What is a Face Wash?

Table of Contents

• What is a Face Wash?
• Different Face Wash Formulations
• Types of Face Wash
• Key Differences Between Face Wash and Face Cleansers
• How to Choose a Face Wash by Your Skin Type?
• In conclusion
• FAQ’s

Skincare always starts with you cleaning your face. When your skin has pollutants and accumulation in the pores, it becomes difficult for other skincare products to work on your skin. Think of it like your work desk filled with unwanted documents and piled tea cups. It becomes a little frustrating to work in an unclean environment.

Face wash comes to the rescue! In this blog, we'll look at what a face wash is, the types of face washes and how it's different from face cleansers. 

What is a Face Wash?

A face wash is something you use to wash your face. Simple! Unlike bar soaps that we used before the early 2000’s, face wash is a much gentler and efficient substitute. It is specifically created for cleaning the face without being abrasive or stripping the skin of its moisture. Face wash has evolved to serve diverse skin types and needs.

Face wash is an essential product in every skincare routine. It typically lathers up when used which helps lift away dirt, oil or other impurities from the skin, deeply cleanse the pores and refresh the skin. Using a face wash is a very easy and convenient process of making the face feel refreshed. Face wash often contains different ingredients to address different skin types.

Different Face Wash Formulations

Gel

Gel-based face washes have a light, clear and refreshing formulation. They deeply cleanse your skin and prevent excess oil production and acne. Gel face washes allow for a thorough cleanse and provide nourishment to your skin.

Cream

Face washes with a creamy formulation have a thicker, rich and hydrating consistency. They cleanse your skin and also soothe and hydrate it. Cream face washes retain skin moisture and make skin feel soft and supple.

Foam

Foam face washes have a fluffy foam formulation that is easy to apply. They give a deep, refreshing cleanse without stripping the skin. Foam face washes are light and soothing and revitalizes the skin.

Micellar Water

Micellar water is made of oil molecules suspended in water and has an appearance like plain water. It wipes off skin pollutants without the need to rinse your face. Micellar water is popularly used to take off makeup from the skin.

Types of Face Wash

Charcoal

These face washes contain activated charcoal which absorbs all the pollutants from the skin. It draws out dirt, oil and other toxins and detoxifies the skin. This property of charcoal makes it a great ingredient for oily and acne prone skin.

Exfoliating

These face washes have small gritty particles that physically scrub or it may contain chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs that remove the dead skin on your face. It boosts cell turnover and makes skin more smoother and brighter. Exfoliating face washes are abrasive in nature making it ideal for dull and acne prone skin.

Oil-based

These face washes contain nourishing oils that break down makeup and dirt while maintaining the skin's natural oils. It provides an effective cleanse without making skin feel stripped and tight. This makes it suitable for dry skin that needs replenishment.

Key Differences Between Face Wash and Face Cleansers

Face cleansers are similar to face wash in work but different in formulation. Cleansers thoroughly remove impurities from the skin in a gentler manner as compared to face wash.

Formulation

Face wash: It has foaming agents that lather up when mixed with water.

Face cleanser: It has various textures like gel and cream but does not lather up like face wash.

Effect on skin

Face wash: It leaves the skin feeling clean but a bit dry as compared to face cleansers.

Face cleanser: It cleanses the skin without stripping the skin.

Application

Face wash: It needs to be massaged on damp skin and rinsed off.

Face cleanser: It is either applied with a cotton pad or used like a face wash.

Purpose

Face wash: It deeply cleanses the skin and removes all the dirt, oil, and unwanted accumulation.

Face cleanser: It removes all makeup and dirt without stripping the skin's natural oils.

Suitable for

Face wash: It is suitable for oily, combination and acne prone skin as it helps remove excess oil from the skin.

Face cleanser: It is most suitable for dry or sensitive skin that needs gentle cleansing.

How to Choose a Face Wash by Your Skin Type?

Oily Skin

Oily skin needs something that will clear out sebum from the pores, lift of oil and dirt and keep skin feeling fresh. Gel-based or foaming face washes do just that! They clear out pores, control excess oil and prevent acne.

Ingredients to look for: Charcoal, tea tree oil and salicylic acid.

Dry Skin

Dry skin needs a face wash that will provide hydration and not strip the skin further. Cream-based face wash is perfect to retain skin moisture and strengthen the skin barrier.

Ingredients to look for: Glycerin, hyaluronic acid and ceramides.

Combination Skin

Combination skin requires a product that will give balanced results. Gentle gel face washes provide nourishment to the skin while controlling excess oil. 

Ingredients to look for: Aloe vera, chamomile and niacinamide.

In conclusion,

Cleaning the skin thoroughly is crucial for maintaining clear skin and preventing breakouts. Different formulations and types of face washes suit different skin needs. With the right face wash on your counter, you can have the most amazing clean and healthy skin.

FAQ’s

Is face wash for daily use?

Yes! Face wash is designed to be used daily to maintain clean and healthy skin. You can even use it twice, morning and night. However the frequency depends on what your skin needs.

Is it OK to wash your face without face wash?

Face wash is made to deeply clear oil, dirt and impurities from the skin. So just using water wont be effective if you want a thoroughly clean face.

How to select face wash?

You should select a face wash depending upon your skin type. Gel or foaming face wash for oily skin and cream face wash for dry skin. 

Can I use Face Wash 3 times a day?

You can wash your face 3 times a day but that isn't necessarily beneficial. Washing your face too frequently can strip the skin and lead to dryness.

Is it better to wash your face at night or morning?

Washing your face both in the morning and at night are important. Face wash in the morning helps freshen up and at night it helps remove accumulated pollutants.