Everything from pollutants in the air to sweat from your workouts or residue from your air products ends up on your face after a long day.
Without a good cleansing, all that dirt, oil, and other gunk can build up. This can lead to redness, irritation, breakouts, and skin aging.
While many people don’t think of bar soap as a facial cleanser, others swear by it. So which route should you take?
The answer depends on the soap you choose. However, most bar soaps aren’t made to go on your face. They can leave you skin dry and irritated.
Some bar soaps can be gentler on sensitive skin. However, before you pick up any bar soap for your face, it’s important to make sure it’s been formulated for use on your face.
There are many skincare brands that offer bar soaps made just for your face. Look for bar soaps that are unscented, hypoallergenic, and include high levels of moisturizing ingredients, such as:
- ceramides
- glycerin
- hyaluronic acid
- niacinamide
Avoid ingredients like:
- dyes
- parabens
- fragrance
- lanolin
- formaldehyde
Traditional bar soaps aren’t a good choice for your face, even if they smell fantastic and are great for your body.
- Bar soaps are often scented and dyed. The scents and dyes may irritate the sensitive skin on your face. This could leave your skin red, itchy, or blotchy.
- They may be abrasive. Putting a bar of soap directly on your face can be abrasive and irritate your skin.
- Bar soaps can be drying. Any cleanser you use on your face needs to have moisturizing ingredients. Most traditional bar soaps don’t contain these ingredients and will strip your skin of moisture.
- It can be hard to reach your entire face. Because of the shape and size of bar soaps, you might miss parts of your face.
As a rule, traditional bar soap is simply too harsh to use on delicate facial skin. Most bar soaps have a high pH value. That makes them great for getting dirt and grease off of your body, but wrong for getting oils and buildup off your face.
So if not bar soap, what should you use? You have several options when it comes to face cleansing.
It’s important to look for products made specifically for your face. The best option for you depends on your skin type and preferences. For example, you might want to look for a cleanser with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid if you’re trying to prevent breakouts.
» MORE: 17 of the Best Face Washes for Men
Cream cleansers
If you’re worried about your face getting enough moisture, cream cleansers are a great choice. These thick cleansers are gentle and contain moisturizing ingredients. They’re a good choice for people with dry or sensitive skin.
Foam cleansers
These cleansers form a foamy lather that’s great at removing excess oils. They’re a smart choice for people with oily or combination skin.
Clay cleansers
Clay cleansers can help clear up acne. They’re great for absorbing oils and cleaning your pores. They’re a good choice for people with oily skin, acne-prone skin, or combination skin.
Gel cleansers
These have a gel-like consistency. They’re great at deep cleaning your pores and removing oils from your skin. They’re generally a good choice for people with acne-prone or oily skin.
Oil cleansers
Oil-based cleansers are a gentle way to clean your face. They’re great at unclogging your pores and removing makeup. Oil cleansers are based in different skin-healthy oils, such as argan or tea tree oil, and can be a good choice for most people, regardless of skin type.
Micellar cleansers
Micellar cleansers have seen a rise in popularity in recent years. They’re great for getting oil, buildup, and makeup off of your skin. Many people also like them for their convenience, as you don’t need to rinse a micellar cleanser off of your face.
Taking the time to wash your face properly is an important step in your daily hygiene and self-care routine. Choose the right cleanser for your face and make sure to wash your face in the morning, at night, and after heavy sweating.
Follow the steps below for clean and healthy skin:
- Use lukewarm water to wet your face with your hands.
- Use your hands to apply the cleanser to your damp face.
- Use gentle circular motions to wash your face.
- Wash the cleanser off your face using lukewarm water.
- Dry your face with a soft towel.
- Apply moisturizer.
Remember to be gentle when you cleanse your face. It’s important not to scrub your face or use washcloths or other abrasive tools. Harsh scrubbing can irritate your face and make any skin problems worse.
Most bar soap isn’t made to go on your face. It’s too harsh and can irritate your skin. There are many options when it comes to facial cleansing. The right choice for you will depend on your skin type and personal preference. No matter what, it’s important to choose a cleanser that’s made specifically for your face. Proper face washing, including using appropriate cleansers, can help keep your skin healthy.