Why and How Should You Use a Facial Cleanser?

Before we even discuss ‘how to use cleanser’, it is more important to understand what cleansing is. Cleansing is the first step of every skincare routine and perhaps the most important one. It clears dirt, oil, impurities, and makeup residues that settle on the skin and thus creates a base for other skincare products. But it’s not just about cleaning the facial skin, it is also about learning how to shortlist and use a face cleanser properly.

A cleanser uses include purifying, hydrating, and soothing the facial skin. One may need to spend a lot of time selecting the right one. But the best way to make a smarter choice is to pay attention to its constituting ingredients (it holds for a face wash or face scrub too) and to learn how to use it after you have shortlisted one. And that’s what we’ll take a closer look at today!

How to use a cleanser? Compatibility is the key

While flashy packages and celebrity endorsements might be alluring, they are not always a good indicator of a product’s suitability or safety. You should always pick the skincare products that suit your skin’s type, tone, and texture and help you resolve its issues.

PS:

This is why opting for safe and gentle skincare products makes so much sense, especially if they are made of toxin-free ingredients.

If you have dry skin, dermatologists recommend using a cleanser with the goodness of hyaluronic acid. It would help your skin retain moisture for longer, and thus help your skin stay more radiant. The experts recommend using a salicylic acid face wash. It would help deep clean the skin pores to prevent clogging, thus reducing acne and pimples.

It might get tricky or even challenging for people with combination skin. The best recourse in such a case is to opt for a Vitamin E-enriched, soap-free cleanser. It would help regulate the skin's sebum production and allantoin, and thus hydrate the skin. This would also keep the skin away from drying. 

Mamaearth Best Face Washes

Before moving on to how to use the cleanser, let's look at the distinct types of cleansers and their benefits. This section will provide you with a firm understanding of various types of cleansing products so you can opt for the best pick. Post this section, we shall also look at how to use face wash properly.

• Gel cleansers: Oily skin's best friend, gel-based cleansers help tighten the epidermis and deep cleanse pores. They help remove excess sebum and impurities. They are also easy to spread across the skin without overstimulating it. 

Our Vitamin C foaming face wash is a gel-based cleanser that brightens the skin and promotes an even skin tone. It features Vitamin C, Turmeric, and Aloe Vera that help provide antimicrobial and gentle cleansing properties.

• Foam cleansers: The makeup removal expert foaming cleansers lather into the skin, deep cleansing and removing makeup residue. They also remove dust and grime from the skin pores.

You may opt for our Ubtan Foaming Face Wash or Vitamin C Face Wash for the best results. 

Did you know?

The gentle bristles in Mamaearth's Micellar Cleaner help remove impurities without disrupting the skin's pH balance. It is an excellent product for those people who often apply extensive makeup every day.

• Cream cleansers: Thicker in consistency, cream-based cleansers help cleanse and moisturize the skin. They also clear the skin of excess oil and pollutants without stripping away any essential natural oils. This keeps the skin away from drying or becoming stretchy.

It may be worthwhile to opt for our Ubtan Face Wash that features the goodness of Turmeric and Saffron. They help cleanse the skin and provide a  natural glow provided you know how to use or apply face wash properly.

• Oil cleansers: Oil-based cleansers may not top the list for those with oily skin, but the truth is that they can help prevent excess oil production. These skincare products effectively remove dirt, makeup, and other impurities, thus making the skin clear and healthy. And they come recommended over alcohol-based cleansers any day. 

You may opt for our Tea Tree Face Wash that helps remove excess oil from the facial skin. This toxin-free skincare product works best for people with sensitive and acne-prone skin. 

• Clay cleansers: Clay-based cleansers draw out excess oils and toxins, purifying the skin. They also have moisture-retaining properties that make them a good fit for people with combination skin.

We recommend you opt for our Charcoal Face Wash & Charcoal face mask that features Activated Charcoal, Clay, Coffee, and Tea Tree Oil. It helps control excess oil, unclogs skin pores, and detoxifies the skin. The best thing is that it comes with a Pollution Defense Formula that effectively removes pollutants and impurities.

How to use a Cleanser or a Face Wash?

