Table of Contents
- What is a Bar of Soap
- What is a Face Wash?
- Key Differences Between a Soap and a Face Wash
- Is it safe to use Soap on Face?
- Advantages of Using Face Wash on Face
- Summing Up
- FAQ’s
Soaps for the face seems like such an outdated thing. But there are still some who just go with a bar of soap because “Kya hi fark padega bro!”.
But it does matter, big time! Let me tell you, there's a big difference between using soap and a face wash for your face. Read ahead to find out the effects of both soap and face wash on skin and which one is better.
What is a Bar of Soap
Soap is a cleaning product that traps oil and dirt and allows it to be washed away leaving a fresh clean face behind. It is made by combining oils or fats with an alkaline solution. Many soaps contain additional ingredients like essential oils for fragrance or botanicals like aloe vera for soothing purposes.
What is a Face Wash?
A face wash is a product designed to clean your face by removing dirt, oil, sweat, makeup, and other impurities that accumulate on the skin. Face wash is a gentler and more effective substitute for soap bars. It is designed especially for the delicate skin of the face and targets many skin concerns.
Key Differences Between a Soap and a Face Wash
While soaps have been a go-to for some people, face wash has also given a tough fight for taking priority in skincare routines. Here are some points that make rounds in the “Soap vs Face wash” debate topic:
|
Soap |
Face Wash |
|
|
Formulation |
Made by combining oils or fats with alkaline substances. It contains fragrances and additives that can irritate skin. |
Made especially for facial skin. It is gentler and contains moisturizing and hydrating ingredients. |
|
pH Level |
Soaps are alkaline and have a pH of 9-10. This disrupts the skin leading to dryness. |
Face washes have a lower pH between 4.5-6. This helps maintain the skin's barrier. |
|
Skin Type |
They are harsh for dry and sensitive skin. |
They are tailored for various skin types. |
|
Cleaning Power |
Soaps clean dirt and oil but may strip the skin's natural oils. |
Face washes remove impurities while hydrating the skin. |
|
Application |
It is directly lathered on wet skin. |
It is used with water to form a lather. |
Is it safe to use Soap on Face?
When you're in the shower and realize you're out of face wash, only then are you allowed to lather up soap on your face. Using a soap occasionally may not present any harm but it is not recommended for daily use. Soaps have a higher pH (9-10) than the skins pH (4.5-5.5). This disrupts the skin's barrier and strips away its natural oils. Soaps also contain harsh fragrances and additives that can be disrupting for sensitive skin.
Advantages of Using Face Wash on Face
Gentle cleansing
Face wash is designed to be delicate on facial skin. It contains mild cleansing agents compared to soaps that do not strip away the skin's natural moisture making it feel dry and tight.
Hydrating Ingredients
A Face wash often contains hydrating and moisturizing ingredients which keeps the skin soft after wash. It is enriched with beneficial ingredients like vitamins, aloe vera and glycerin.
Preps Skin
Face wash removes all impurities making it easier for your serum, moisturizer and SPF to absorb effectively into the skin providing the best of their benefits. Clean skin allows active ingredients in your skincare treatments to penetrate deeper and work better.
Convenient
There are many formulations of face washes available. They come in gel, cream and liquid forms making them easy to use. They offer a quick refresh to the skin with just one wash.
Summing Up,
Using a bar of soap can seem easy and quick but it is not the best way to clean your face. Face wash is a more beneficial option for your facial skin in the long run. Face washes remove skin impurities and maintain the overall health of the skin.
If you were confused about “soap or face wash”, now you know that face wash is the ultimate choice for achieving soft, hydrated and balanced skin.
FAQ’s
Which is good, face wash or soap?
A face wash is better for facial use because they are especially designed to gently clean the delicate skin on our face. Face wash is pH-balanced, does not dry the skin and maintains the skin barrier.
Can we use soap as a face wash?
No, it's not the best option to use soap as a face wash. Soaps are alkaline and strip the skin's moisture. It is better to use a face wash that is designed for specific facial skin needs.
What is the pH of soap?
Soaps have a pH level between 9-10 which is much higher than our skin’s pH level which is around 4.5-5.5. The alkaline nature of soap can disrupt our skin and cause dryness and irritation.
Can I use both soap and face wash?
You can use both soap and face wash but it is better to stick to one product in your daily skincare routine.
Why is Face Wash better for facial Use?
Face is better for our face because it is designed to suit delicate facial skin. It contains ingredients that target skin concerns and provide effective results.
