The best face wash for your skin type: Why you should know the difference between oils, gels + more

With a recent wave of innovative facial foams, washes, gels and the like, it’s hard to decode one formula from the next. And what exactly is the dirty on these facial formulas? After all, these cleansing and clearing steps only really slather up our complexions for a minute before making their way down the drain. Enter a tidal wave of clarity: we’re breaking down the difference between soothing milks, foams and oil-based cleansers.

Moreover, we’re rolling out the reasons why you should expect more from the products that envelop your complexion for approximately 60 seconds. And in order to gain some clear skin clarity on the matter, we spoke with Founder and CEO Peter Thomas Roth, and Dr. Monica Schadlow, MD Manhattan Dermatology.When it comes to cleansing, there are basic benefits that are non-negotiables and should be working toward one common goal of cultivating your complexion sans sabotage.

This will act as “the foundation of a healthy skin care regimen,” notes Peter Thomas Roth. “The goal of all cleansing is to remove the environmental insults of the day. From excess sebum to shedding skin cells, but at the same time avoid the disruption of the delicate pH balance of the skin and the skin barrier,” says Dr. Schadlow. And while creating a skincare routine for these ingredients can feel slightly paralyzing, she notes, “I usually recommend washing one’s face nightly and in the morning as well, and a quick cleaning after the gym.”

Ultimately, it’s imperative to understand that cleansing your skin is important for two reasons. “One, for removing makeup, dirt and pollutants from the day. And two, for addressing concerns such as acne or aging,” concludes Dr. Schadlow. Of course, the intention of a cleanser is to expel dirt, makeup and sweat, without stripping or irritating our precious pores. And “although cleansing is important for the reasons mentioned above, people have a tendency to overdo it,” says Dr. Schadlow. While figuring out what formula works best for your skin type often requires immeasurable amounts of digging, a key piece of the puzzle is “finding a cleanser that does not make your skin feel tight and dry. Knowing your skin type, but also being realistic about your lifestyle. Do you routinely take 15 minutes for your skin, or do you fall into bed and consider yourself lucky if you take your makeup off? [These are] important questions,” she adds.

So start shopping for your skin type and your realistic routines, rather than a beautifully branded bottle. Keep in mind that “if you have dry skin, use a moisturizing cleanser, such as a cream, foam, lotion or milk cleanser. If you have oily skin, look for products that are oil-free and contain salicylic acid to help remove excess sebum. And if you have sensitive skin, try avoiding cleansers with acids, fragrances, dyes and other harsh ingredients,” notes Roth. And in the case of travel, where lackluster skincare conditions are eminent, a facial wipe will still not hold up against your cleanser. “Since you are not rinsing away the active cleansing ingredients in wipes, residue left behind may expose your skin to solubilizers, surfactants and emulsifiers which can be drying and irritating for some people. In addition, the wiping action combined with the abrasiveness of the cloth can be irritating to some people. If using a wipe, rinse with water when possible to remove irritating ingredients,” says Roth.

It’s important to understand that “on a daily basis, the right cleanser can be more effective and less expensive, and likely less irritating in the long run,” adds Dr. Schadlow. Solemnly swear that your skin needs to be made a priority, and start picking and choosing which facial formula you’d like to test drive this spring season.

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