Soap or Face Wash Which is Best for Face

Skincare routines have been evolving every single day, but one common question that most commonly pops up include: “soap or face wash which is best for the face”. Both of the product's key roles mainly focus on cleansing the face while removing the dirt, oil, impurities, and other product build-ups on the skin.

There are still people who completely depend and go with traditional soaps, because they are easily available in nearby stores. And there are also face washes which are designed for facial skin, and have certain ingredients to target skin concerns. Hence, it is vital to choose the right cleansing product based on your skin type, and maintain the skin healthy by balancing the skin barrier.

In this blog, you will know in detail about the key difference about soaps and face washes, and how to build an effective skincare routine based on your skin type and lifestyle.

Soap or Face Wash Which Is Best for Face?

When choosing between soaps and face washes, the one you should choose depends mainly on the skin type and the skincare goals. Even though both help in cleansing the skin, face wash is more preferred because of its unique formulation.

Soaps main role is formulated to cleanse the body skin because of their strong cleansing agents, that even has the ability to strip the natural oils in the skin. But in either case, face washes are made with gentle formulation which helps in balancing the moisture content for specific skin concerns like acne, dryness, and even dullness. And to know which works best, they depend on the function and how they impact skin health.

What Is Soap?

Soap, one of the cleansing products which is made with a fat and oil combination through the saponification process. This way they effectively remove the dirt, oil, and even bacteria in the skin.

Benefits of Soap

1. Strong Cleansing Ability

The usage of soap helps in removing the dirt, sweat, and other build-ups on the surface of the skin. They are used for cleansing the body where sweat and oil build-ups are higher.

2. Easy Availability

They are widely available across the store, affordable, and are also convenient to use on an everyday basis. An easy,go-to cleansing option for most of the households.

3. Multi-Purpose Usage

The soaps can be used in multi-purpose ways like hands, body, and even on face.

Drawbacks of Using Soap on the Face

Even though they can effectively cleanse the skin, they are not best suitable to use on facial skin because of the following factors:

1. Can Strip Natural Oils

The process of making the soap, harsh ingredients, etc makes skin feel tight and dry, which is the key reason for removing the moisture in the skin.

2. May Disrupt Skin pH Balance

The skin’s natural PH level should not be sacrificed since they affect the skin's protective barrier. Most of the readymade soaps are alkaline in nature, which will lead to skin irritation.

3. Not Designed for Specific Skin Concerns

The soaps mainly work on cleansing the body and do not address skin concerns like acne, pigmentation, etc.

What Is Face Wash?

Face wash, formulated specially for facial skin and the skin condition/concerns like dryness, brighter skin, or pigmented skin.

Benefits of Face Wash

1. Gentle Cleansing

Works on cleansing the skin gently without drying or damaging the barrier.

2. Maintains Moisture Balance

As face washes have hydrating ingredients, they help in maintaining the softness and elasticity better.

3. Targets Specific Skin Concerns

As every face wash is designed for unique skin types, choose one based on your skin condition or skin concern.

Key Differences Between Soap and Face Wash

Choosing Between Soap and Face Wash Based on Skin Type

1. For oily skin, soaps may seem to be efficient, but it’s only a temporary solution. Pick oil balancing face washes for better choice.

2. If you have dry skin, choose hydrating ingredients which ensures to keep well moisturized skin

3. When you have sensitive or irritated skin, choose face washes with soothing ingredients in them!

4. For people dealing with acne-prone skin, choose face washes that cleanse pores and reduces the breakouts in the skin.

Can Soap Ever Be Used on the Face?

Yes, it can be used only when the ingredients and formulation is gentle and safe. 

In most of the soaps, they are loaded with chemicals, and go through processes which damage and dry out the skin. So, it’s always better to go with face washes that are suitable for your skin type.

How to Use Face Wash Correctly

1. Initially wash or splash your face with cold water.

2. Take the required amount of face wash,and gently massage into your skin.

3. Massage using circular motion for 40 - 60 seconds minimum.

4. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

5. Follow up with your everyday skincare routine.

How Often Should You Cleanse Your Face?

It is generally recommended to cleanse twice a day. Doing more than twice might damage your skin barrier.

Importance of Using the Right Cleanser

Picking the right cleanser for your skin type helps in dealing with your overall skin help. Properly cleansing your skin helps in:

• Removing the dirt, impurities,and product build-ups.

• Prevents the pores getting clogged.

• Makes skin products absorb better.

• Helps in hydrating skin better

• Supports a healthy skin barrier.

Signs You Are Using the Wrong Cleanser

• Do not use the face wash when skin feels tighter.

• Causing breakouts/irritation post cleansing.

• Increasing dryness in the skin.

• Too much oil production.

Conclusion

When choosing one product between soaps and face washes, it might be confusing to choose one. But the right product usage on facial skin helps in maintaining skin balance and gives gentle formulation. Soaps will be the best choice for body cleansing, but for the delicate needs of the facial skin, face wash will be the perfect option.