Gel vs Foaming Face Wash
What Are Cleansers?
Facial cleansers are skincare products that clean our delicate facial skin, removing makeup, oil, dirt, dead skin cells, and more. Unlike cheap bar soap, which can dry out your skin, cleansers are specially formulated with ingredients that hydrate and are otherwise beneficial to the skin.
Well-made cleansers will help clean your pores of oil and dirt, remove sebum, and provide moisturizing benefits to the skin. There are also many different types of cleansers for different skin types and skin concerns.
Foaming Cleansers
Foaming cleansers contain a foaming agent which causes them to become bubbly as you apply them to your skin. The foaming particles of this cleanser can help lift dirt from your pores for more cleansing.
Be aware, however, if you have sensitive skin, be sure to seek out a natural-ingredient-based foaming cleanser that doesn’t contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
What Skin Type Are They Good For?
Foaming cleansers are generally ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. This is because foaming cleansers are great at helping eliminate excess oil or sebum. However, they can also strip your skin of natural oils that help from environmental hazards and drying out.
Gel Cleansers
Gel cleansers are a different texture than foaming cleansers and are usually thicker and provide a small (if any) amount of foaming. They provide a lighter cleaning experience, which makes them ideal for sensitive skin types. Gel cleansers clear the skin and pores without stripping them of your normal skin oils. They are often water-based and usually have mild ingredients.
What Skin Type Are They Good For?
Gel cleansers are great for sensitive skin and skin that tends to become dry after being cleansed. This is because these cleansers are less likely to dry your skin out and can help you to maintain hydration over the day.
Other Types of Cleansers
There are also other formulations of cleansers for different skin types and concerns, including:
- Cream: Cream cleansers are thicker than other cleansers and include moisturizing ingredients like honey or goat’s milk. These are a great option for those with dry, sensitive, or mature skin.
- Oil: Oil cleansers are a safe choice for almost all skin types and can be especially effective for oily skin. These cleansers are great for removing makeup and dirt while gently cleansing and moisturizing the skin.
- Clay: Clay is known for its purifying properties by drawing our excess oil and toxins from the skin. Because of this, clay cleansers are great for eliminating the appearance of excess oil for oily skin.
- Powder: Powder cleansers are dry and powdery but disintegrate into a creamy paste when combined with water. This type of cleanser thoroughly cleans the skin while gently exfoliating.
- Bar: Bar cleansers contain little to no soap, but instead are made up of skin-friendly ingredients. They have a more balanced pH level than your average bar of body soap and often contain highly moisturizing ingredients.
How to Properly Cleanse Your Skin
While there are many ways that you can cleanse the skin, there are generally a few steps to follow for proper cleansing. First, remove your makeup with makeup remover, cleansing oil, cleansing wipes, or micellar water. Then you can cleanse your face! Dab a small amount of your cleanser into your hands and combine it with lukewarm water. Work the cleanser into a later and gently massage it into your skin for about 30 seconds. Next, rinse off the cleanser with more water and pat your skin dry. All skin types should cleanse both morning and night.
How to Determine Your Skin Type
So, how do you know which type of cleanser is right for you? The first step is to determine your skin type. There are two main tests you can use to find out.
The first method is called the bare-faced method. Begin by cleansing your face and then pat it dry. Then leave your skin bare for the next 30 minutes without moisturizing. After this time has passed, closely examine your skin for any shininess or oil. Repeat this process once more and then examine your face again. If your face is still oily after the second time, you most likely have oily skin. If your face feels dry or tight, you probably have dry skin.
The second method is called the blotting sheet method. Gently pat a blotting sheet onto different areas of your face and check to see how much oil is absorbed by the sheet. If the sheet is full of oil, you probably have oily skin. If there is little to no oil, you may have dry skin. However, if you pick up oil in certain areas and not others, you may have combination skin.
Which Should You Use?
Overall, the best way to determine the right cleanser for you is to take into account your skin type and any skin conditions you may have. Those with oily skin can benefit from different cleansers than those with dry or combination skin. Also, be sure to pair your cleanser with other top-tier skincare products for healthy and glowing looking skin.
At Epicuren, we offer a large selection of different facial cleansers and washes for different skin types. Browse our collection or get tailored product advice for your skin type and concern by taking our Skin Quiz today.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cleansers
Is gel cleanser better than foam?
One cleanser is not better than the other. Overall, different skin types can benefit from different cleansers. If you have oily skin you may benefit from a foam cleanser, while those with sensitive skin may benefit from a gel cleanser.
What is the difference between cleansing gel and cleansing foam?
Cleansing gels and cleansing foams are formulated differently. While foaming cleansers help clean out debris and oil, gel cleansers are ideal for gently cleaning and moisturizing the skin.
Is foaming face wash and cleanser same?
A face cleanser is formulated to cleanse the skin while keeping the skin appearing moisturized, Foaming face wash is made to thoroughly cleanse the pores. Both can be beneficial to clean the skin.
Is foam or gel cleanser better for oily skin?
Overall, foaming cleanser is usually better for oily skin since it penetrated onto the pores to suck up excess oil