Last updated on 4 April, 2023
Let’s assume that you are heading to a supermarket and wish to purchase a face wash. You spot a Vitamin C enriched face wash that promises you a glowing, bright skin. Should you grab it? Certainly not!
If you answered yes to the previous question, think again. A facewash performs the basic job of cleansing and is the foundation of any skincare routine. However, in 2022 face washes are no longer just meant to cleanse your skin. In addition, with the wide use of special ingredients such as salicylic acid, ceramides, glycolic acid, and vitamin C, choosing an appropriate face wash might become difficult according to your skin type.
While picking up a facewash, a few things should be kept in mind so that the face wash cleanses well without drying the skin.
Following are some tips that can help you pick up a good facewash according to your skin type.
- Read the label
The face wash packaging mentions whether it is formulated for all skin types or a specific skin type. All skin types can use some face washes. On the other hand, some are specifically formulated only for oily, dry or sensitive skin. Check the packaging and decide before making a purchase.
- Ingredients to avoid
While picking up a facewash for any skin type, one can avoid ingredients such as SLS, SLES, artificial fragrances and perfumes. The surfactants SLS and SLES might dry out the skin, while artificial fragrances/perfumes might irritate the skin. Therefore, the next time you pick up a face wash, consider reading the ingredients list and make wise decisions.
- Ingredients to look out for
On the lines of ingredients to be avoided mentioned above, you could also pick up a face wash formulated with active ingredients. Ingredients like Green Tea, Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid are beneficial for the oily skin, whereas ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid benefit dry skin. Pick up a face wash with such ingredients to help you achieve your skin goals.
- AM or PM cleanser
The face wash you are using in the AM (morning) routine needs to be gentle, whereas the one in your PM (evening) routine can be a cleanser that cleanses the skin to perfection. If you follow a double cleansing routine, the PM cleanser can be gentle since it will be a second cleanser. So yes, the time of the day also decides the type of face wash you use.
- Your current skincare routine
Your current skincare routine largely determines the face wash you use. For example, if you wear sunscreen, you need an oil-based cleanser first cleanse and a gentle second cleanse. Most oil-based cleansers are emulsifying in nature and do not need a second cleanser. If you still use a second cleanser, choose a gently foaming cleanser irrespective of your skin type.
- Are you into Chemical Exfoliation?
Suppose you are into chemical exfoliation or use a vitamin C serum in your skincare routine. In that case, you may avoid using a face wash that contains AHA, BHA, vitamin C or benzoyl peroxide. Instead, you may need to include a soothing face wash that will cleanse the skin gently yet effectively. If you are not into chemical exfoliators, then using an exfoliating face wash might be good. Look out for a good salicylic acid face wash, glycolic acid face wash, or vitamin C face wash to get the hang of chemical exfoliation. If you have dry or sensitive skin, avoid frequent use of exfoliating face wash as it might dry out the skin while making it susceptible to skin barrier damage.
- Addressing current concerns
One may want to pick up a facewash that helps tame away acne for acne-prone skin that gets clogged up easily. First, pick up a face wash that will ease your current skin concerns and help reduce your skin problems. Ingredients such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid and tea tree essential oil help reduce acne. Sometimes dry skin lacks hydration, so include a face wash that is hydrating, creamy or made with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or oat extracts. If you have normal skin, use a face wash that gives you a perfect clean feel sans the tightness or dryness.
Everyone must follow one skincare rule: ‘do not over cleanse’. So washing your face more than twice a day can be problematic. Keep in mind that a single facewash may not meet all your requirements, but you need to try to find the one that works best for your skin type.
While using any face wash, always perform a patch test to know if it suits you. Despite picking up a face wash with the utmost care, it may or may not suit you.
We hope you find this helpful guide while picking up a facewash next time.