It's almost unbelievable to know that with so much education on the internet about makeup for skincare, most of us still don't know the difference between a cleanser and a face wash! (*shudder*)
Although the terms 'face wash' and 'face cleanser' may sound like they're interchangeable, in reality, they are very different. These two skincare products, despite their similar-sounding names, each have their unique roles and deliver different levels of cleansing for your face.
So, get ready for a no-nonsense guide to understand the difference between a face wash and a cleanser, and which is the right choice for you.
What's The Difference Between Face Wash And Face Cleanser?
A face wash is a strong and deep cleansing formula that lathers up into foam when applied on damp skin. Depending upon the formula and brand, some face washes can slightly dry out your skin and strip off natural oils from the skin, which is why proper moisturization is important. It usually doesn't remove makeup and skincare residue from your face, and thorough moisturization becomes crucial after washing.
Conversely, a face cleanser has a creamy, milky, gel, or watery consistency that purifies the top layer of your skin. It gives you a wash that feels like no-fuss, and just right to the point. It cleanses your pores without affecting your skin's pH balance, making it clean and preparing it for layering the other products you will need for your skincare routine. A cleanser can remove any makeup or skincare residue giving your skin a deep cleanse, yet being gentle on your skin. Which means, no double cleansing is needed!
People often opt for "cleansers" as they are trending right now, but choosing the right cleanser that not only sounds "posh" but also does the job for your skin type is quintessential. Adding to this, some people even use face washes as the first step and cleansers as a second step for cleansing the skin to wipe off any traces of makeup and built-in impurities that may have accumulated at the end of the day. This process can heavily dry out the skin if you choose the wrong products.
Your skincare products should be free from parabens, sulfates, artificial colors, artificial fragrances, and silicones. These ingredients can dry out and damage the skin. Always do a patch test to eliminate the possibility of any allergy or reactions you may have to the ingredients used in the products.
The Right Way to Cleanse Your Face
- Comb your hair and secure it tightly with a headband.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before you apply a cleanser to your face.
- Wet your face with water.
- Take a generous amount of the cleanser and emulsify it with a few drops of water on your face. Massage it gently on your face and neck for a couple of minutes. Doing so helps boost your skin’s blood circulation and gives it a natural glow.
- Take a damp washcloth to wipe out traces of the cleanser. Pat your skin dry.
Indian vs International Brands: A Battle
Because of the lack of good cleansers in the Indian market today, we often blindly trust international brands, which are not even meant for our skin type. You must have heard of the saying, every expensive thing isn't the best.
Following a 10-step skincare routine with Korean skincare products may not help your brown skin's special needs.
To fill in this dire gap, we at Koheva, have come up with a luxury cleanser formulation for a Whipped Creme Cleanser that suits every Indian skin type and adapts to your skin's needs in whichever weather condition.
Koheva's Whipped Creme Cleanser
Customized according to the Indian skin type, and formulated by an experienced team of dermatologists and the best cosmetologists in India, this Whipped Creme Cleanser formulation was born.
It adapts to your skin and environment, where it is more sensitive or requires a more clarifying solution. Double-cleansing can be so time-consuming, which is why with this Whipped Creme Cleanser you can skip that step! With only one wash, it can give your skin the deep cleanse it needs, removing any sunscreen or makeup residue, and giving you supple and healthy-looking skin.
Koheva's Whipped Creme Cleanser is enriched with amino acids that have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It controls excessive sebum production on your skin giving you an instantly awakened and brightened look.
Now that you understand the difference between Cleansers and Face Washes, here are some FAQs for your deeper understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A cleanser is your go-to product when cleansing your skin of makeup or other built-in impurities. It can be used at the end of the day. On the other hand, a face wash can be used in your AM and PM routine.
- Can I use a cleanser after the face wash?
A facial cleanser and face wash cannot be used interchangeably. If you haven't applied makeup, you can choose to forgo using a facial cleanser. However, for optimal skin hydration, skincare experts suggest a two-step routine involving a gentle face cleanser followed by a face wash to thoroughly cleanse your skin without disrupting its pH balance. It's essential to use the face cleanser before the face wash, not the other way around.
- Can we use cleansers daily?
Using a cleanser on a daily basis is fine. Many cleansers are formulated with hydrating properties that benefit your skin. Therefore, if your daily routine involves makeup application or being exposed to the elements, it's recommended to begin with a cleanser before proceeding to the next step, which is using a face wash.