Face wash and Face cleansers are two terms that create some confusion among the users. As face washing is the very first step for skin care so it important to know all the basics of it. I ensured that after reading this blog all the confusions will be cleared permanently.

• Now face wash and face cleansers are two products designed for cleaning of face. Both of them are used for different purposes and have a distinct formulation to achieve the purposes.
• Usage of both products depends on your skin concerns, skin type, makeup habits, skin care routine  and personal preferences. There are no such one- size- fits- for-all answers, as both the products have their pros and cons on different skin conditions.

Now the question is “Which one suits my skin and how to use face cleanser and face wash”?  To get the answer of this question please consider the following factors and explanation and then make your decision.

FACE WASH Vs. FACE CLEANSERS:

Analyzing the cleansing power of Face Washes and Face Cleansers:

• As we already discussed about the difference between the Face washes and face cleanser, now we can dive down to analyze the cleansing powers of both the products.
• Face washes contains surfactants( surface active agents) for deeper cleaning of skin layers by dissolving excess oils and dirts accumulated on skin surface, leaving skin refreshed. Face washes are water based product so apply it on on wet face and rinse it thoroughly with water. Some face washes formulated to create foamy lather so ideal for daily cleansing with water.
• Face cleansers comes as cleansing balms, oils and micellar water aiming to solve diverse skin types and preferences. Cleansing oils and balms will melt down heavy makeup, water proof makeup without rubbing the skin harshly. Micellar water also do the same job by providing quick cleansing option. As cleansers are milder option than face washes one can use it daily but it’s cleaning power is a bit less than face washes.

Note:  So as per the need of the skin you can either choose any one or can use both the products simultaneously.

Which is right Face wash or face cleanser for your skin type?

Dry Skin:  Lotion or oil-based Face Cleansers are ideal for dry skin, as they clean the face without stripping away essential moisture and natural oils from face.

Oily Skin: Foaming  or Oil-control Face Washes are great relief for oily skin as they help control excess sebum production and unclog pore deeply inside the skin.

Combination Skin: Person with combination skin can benefit from using different cleansers on different areas of the face. For example, a foaming Face wash for the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin areas) and a hydrating face cleanser for the cheeks.            But in general combination skin can goes well with Gel based Face washes with less foamy formulations.

Sensitive Skin: Micellar water and hydrating Face Cleansers are gentle options for sensitive skin, minimizing the risk of irritation or break outs.

Acne-Prone Skin: Face washes containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can help treat and prevent active Acne and future break outs.

Why does one need face washes or Face Cleanser?

• Face Washes or cleansers required to to clean the surface skin of face without reducing beneficial surface moisture and healthy natural oils.
• Our face produces natural oils know as Sebum from sebaceous Glands. Sebum is important for our face as it moisturizes and protects the surface of skin. It acts as natural lubricant which prevents excessive dryness and elasticity of our skin. But excessive production of Sebum leads to skin issues like  oily skin, clogged pores, blackheads, white heads , acne breakouts ; similarly insufficient Sebum production leads to dry and flaky skin.
• So regular face washing ensures a balanced PH level of skin, control excessive sebum production and also provide very gentle exfoliation.

4 Easy steps to clean your face:

Before starting cleaning your face, first clean your hands properly with handwash or soap. Then start the procedure.

4 Steps to clean your face are : Face wash, Steaming, Exfoliating and Toning

1. Face wash:

• Wet your face with normal water, take required amount of product in your hand, apply the face wash and gently massage it in circular way for 50-60 seconds then rinse thoroughly.
• If you have put on make ups or you feel more greasiness on face you can opt for double cleaning method i.e.  With a face cleanser followed by a face wash.

