Best Face Forward
Soap or face wash? Get your facts in place before you buy
Until recently, soaps were considered allpurpose cleansers both for your face and body. While soaps and face washes were used interchangeably, we now know that they are not the same—different skin types require different care, products and skincare regimen. Their cleansing techniques and effect on the skin are also quite different. Face washes are made for delicate skin whereas soaps contain ingredients that may be harsh on the delicate facial skin. Soap cleanses the skin and removes dirt as well as oils. This means that after cleaning the face with soap, the skin becomes dry and flaky. This is in contrast to face washes which cleanse the skin while retaining oils and pH balance of the skin. There are different types of face washes which can be used according to your skin type. A creamy texture is good for dry skin while gelbased face washes are suitable for combination to oily skin. Foam cleansers are much more gentle and suitable for all skin types. A major difference between face washes and soaps is that soaps contain SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), which is responsible for the lather that comes from soaps. It is also the reason for thinning the top layer of the skin which may cause dryness. Face washes, on the other hand, are gentle on the skin. It is equally important to have a healthy diet which will help regulate the pH level of the body. Drinking plenty of water does keep your body healthy but your skin needs a daily dose of hydration as well, a good hydrating moisturiser and SPF protection.