The Best Face Wash: Shopping Guide and Recommendations (03/23)

As we said before, men and women have different types of skin. It is important to know the characteristics of each gender. This way, you can choose a face wash that best fits your needs.

These surfactants vary in strength and efficiency. They attract oil, makeup, dirt, and other residues so that they can easily be rinsed off your face. Sulfates (common ingredients in shampoos, washes, and many different types of soap) are very effective. However, these chemicals can also remove important, natural oils from your face, leaving your skin tense and dry.

Because of this negative aspect, many skincare companies are moving away from using strong surfactants and are beginning to use ingredients that are easier on the skin. Some face washes even remove impurities and moisturize the skin.

Cream-based face washes are great for people with dry skin. Gel and foamy face washes are better for people with oily skin. If you use a lot of makeup, you will want a face wash that acts as a makeup remover as well. If you sweat frequently, look for a product made for blocked pores.

The following are the benefits of using a face wash daily:

• Hydration: Washing your face regularly (along with using a good hydrating cream) is an important factor to help your skin stay hydrated at all times. Dehydrated skin looks and feels rough, wrinkled, and old. Cleaning your skin helps you to control its pH levels, allowing your skin to absorb enough water and the product you apply to it.
• Clear skin: The small glands under your skin produce oil to protect itself from the dangers of the outside world. These glands use your hair follicles as doorways into the skin, pushing the oil to the external layer of skin. This forms a barrier that protects the skin from bacterias or other dangerous particles.
• Acne prevention: The excessive accumulation of filth on the skin can block the follicles, trapping the oil, sweat, and dead skin cells. Since there is no oil to protect the skin, bacteria get into the follicle and cause inflammation, ultimately causing an acne breakout.
• Anti-aging: Using a face wash helps anti-aging products work correctly.

• Gel: These face washes have a clear and gel-like consistency. They are usually made to give your face a deep cleanse. These washes are made to open blocked pores, remove oil excess, and kill bacteria that can cause acne. They have antiseptic properties and also can exfoliate your face. This type of wash is perfect for someone with mixed to oily skin.
• Cream-based: These are usually very thick, creamy, and have hydrating ingredients like botanical oils. They are very smooth and lightly clean your skin without removing natural oils. Cream-based face washes can also look milky or like lotion. They are perfect for dry and sensitive skin.
• Foam: This type of face wash is very light. These washes start out like a cream-based or gel-based wash and then turn into soft foam when rubbed between your hands. Like gel face washes, these washes will remove the excess of oil on your face. They are perfect for mixed to oily skin.
• Oil-based: Washing your skin with an oil can sound pretty strange, especially if you already have oily skin, but most experts think otherwise. Using an oil-based wash is a great way to remove the filth that blocks your pores, including water-proof makeup. As this wash does not dry your skin out, it is perfect for most skin types.
• Clay: Known for their strong absorption, these washes will clean your skin by taking out the oil and toxins from your pores. They are perfect for people with normal to oily skin.
• Micellar water: Originally from France, Micellar water attracts the oil, filth, and makeup from your face. Micellar water has little molecules of oil in it. You do not have to rinse this wash off of your face. This wash is perfect for skin that is dry and sensitive.
• Powder: Powder washes are dry when they come out of the bottle and then turn into a creamy mix when mixed with water. They clean your face thoroughly and give it a soft exfoliation as well. Unlike other exfoliating scrubs, like bead scrubs, the powder face wash is very easy on the skin and you can use it every day. This type of face wash is perfect for people with greasy to normal skin.
• Bar soap: After years of leaving the spotlight of attention, bar soap is slowly beginning to come back as a popular face wash. This new type of bar soap actually has very little soap, sometimes none. They contain ingredients that are rich in nutrients and highly hydrating, like glycerin and essential oils. They have a great pH level for your skin.

1. Remove your makeup: Some people prefer a traditional makeup remover with an oil base, while others an oil-based face wash, micellar water, or cleaning wipes. This step is especially important if you use waterproof makeup.
2. Wash your face: Put a small amount of face wash in your hands and mix it with a little bit of water. Massage it into your skin with circular motions for at least 30 seconds.
3. Make sure to wash your entire face, including areas that are commonly forgotten, like your hairline, under your ears, the front and the back of the neck, and the neckline.
4. Rinse and dry: Remember to rinse your face with warm water, not hot water. Once you have done this, pat your face with a dry, clean towel. Do not rub your face to dry it.