Learning how to use a face wash or cleanser is just as important as picking the right one to get the best results. So let's get to it. You may note that we offer safe, gentle, and toxin-free skincare products, and if you want to know Mamaearth face wash usage instructions, here they are:

1. Keep your hair away from your face. This would prevent them from getting wet or getting in the way of your cleanser.
2. Wash your hands. It's essential to keep any dirt or impurities from your hands from transferring to your face.
3. Wet your face with lukewarm water. 
4. Apply cleanser all over the face, right up to the hairline, jaw, and neck. Be gentle around the eye area.
5. Massage your face and neck using the cleanser. Be sure to do so in small, circular motions for better reach.
6. Rinse thoroughly so that no trace of the cleanser is left behind.
7. Pat your skin dry.
8. Spritz on some face toner to lock in the moisturizing properties, and wait for your skin to soak in the toner completely before you move to the next step in skincare. 
9. You can follow up with a moisturizer, serum, or any other skin care product after you have cleansed your skin. 

Wondering when to apply face wash? It's easy. You should wash your face twice a day with your cleanser and then follow it up with a matching moisturizer. This will help keep your skin moisturized and free from dryness. If you want to know if cleanser is used before face wash or after it, we suggest that you use only one of them, but not both at the same time.

Can I Use Cleanser instead of Face Wash?

Yes, you can use a cleanser instead of a face wash, but it depends on your skin type and concerns. Cleansers are generally milder and ideal for dry or sensitive skin, as they maintain the skin’s natural oils. Face washes, on the other hand, are foaming and better suited for oily or acne-prone skin due to their deep-cleaning properties. So, if you need gentle hydration, a cleanser works well; for deep cleansing, stick with a face wash.

We have also discussed an answer to the question 'can I use cleanser and face wash at the same time' later in this blog. You can use a cleanser before a face wash, especially in a double cleansing routine. The cleanser helps remove makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil from the surface of your skin. Following it with a face wash ensures a deeper clean by removing dirt and impurities from your pores. This two-step method is ideal for achieving a thoroughly clean and refreshed face.

Did you try Mamaearth Chia Seed Face Wash? Featuring Ceramides, it is suitable for normal and oily skin, and is created for top dermats.

What are the different types of skincare products that you can use after a face wash?

Facial cleanser use is an essential part of your skincare routine. Since you know face wash (how to use it), here are some other products you can use to keep your skin healthy. It is advisable to follow a dedicated skincare regimen to get the best results from these products.

1. Face cream: Face creams are a valuable part of a skincare routine. They help return moisture to the skin and slow the appearance of premature signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines. When choosing a face cream, you should stay away from products containing parabens, sulfates, and silicones. 

Beyond that, the cream you choose should be compatible with your skin type. If you have oily skin, you should opt for lightweight and non-greasy formulations easily absorbed into the skin. Those with dry skin should lean toward creams with gentle, hydrating ingredients that could provide deep moisturization. 

Speaking of hydrating ingredients, no face cream is complete without humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Emollients like oils and fatty acids are essential as they help protect the skin barrier and aid membrane fluidity. Specialists recommend vitamins C and E, retinoids, and peptides. They improve the skin’s natural texture and offer anti-aging benefits.

Recommendation: Check out Mamaearth Vitamin C Face Cream for illuminating skin and reduced signs of aging

2. Face gel: Rich creams can sometimes make the skin feel heavy and suffocated, especially if you have oily or combination skin. That's where lightweight, water-based gels come in. The formulations are often watery and bouncy and are easily absorbed into the skin. 

The best face gels contain skin barrier-strengthening ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, retinoids, glycerin, and vitamin E. The ingredients you do not want in your face gel are parabens, sulfates, and silicones. They can potentially dry out and damage the skin.

A good face gel should protect the skin from the damage caused by free radicals and soothe inflammation. That's why antioxidants play a crucial role in several formulations. It should also help hydrate and nourish the skin. Some gels have skin-lightening properties that improve skin tone, texture, and hyperpigmentation. Face gels are often created to be compatible with even the most sensitive skin but usually work with all skin types.

How to use face wash gel?

To use a face wash gel effectively, start by wetting your face with lukewarm water to open up your pores. Take a small amount of gel on your fingertips and gently massage it onto your face in circular motions, focusing on oily and acne-prone areas like the T-zone. Avoid scrubbing harshly and stay clear of the eye area. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and pat your skin dry with a clean towel for a fresh, clean feel.

3. Face scrub: A face scrub is an excellent way to slough the dead skin cells, product residue, and other impurities from the skin. However, they should always be used with caution, and unless recommended by a dermatologist or dealing with skin conditions, they should not be used more than once a week. This is the best way to use face wash and scrub.

When choosing a face scrub, rule one is to avoid substances like parabens, sulfates, silicones, and mineral oil. You should also avoid scrubs with excessively coarse grains, even if they are compatible with your skin. Salicylic acid and lactic acid are among the ingredients to look for in a good scrub. 

