Face Wash vs. Cleanser: What Skincare Product Does Your Skin Need?
Facial beauty is an index of one’s appearance as it decides individual perception of oneself and other’s perception of them. A well-maintained skincare routine instills confidence from within and rejuvenates your inner health as well. Facial skin care is quite challenging to many as it is constantly exposed to environmental damage. Proper skincare with facewash and cleansers helps protect your skin and also prevents you from premature aging. The question at the juncture is, What is the right skincare product for your face? Facewash or cleanser? In the current write-up, let us examine some of the key differences between the two and help you choose the one that works best for your skin.
Key Insights
Face wash vs. cleanser
Both face wash and cleanser are used to protect facial skin, but they differ in the functions performed. People have different skin types: dry, oily, and normal skin. Choosing the right product for the skincare will make a big difference in achieving the desired results. However, cosmetics with natural ingredients will stand out among the top 10 cleansers and face washes on the market.
Face wash
Face wash aims at deep cleaning of your skin and functions to remove dirt, makeup, and oil from the surface, making you feel fresh after usage. The product is more suitable for oily and acne-prone skin types. This face wash is available in different types, from gel and foaming face wash to medicated face wash, addressing the problems of various skin types. The facewash can be drying when formulated for dry skin; follow up with moisturizer each time after using the specially formulated face wash.
Cleanser
Cleansers are gentler and function to remove oil and dirt and keep your skin hydrated throughout the day. They can be effective in removing dead skin cells and other pollutants from the skin. The cleanser can unclog pores and prevent acne on the skin. A cleanser for oily skin is available in different forms, from gel cleansers to powder forms, addressing the challenge of different skin types.
The key differences between Face wash and cleanser
Here's a table that lists down the key differences between a facewash and a cleanser.
| Feature | Face Wash | Cleanser |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Deep cleaning, removing oil, dirt, and impurities | Gentle removal of dirt, makeup, and impurities |
| Consistency | Generally foamy or gel-like | Creamy, milky, or lotion-like |
| Skin Type Suitability | Ideal for oily or acne-prone skin | Suitable for all skin types, especially dry |
| Effect on Skin | Can be dried if used frequently | More hydrating and less likely to strip oils |
| Frequency of Use | Usually once a day (preferably at night) | Can be used twice daily |
| Makeup Removal | Less effective at removing makeup | Better at dissolving makeup |
| Exfoliation | Some may contain mild exfoliants | Rarely contains exfoliating properties |
| After-feel | Often leaves a squeaky-clean feel | Leaves skin soft and hydrated |
| Ideal for Routine | Prepares skin for treatments (serums, moisturizers) | Great as a first step for a gentle cleanse |
Choosing the right skincare product for your skin
Making the choice between face wash and cleanser for facial skin depends on three different factors, namely skin type, specific challenges, and your personal preferences.
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin:
If you have oily acne-prone skin, choose to go with the face wash as it helps in cleansing pores and removes excess oil from the skin. Look out for the face wash that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Dry/Sensitive Skin:
People with dry and sensitive skin should choose a cleanser. They act gently on the skin and moisturize without stripping natural oils.
Combination Skin:
If you have both oily and dry skin on the face, you can use face wash to target oily skin and cleanser to moisturize dry skin. You can also get cleansers for oily skin and acne prevention.
Normal Skin:
People with normal skin can use either of them to maintain skin health based on their preference for the texture of cosmetics and the level of cleanliness they look for. Brightening, creamy face cleansers work best for normal skin.
Frequency in usage
Both face wash and cleansers can be used twice a day for better results, but if you are choosing products with active ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, you should prefer using them once a day or every other day for sensitive skin. Cleaners could work best for your morning routines as they can effectively remove oils piled up overnight and face wash for evenings as they can add effective protection by removing dirt piled up due to external pollutants.
How do you choose the best face wash or cleanser?
As said, the face wash is best suited for oily and acne-prone skin, as its foaming action aids in reducing acne breakouts and the formation of clogged pores. While many face wash brands are on the market, choosing the best cleansers could be complex. Check out the face wash with ingredients like salicylic acid that acts as an effective aging solution.
Cleansers, on the other hand, work best for sensitive skin, especially if you are handling skin challenges like eczema; choose the salicylic acid cleanser with green tea extracts that work right for oily skin and natural ingredients like Multani Matti and betaine D-Pantheol for normal skin. There are many types of cleansers, but the ones with natural ingredients like Neem, rice extract, and green tea will be the best choice if you prefer to use natural cleansers.
Whether you use sunscreen or a cleanser for your skincare routine, you should listen to your skin and adjust the frequency of the usage for better results. You may have to limit the usage of cleansers as per the seasonal changes. Follow up with the moisturiser after your skincare routine with a facewash or cleanser to keep your skin hydrated.