Everyone who follows a regular skincare routine understands the significance of a good facial cleanser. However, not all cleansers are suitable for all skin types. But why are all cleansers not the same?
Cleansers can be very different. No two cleansers are the same; they differ in formulation, active ingredient, texture, and other characteristics.
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed by all the options for face cleansers, so if you were wondering whether to use gel or foam cleanser, you don't have to worry about it anymore.
Find out the difference between gel and foam cleansers, what skin types they work best on, and how to determine your skin type in this article!
What Is A Gel Cleanser?
First, a gel cleanser typically has a gel-like consistency and is intended for a deep clean. They look and feel very different from foamy cleansers; they are generally thicker and clear or faintly tinted. They produce minimal foam and have a less intensive overall effect on washing. As you may expect, this makes them a fantastic option for people with sensitive skin.
However, a gentler cleansing does not necessarily indicate a lack of efficiency. Gel cleansers are a gentle way to get rid of dirt and oil on your skin and in your pores without taking away too much of your natural protective barrier. If your preferred cleanser, such as the aloe vera face wash for sensitive skin, does not produce much lather, you need not worry.
Gel cleansers are typically water-based and gentler than other types of cleansers because they derive their advantages from plant-based substances, including flower extracts, tree oils, and other natural elements. Also, gel cleansers that help balance your skin's pH are easy to find.
What Is A Foaming Cleanser?
On the other hand, foaming cleansers are simple to understand; they contain a foaming agent that gets sudsy or bubbly when you lather them over your skin. One of their many distinct qualities is their ability to foam.
When you use a foaming cleanser, the foaming particles penetrate deep into your pores to remove dirt and debris for a more thorough cleansing and a revitalizing effect on your skin.
In particular, the pore-penetrating properties of foamy cleansers make them ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.
Determine what your skin needs, and then look for a cleanser that can help you achieve those goals. Finally, complement your foamy or gel cleanser with additional high-quality skincare items.
You need more than just a facial cleanser to achieve the skin you're worth. Instead, complement the cleanser with a toner, a moisturizer, and a serum for soothing the skin afterward.
Angel & Sages, thankfully, carries all of these skincare items and more, making it simple to stock up on everything you need for your beauty routine in one convenient location.
How to Properly Cleanse Your Skin
Although there are many different theories on the best technique to wash your face, there are a few fundamental steps you should always perform to ensure a clean canvas for your skincare products.
- First, use a mild cleanser or makeup remover to remove any dirt and old makeup. Add a bit of water to your face before applying cleanser.
- Massage your face with lukewarm water in circular strokes for around 30 seconds.
- Rinse your face with clean water and pat dry with a fresh towel.
- Apply a toner to restore the pH balance of your skin and remove any lingering debris or makeup.
- Apply a moisturizer to seal in moisture after cleansing.
- For optimal results, do this twice a day if you have normal/oily/combination skin or once if you have dry skin.
- Also, make sure you exfoliate your skin at least once a week to get rid of any dead skin cells and keep your pores clear.
How to Determine Your Skin Type
Understanding your skin type is crucial when shopping for a facial cleanser. You might think it's easy to figure out what type of skin you have, but in reality, you can only do so if you have distinct features of one skin type. Fortunately, you can do two quick and easy tests to find out for sure.
Bare-Faced Method
1. Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face, then pat it dry.
2. After around 30 minutes, examine your cheeks, chin, nose, and forehead for shine or oil.
3. Wait another 30 minutes and then perform the same self-examination.
✔ After 60 minutes, if your entire face is still oily and shiny, you probably have oily skin. But if your face feels tight and dry, especially when you make expressions, you probably have dry skin.
✔ Also, if your nose, forehead, and other small portions of your face have a little shine, you probably have normal skin.
✔ However, if you have dry areas of your face and oily regions on your t-zone, you have combination skin.
This process takes time and careful inspection, but the results will show you how your skin acts under normal circumstances.
Blotting Sheet Method
✔ Gently pat a blotting sheet on the various areas of your face, inspecting the sheet between each by holding it up to the light.
✔ When oil remains on the sheet after being blotted in different areas, it's safe to assume that you have oily skin.
✔ The absence of oil or barely detectable amounts of oil on the sheet may indicate dry skin.
✔ Having normal or combination skin means your skin produces oil in some areas while remaining dry in others.
When you know your skin type, you can choose a cleanser that works best for it. Whether you use a gel cleanser or a foaming face wash, the objective is to provide your skin with a thorough wash that leaves it clean and ready for the next stage in your routine.
Either type of cleanser can do the job, but selecting one designed for your skin type is best. It is also essential to remember that each skin type is unique; therefore, before making a final decision, it is best to see a dermatologist or esthetician.
Summary
Gel cleansers and foaming face washes are both effective types of facial cleansers, but they have different formulations and are used for different skin types.
However, before deciding, it's important to weigh the benefits of both types of cleansers. You shouldn't worry about how much lather your cleanser makes but how well it works.
Choosing the appropriate facial cleanser can significantly impact how your skin looks and feels.