2. Steaming:

• It is an optional step for daily cleansing routine. But steaming your face 2-3 times a week results in a better skin texture. It improves blood circulation, release trapped sebum from pores, soothes skin and helps skin for better absorption of skin care products into the skin.
• Take a bowl on gas stove, boil some water and transfer the water to a glass or steel bowl (do not put the hot water in a plastic bowl) and wait for some time to cool down the hot water so that  the steam can be tolerable for the face skin.
• While taking steam one should be very careful to avoid steam burn. The water should be warm not too hot.
•  Do not go too closer to the steam, maintain the required distance to make your face comfortable.
• If you want to use Towel Method, then dip a towel in the warm water, squeeze it little bit and spread it over face, keep the towel for 1-2 minutes and it’s done.
• Pat dry the face or let it air dry.

 3. Exfoliation:

• Exfoliation is a process of removing dead skin cells and build-ups from the outer layer of the skin. Hence it enhances the skin texture by removing old cells and reveals the fresh healthier skin underneath.
• It take the cleaning process one step ahead. It also assists the skin cell turnover process.
• If you have bumpy face with blackheads and white heads, exfoliation is a great savior for you.
• Exfoliation is good for all skin type, but over exfoliation lead to irritation and damage to the skin surface. So it’s recommended to do it 2-3 times in a month.

There are two types of exfoliation available.

1. Physical Exfoliation

2. Chemical Exfoliation.

Physical exfoliation includes products which contains some granules of exfoliating agents like coffee, sugar, oatmeal powder in creamy formulation. It has to apply on wet face and gently rub the product over the face for 1-2 mintues and it does its job.

Chemical exfoliation includes products which contain chemical solutions of some acids and enzymes like: Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, salicylic acid, Kojic acid , Fruit enzymes and many more. Chemical exfoliating products have to apply on dry face by spreading the solution all over the face for 2-3 minutes (follow the instruction timeline written on the product) and wash it off.

Notes:

• Never ever exfoliate an active acne on your face.
• Always do a patch test before applying the exfoliating products.

4. Toning:

• Toners provide an extra step for cleanliness. It balances the natural pH level of skin.
• Beyond this, toners can help to remove impurities left behind after your face wash(in case)  for a brighter and  even tone complexion.
• Take some tonner in a cotton pad and gently wipe the face with it or use can use a spray bottle to spray on face directly.
• Choose an alcohol free toner.  Go for toners with glycerin, aloe vera, witch hazels, rose water, hyaluronic acid to enhance your skin texture.

Always remember to complete the skin care steps.

Immediately after all the cleansing steps you can apply serums, eye creams and other skin care products .Lastly put a good moisturizer to seal all the benefits into the skin. If you are doing the cleansing steps at day time then never forget to apply sunscreen.

Takeaways:

Washing is just the first step to maintaining your skin’s natural state. A clean and healthy skin depends on several other factors like basic skin care routine, food habits, physical activities, stress level and so on.

FAQs:

1. Is rose water a toner?

Yes, Rose water is considered as a natural toner for the skin. It soothes and balanced the skin pH level.

2. What should be avoided in face cleansing?

 Please avoid Hot water rinse and it makes your skin dry and stiff. Also avoid frequent use of face washes  in a day i.e.  4-5 times           a day, avoid rubbing the cleanser hard on your face

3. Can I keep the cleanser some time after applying it of face?

It’s not advisable to keep the cleanser  longer time on face. Simply apply with fingers for 40-60 sec and it will do its job.

4. Face Cleansing tools are required for better result?

No, it’s not true. Your hands are enough to do the clean ups. The cleansing tools can be used, but one should know the proper techniques to use the tools  as the skin of our face is delicate and if you don’t use the tools properly, you will end up damaging the skin.

5. Can the kitchen ingredients (like chickpea powder know as Besan, curd, Fuller’s Earth clay know as Multani Miti ) with face wash?

No, Face wash products should not be mixed with any other ingredients; as it reduces the efficacy of it. Also can make adverse effect on skin.

6. Can I add herbs, essential oils in water during steaming?

Plain water steaming is enough to clean the face impurities. But if you want; you can do for some extra benefit like some oils and herbs provide calming & relaxing effect on skin, so it depends on what you are looking for.