Facial Cleanser Or Soap - Which Is Best For Your Skin?

To maintain a natural, healthy glow your skin needs the proper care. This is especially true for your face because facial skin is more sensitive than the skin anywhere else on your body. Because the skin on your face is so delicate it needs gentle cleansing products. When it comes to cleansing you have a couple of options - facial cleanser or soap. Both will clean your face, but one has some distinct advantages over the other. 

The Truth About Soap

Soap is an excellent cleanser, but the truth is that it’s much too harsh for facial skin. Your skin is naturally acidic with an average pH level of around 5.5. Soaps are alkaline with pH levels ranging from 7-10. The more alkaline the soap is the harsher it will be on your skin. Altering your skin’s pH level so drastically on a regular basis can lead to dryness, irritation, and breakouts. Soap also strips the protective layer of natural oils from your skin leaving it more vulnerable to environmental pollutants and UV rays. So, when it comes to washing your face, soap is not your best choice.

Benefits of Facial Cleanser

Facial cleansers are specially formulated with the unique needs of delicate facial skin in mind. A good facial cleanser removes dirt and excess oils while maintaining a healthy pH level and without overstipping. The key to success is choosing the right cleanser for your skin type to keep your skin looking its best.

Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

If your skin is oily or acne-prone you should avoid cream cleansers which tend to be oil-based. Opt for an oil-free cleanser such as Ultraceuticals Ultra Clear Foaming Cleanser that will deep clean pores and remove excess oil without drying out your skin. When you’re experiencing active breakouts a cleanser like  Naturopathica Colloidal Silver & Salicylic Acid Acne Clearing Cleanser contains the acne-fighting ingredients salicylic acid and colloidal silver will help fight acne-causing bacteria to clarify and rebalance your skin.

Dry Skin

If your skin tends to be dry you will want to choose a hydrating cleanser that moisturizes while it cleans away the grime. Naturopathica Aloe Vera Cleansing Gel helps moisturize while it cleanses. Skin-soothing aloe vera and lavender hydrate your skin and combat flakiness.

Sensitive Skin

Caring for sensitive skin can be a challenge. You need the most gentle cleanser of all. Naturopathica Marshmallow and Probiotic Cream Cleanser is formulated to be very gentle and soothe sensitive skin to combat redness and irritation. It removes dirt and impurities while nourishing your skin with botanical extracts and probiotics. 

Too Much of a Good Thing

Even with the best facial cleanser, you can still cause major skin issues if you use too much or cleanse too often. More is not always better. You should use only the recommended amount and cleanse your face once in the morning to remove excess oils and dead skin that accumulate while you sleep, and once at night to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities that you’ve picked up throughout the day. Any more than that will completely strip your natural oils and lead to dryness, irritation, and possible breakouts. You also need to remember to be gentle. Being too rough with your washing can damage your skin.

If your skin isn’t exactly looking or feeling its best, come see the skincare experts at  PYARA SPA AND SALON for a facial, and ask your esthetician which cleanser is best for you to use at home to keep your skin radiant and glowing between appointments. Give us a call at 781-270-9200 or BOOK YOUR FACIAL ONLINE. We look forward to seeing you soon at 1050 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge.