made of ingredients that open the pores and is applied with cotton pads, sponges or your fingers
Face cleanser
- It deep cleans by cleaning the skin pores and remove dire from the deeper skin layers
- It exfoliates the skin by scraping the dead skin cells thereby exposing the new layer of skin
- It maintains the normal pH levels of the skin (4.5 to 6.5)
- It improves blood circulation as it is massaged into the skin
- It calms the skin thereby alleviating itching and flakiness
- It gives a youthful appearance by reducing the larger pores and improves the texture of the skin
- It can be used by people having normal skin, oily skin, combination skin or acne-prone skin
- It is available in gel and foam forms
- It is less hydrating and moisturizing
- It can be rinsed off
Various skin types require different cleaning as some skin types are more suited to gentle skin products as compared to other skin types. A combination of face cleanser and face wash is known as double-cleansing and can be used either daily or sparingly, depending on your skin. However if you have dry skin, then double-cleansing is not for you. It is more suited for people having oily and sensitive skin types.
Basis your skin type you can select which face cleanser / face wash is more suitable for you. There may substances in them that may irritate your skin, so it is advisable to consult your dermatologist to know your skin type.
Types of face cleansers
There are numerous types of face cleansers
- Gel cleanser: Gel cleansers have gel-like consistency that easily removes the sebum and dust from the skin pores. These are most suited for acne-prone skin, oily skin and sensitive skin.
- Foaming cleanser: Foaming cleaners easily remove the oil, makeup layers, sunscreen from the skin and are ideal for those with combination skin type.
- Cream cleanser: Cream cleansers are thicker like milk or honey and are good moisturizers.
- Oil cleanser: Oil cleansers contain nourishing oils that remove the excess oil, dirt, makeup and other impurities and absorb the residues beneath the skin layers.
- Micellar cleanser: Micellar cleansers are extremely light and transparent consisting of tiny oil molecules that effectively remove dirt, excess oils, and makeup, without water and can be wiped off. It is gentle and suited for all skin types.
Types of face wash
There are various types of face washes:
- Face wash for oily skin: This face wash consists of hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, hyaluronic acid that effectively soak up excess oil, dirt, and other skin impurities.
- Dry skin face wash: This face wash consists of brightening and hydrating ingredients that keeps the skin hydrated and radiant.
- Combination skin face wash: This face wash contains ingredients that reverse skin damage, keep the skin tone even and reduce skin impurities.
Tips for use
- Read the ingredients listed on the skin care products and opt for ones with natural compositions
- Do a patch test to check for skin irritability /allergy
- Consult your dermatologist to know your skin type and products that are beneficial for you
- Always listen to your body; if the face cleanser or face wash makes you uncomfortable, then stop using it
