How to Choose the Best Face Wash for Your Skin Type & Skin Concerns

Facial Cleansing is a crucial step in maintaining healthy, clean skin.

Keeping your skin clean and free of dirt is the cornerstone of effective skincare. Therefore, it's essential to use a face wash daily to remove impurities and maintain healthy, radiant skin. This article will help you discover the correct skincare regimen by guiding you to the right face wash for your specific skin concerns, from the many types available.

1. Purpose and Benefits of Face Wash vs. Makeup Remover

Face wash and makeup remover(facial cleansers) both aim to remove dirt from the skin, but they target different types of impurities. Face wash primarily remove water-soluble dirt, such as sebum and dead skin cells, while facial cleansers are ideal for tackling oil-based dirt, like makeup and clogged pores. For optimal results, a two-step cleansing routine is recommended: start with a Makeup Remover(facial cleanser), followed by a face wash.

Features of Various Types of Face Washes

Cream-Type Facewash

Cream-type face washes are typically packaged in tubes and come in a variety of formulations to suit different skin types and concerns. Options range from high cleansing power to those with exfoliating scrubs. This type is ideal for those who want to select a face wash tailored to their specific needs.

 Many cream-type face washes use synthetic surfactants, making them relatively inexpensive and easy to try. However, they may not be suitable for sensitive or dry skin due to their potential for irritation. For sensitive skin, we recommend choosing a foam face wash with "soap ingredients" or "amino acid-based marine surfactants" for a gentler face wash.

Foaming Face Wash

Foaming face washes are convenient as they come out as foam, eliminating the need for lathering. They range from light foams to dense foams and are available in spray types. While easy to use, foaming face washes can be more expensive, making them less ideal for those seeking a budget-friendly option.
Fine, dense foam face washes are recommended for sensitive skin. They allow you to wash your face with abundant lather without the hassle of creating foam. This makes them perfect for those who find daily face washing troublesome or want to streamline their skincare routine.

Gel-Type Face Wash

Gel-type face washes come in two varieties: foaming and non-foaming. Foaming gels contain a lot of water, making them easy to lather, while non-foaming gels can be applied directly to the skin, making them ideal for massaging.

Gel-type face washes are recommended for oily skin, as they often leave a refreshing feel. However, due to their strong refreshing effect, they may not be suitable for dry or sensitive skin. It’s crucial to rinse thoroughly, as the gel form of the product can leave residue on the skin.

Solid Soap

Solid soaps are alkaline, making them effective at quickly removing impurities like sebum and dead skin cells. They are gentle on the skin because most do not contain synthetic surfactants, making them suitable for all skin types.

 Solid soaps are particularly recommended for those with oily skin due to their ability to thoroughly cleanse and remove excess sebum and dirt.

Powdered Face Wash

Powdered face wash is unique because it does not contain water, eliminating the need for preservatives and other additives typically found in liquid face wash.
These face washes use a soap base and enzymes to effectively wash away excess sebum and keratin.
Enzymes have the power to break down dead skin cells, removing dirt that surfactants cannot.

How to Choose a Face Wash for Different Skin Concerns

One of the most common skin issues is dullness, where the face appears darker than its natural brightness.

The main causes of dull skin are UV damage, dryness, dead skin cells, and clogged pores.

UV Damage

For UV damage, choose a whitening face wash with active ingredients that suppress melanin production

Noticeable Stratum Corneum

If the stratum corneum is noticeable, opt for a peeling face wash that exfoliates dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover.

Dirt in Pores

For clogged pores, use an enzyme face wash in powder form or other enzyme-based cleansers to thoroughly remove dirt and smooth skin irregularities

Skin Dryness

To combat dryness, select a face wash with high-moisturizing ingredients that keep your skin hydrated even after washing.

It's crucial to select a hypoallergenic face wash to address any skin concern. Using a face wash with irritating ingredients can stress the skin over time. Opt for a face wash that is gentle and minimizes irritation. Avoid face washes with additives such as preservatives, synthetic fragrances, and petroleum surfactants. Instead, choose skin-friendly, additive-free face washes to ensure your skincare routine is as gentle as possible.

Proper Use of Face Wash

1: Wash Hands and Face Lightly with Lukewarm Water

If you need to remove makeup or sunscreen, start with a makeup remover (facial cleanser).
If you’re not wearing makeup or sunscreen, simply wash your hands and face lightly with lukewarm water to help the face wash foam up effectively.

2: Lather The Face Wash Thoroughly

Take an appropriate amount of face wash on wet palms and gradually add a small amount of lukewarm water to create a lather. Use your fingertips to create an aerated lather. If the lather feels insufficient, add a little water at a time. The denser the lather, the gentler it is on the skin during face washing.

Aim for an elastic lather that stays in place even when you turn your palm upside down.

3: Gently Dab the Skin with Foam without Rubbing

Apply the foam starting from the T-zone, where sebum production is highest. Gently roll the foam from the nose to the cheeks, blending it into the skin with small circular motions. Avoid applying too much pressure with your hands to prevent friction and stress on the skin. Wash around the eyes and mouth last, as these areas tend to dry out easily.


Remember, you don't need to scrub your face for effective face washing. As long as you create a thorough lather, the foam will lift dirt from your skin. Cleanse as if you are gently lifting dirt away with the foam.

4: Rinse Thoroughly with Lukewarm Water

After face washing your entire face, gently rinse with lukewarm water to ensure no residue remains.


It's crucial to rinse thoroughly as any leftover face wash can cause skin problems. Pay special attention to the creases of the nose, hollows around the eyes, the face line, and the hairline—these areas often retain residue. Rinse gently without rubbing your skin with your hands. Avoid direct showering on the face as it may cause irritation; instead, scoop lukewarm water with your hands to rinse.

5: Other Precautions

Avoid washing your face multiple times a day, as it can strip the skin of essential sebum needed for proper function.


When drying your face, gently press a towel against your skin to absorb moisture instead of rubbing, which can cause irritation.

FANCL Recommends Using Foaming Net to Create the Perfect Foam

Dense foam reduces stress on the skin during face washing. If creating elastic and fine-grained foam by hand is challenging, consider using a foaming net or a foaming device.


Using FANCL's face wash and foaming net as an example, here's how to create high-density foam properly:


Wet the foaming net thoroughly. Apply an appropriate amount of face wash to the net. Rub the net together to create a rich, dense foam. Apply the foam to your face for a gentle and effective cleanse.

For the best results, follow these steps to ensure a luxurious and stress-free face wash experience.

How to Use

Conclusion

To maintain healthy skin, daily face wash is essential.

Double-cleansing with both a makeup remover and a face wash is crucial. Among the many options available, choose a face wash that suits your skin type and is gentle on your skin.


Using the right face wash correctly will help you achieve healthy and beautiful skin.