Power exfoliants that turn into a creamy paste are gentle on the skin and often recommended for people with sensitive skin. Walnuts, caffeine, pink salt, volcanic sand, and Fuller's Earth are among the ingredients to look for in an efficient scrub. They help cleanse and rejuvenate the skin. 

Try Mamaearth Tea Tree Face Scrub- it removes impurities and gently exfoliates, and is suitable for people with oily and acne-prone skin too.

4. Face wash: Choose a gentle face wash that is non-comedogenic, paraben-free, and sulfate-free. A facewash must be mild and be able to remove excess oil and dirt without drying out the skin. It should refresh and rejuvenate. 

Formulas can vary from gels, creams, oils, or even balms. The ones to look for offer a deep cleanse, preventing pores from clogging and refreshing the skin. Skin experts recommend sticking to oil-free formulations.

• If you have dry skin, opt for thicker, creamier formulations, while those battling oily skin should choose foaming formulations. If you must choose, look for hydrating ingredients that include hyaluronic acid and glycerin. These ingredients boost moisture content in the skin cells during the cleansing process. 
• For oily skin, you will need antibacterial ingredients. Ingredients like neem, turmeric, charcoal, clays, apple cider vinegar, and tea tree reduce the oiliness while maintaining the skin's pH balance. 
• For normal and combination skin types, ensure that the face wash has ingredients like vitamins A, B5, and C, green tea, and honey. 

We always recommend doing a patch test before committing to a face wash.

After face wash what to apply?

Here are some common products that you may apply after applying a face wash. We recommend you start with a safe and gentle moisturizer and face mask, or a toner to remove makeup. The details are mentioned ahead:

5. Face mask: Face mask are an excellent way to pamper the skin. Let your skin relax and soak in a face mask's nourishing ingredients to help restore the skin barrier. It can also heal the damage caused by environmental stressors and harmful UV rays that you may be exposed to. 

They remove dirt and excess oil without drying out the skin. And there are several formulations to choose from, like overnight gel masks, the ever-popular clay masks, peel-off masks, and more. You can also avail different masks for different purposes like brightening, clarifying, hydrating or anti-aging. When choosing a mask, your skin type, and the concerns you want to address are essential factors. 

A hydrating formula is recommended for sensitive skin, while a pore-cleansing mask is suitable for battling breakouts. The key is to choose oil-free, non-comedogenic masks that come without parabens and sulfates. Good ingredients include AHAs, walnut, red algae, charcoal, lactic acid, vitamins A and C, rice enzymes, and green tea.

6. Face toner: Toners are essential to your skincare routine as they help prime the skin for the rest of your daily products. Applied post-cleansing toners remove all residual traces of impurities and products from the skin. Several toner formulations target the loss of collagen and excess oiliness that can lead to breakouts. 

Toners that hydrate and smooth fine lines usually contain antioxidants, amino acids, and hyaluronic acid. Similarly, toners that treat acne-prone skin often include salicylic acid, lactic acid, or glycolic acid, which helps even out skin tone and treats hyperpigmentation. Other ingredients to watch for include Niacinamide, Vitamin C, and Aloe Vera. 

You might want to avoid certain harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, silicones, and alcohol. They tend to dry out the skin and potentially cause damage in the long run. You also want your toner to be synthetic fragrance-free, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Tip: Mamaearth Bye Bye Blemishes Pigmentation Cream helps in reducing blemishes, dark spots, and even your skin tone.

7. Face moisturizer: A face moisturizer is a crucial skincare ingredient for all skin types - even oily skin. Look for one that is lightweight and quickly absorbs into the skin. Be wary of moisturizers that contain mineral oil, parabens, sulfates, or silicone. 

Your skin type will determine your choice, with gels winning with oily and combination skin and creams being regarded as suitable for dry skin. Moisturizers come in gel and cream formulations. They give the skin the hydration it needs to restore the skin barrier that protects it from free radical damage and prevents triggering the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. 

Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are critical players in any good moisturizer. Oils and fatty acids are also essential as they help protect the skin barrier. Specialists highly recommend opting for products featuring vitamins C and E, retinoids, and peptides. They should thus be the main ingredients in natural cleansers meant for daily use.

The takeaway

Cleansing your face the right way is essential to your skincare routine. As always, the process starts with understanding your skin type and choosing the right product to suit your needs. We have also given an answer to 'can we use cleanser and face wash together', so we suggest you use only one of them at a time. Using both at the same time might make one product less effective.

Caution:

You should pay attention to when and how to use cleanser. Because overdoing it or using it haphazardly, or using toxin-based products can do more damage than good. 

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