Face Washes

What are face washes?

Face washes (or cleansers) are products that help remove dirt, sweat, excess sebum, dead skin cells, makeup, sunscreen, and other debris from the skin. These types of cleansers are specifically formulated with the more delicate facial skin in mind, and are therefore more suited for the face than body washes (which can irritate or dry out facial skin).

Benefits of using face washes

• Removing pore-clogging debris that may lead to breakouts
• Removing dead skin cells and other debris that can create a dull, textured complexion 
• Creating a clean canvas to get the maximum results from skincare products
• Maintaining balanced hydration levels and getting rid of excess oil

How to choose a face wash

When picking out a face wash, you’ll need to know your skin type. There are many face washes that are specifically formulated for certain skin types, and you’ll get the best results by choosing a product that was made with your skin in mind.

How to use a face wash

• With clean hands, wet your face with lukewarm water
• Dispense about a dime-sized amount of the face wash onto your fingertips, and then gently massage the cleanser into your skin for about a minute
• Thoroughly rinse off the face wash with lukewarm water, and then pat dry with a towel
• Cleansing will be the very first step in your skincare routine, and you can follow up with any serums or treatments, a moisturizer, and sunscreen during the day

Make sure to patch test your face wash

Patch testing helps ensure your skin won’t have any negative reactions to a new product, and is particularly important for those with skin prone to irritation. To patch test a cleanser, simply use it as instructed above on a small area of your forearm. Allow 24 hours to see if any signs of irritation appear.

Common Questions

How often should you use a face wash?

You can use a face wash up to two times per day. Everyone should cleanse their skin at least once a day in the evening to remove any debris on the skin. Those with drier or more sensitive skin may prefer to only cleanse once a day, while those with oily skin may prefer cleansing twice a day. Avoid cleansing more than twice per day, as this can dry out the skin and cause irritation.

How much face wash should you use?

You should use about a dime-sized amount of face wash when cleansing the skin.

Does a face wash help with acne or acne scars?

A face wash will help prevent breakouts by cleansing away any debris that may clog pores and lead to acne. Some cleansers will also contain additional acne-fighting ingredients, but those currently dealing with breakouts should also use acne treatments in their routines for the best results. Face washes won’t do much to treat acne scars, but they can prevent them from forming by helping to fight breakouts in the first place.