Are facewash & cleansers the same?

Unclear whether face wash and cleansers are the same or different?

While both of these terms are used for facial cleansing, there are differences between these two!

In this blog, we will help you understand what both of these are, their differences and significance in your skin care routine!

What is a face cleanser & its benefits?

Cleansers are used to remove dirt, oils, cosmetics, sunscreen, pollution residue, and dead skin cells from the skin. They aid in the unclogging of pores and the exfoliation of the skin's top layer of cells. Their main purpose is to clean our skin without removing the top layer.

Facial cleansers come in a range of shapes and sizes, and it's crucial to choose one that's suited for your skin type and lifestyle. Cleansers include frothy gels, creams, cleansing balm oil, wipes, and micellar water for cleansing.It hydrates your skin while allowing it to breathe. It also serves as a blank canvas for applying products like face moisturiser or cosmetics.

Various people have different skin types, each with its unique set of needs.Using the right face cleanser on a daily basis can substantially improve your appearance and skin health.

Following are the benefits of face cleanser:

• Remove any build up for healthier, smoother skin.
• Make your skin look younger and help to avoid the signs of ageing.
• Sweep away dry, dead skin cells to reveal a healthy-looking fresh layer of skin.
• Assist other skin care products in reaching the skin adequately

What is a face wash & its benefits?

A face wash is a formula designed to deep clean your pores. The texture is often frothy or lathers into a foam when applied to damp skin.

Following are the benefits of face wash:

• Help remove grime, oil, and toxins from the environment in a way that water alone can't
• To avoid the inundation of harmful pollutants, face wash should be used at least twice a day.

• Massaging face wash granules into your face improves blood flow. It's also really soothing and relaxing.

Face Wash vs. Cleanser - Types

The difference between cleanser and face wash is Face washes are generally formulated as gel and foams while the various types of face cleansers are:

Gel Cleansers:

Gel cleansers are transparent and have a gel-like substance, as the name implies. They are efficient at decongesting clogged pores, removing excess oil, and killing acne-causing bacteria because they are meant for deep cleansing.

Cream Cleansers:

Cream Cleansers are gentler and more moisturising than other cleansers, making them the best cleanser for dry skin or sensitive skin.

Foam Cleansers:

Foam cleansers fall somewhere between gel and cream cleansers, making them ideal for people with combination skin. They start off as a cream or gel and then foam up into a rich lather.

Clay Cleansers:

If you enjoy clay masks, you'll appreciate a clay cleaner. Clay cleansers, which are known for their absorbing abilities, purify your skin by pulling out excess oil and toxins from your pores.

Micellar Cleansers:

Micellar Cleansers contain "micelles," which are little oil molecules suspended in soft water that attract oil, grime, and makeup.

Cleansing balm:

Cleansing balm is a thick, oil waxy balm that removes dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin

Cleansing oil:

Cleansing oil is a lightweight oil that gently lifts away dirt, oil, and makeup.It reaches deep pores to remove excess sebum. 

Face Wash vs. Cleanser - Which one to use?

The foamy action and astringent characteristics of a face wash allow it to penetrate deeply into pores and remove grease. This is especially beneficial for persons with oily skin. Face cleansers, on the other hand, may be excessively abrasive for persons with dry, sensitive, mixed, or normal skin types. If you remove too much oil from your skin by accident, you may have a tight, dry, or otherwise unpleasant feeling.

Cleansers are frequently made with substances that seek to nourish, balance, and increase moisture levels in the skin. Because they gently cleanse your face without removing too much oil, facial cleansers are suitable for a number of skin types, including normal, sensitive, dry, and combination. Even those with oily skin can benefit from including a cleanser into their routine, especially if their skin feels tight or dry after washing. If this describes you, try using a cleanser at night and a face wash in the morning to keep your skin balanced.

Face Wash & Cleanser – Ingredients to avoid

There is not much difference between cleanser and face wash ingredients to avoid. The following is the list:

Fragrance:

Fragrance contains a lot of compounds that can cause allergic responses in the skin. If you enjoy scented products, look for ones that contain essential oils or plant extracts.

Sulfates:

When sulphuric acid combines with another chemical, it forms sulfates, which are salts. SLS and SLES are two common sulfates found in cleansers and face washes. Petroleum and plant sources such as coconut and palm oil are used to make them.

Sulfates produce foam or lather, but they might irritate your eyes and skin. Foaming face washes should be avoided if you have excessively dry or sensitive skin.

Phthalates:

Phthalates are salts that are used in cleaners to make them easier to spread. Phthalates are known to be toxic to the reproductive and developmental systems. Endocrine disruptors are substances that cause hormonal imbalances.

Parabens:

To keep cleansers and face washes fresh and germ-free, parabens are employed as preservatives. Parabens are members of the methyl, butyl, and propyl chemical families. Parabens are hormone disruptors that have been linked to the development of breast cancer.

Mineral oil:

Mineral oil has the potential to clog pores and cause outbreaks.

Can Face Wash & Cleanser be used together?

Yes, you can use both a face wash and a facial cleanser in your skincare routine. If you are frequently exposed to pollutants in the air, consider using a cleanser first, followed by a face wash to remove the particles from your skin.

Face washes, by conventional definition, are better for oily skin than cleansers because cleansers are generally moisturising. However, both nomenclatures are now interchangeable and serve the same purpose.

If you have oily skin that is also sensitive, including a face wash and a cleanser in your routine can help you avoid irritation. Double cleansing is beneficial, especially if you have acne-prone or oily skin. 

Use a cleanser during the day between gym sessions and before bedtime to eliminate all the grime, and use the face wash before starting your day for a deep cleaning.

Do's & Don’ts of face cleansing

Do’s

• Do choose cleanser as per skin type. Not all facial cleansers are made equal, and what works for one person might not be the greatest choice for another. Your face cleanser should be chosen based on your skin type, just as you would choose a different moisturizer or makeup than a buddy.
• Before applying a rinse-off facial cleanser to your skin, wet your hands and splash your face with water. Before rinsing, it'll help you work up a good lather to grasp onto the grime and oil.
• Cleaning your face with lukewarm water will help your skin retain its natural oils and avoid feeling tight after a wash. In terms of skin health, extreme water temperatures can have the opposite impact of what you're attempting to achieve.

• Gently massage your face wash into your skin with the tip of your fingers in small circular motions and little pressure before rinsing off with water.

Don'ts

• Never Wash Using dirty hands: This is especially important if you'll be touching your face. Before washing your skin, wash your hands to prevent bacteria from spreading from your fingertips to your face.
• Don’t aggressively rub your face: There's no need to be harsh when it comes to skin care because it's all about treating your skin gently. So, even if you're dealing with a breakout, don't scrub too hard.
• Don’t use hot water: That was probably a foregone conclusion! While cleansing your skin with really hot water may seem soothing, it is not the greatest solution. This is due to the fact that hot water can strip your skin of important oils, leaving it feeling dry.