What is the best face wash to use?

Best Face Wash for General Use

For most individuals, a gentle, pH-balanced (weakly acidic) cleanser used twice daily provides optimal facial cleansing without compromising the skin barrier.

General Cleansing Principles

Frequency and Technique

• Wash your face twice daily (morning and evening) with lukewarm water for optimal results 1
• Washing once daily may worsen inflammatory lesions, while washing four times daily provides no additional benefit 1
• Avoid hot water, as temperatures above 40°C disrupt the stratum corneum lipid structure and increase skin permeability 2
• Wash for at least 15 seconds, covering all surfaces 2
• Pat dry with a disposable towel rather than rubbing 2

Cleanser Selection Based on Skin Type

For Normal to Oily Skin:

• Mild foaming cleansers with hydrophobically modified polymers (HMPs) are well-tolerated and effective 3
• Synthetic detergents with pH 5.5-7 (similar to skin's natural pH) are preferable to true soaps 2
• These contain surfactants that effectively remove sebum without excessive barrier disruption 2

For Sensitive or Dry Skin:

• Weakly acidic, non-foaming cleansers based on mild detergents are optimal 4
• Fragrance-free formulations are traditionally recommended, though gentle fragrances free of common allergens may be tolerated 3
• Avoid true soaps (pH 9-10), as they remove beneficial intracellular lipids and damage stratum corneum proteins 2

For Acne-Prone Skin:

• Mild cleansers combined with appropriate moisturizers improve acne while maintaining barrier function 4
• Salicylic acid (0.5-2%) cleansers provide mild comedolytic effects, though clinical trial evidence is limited 2
• Avoid over-the-counter anti-acne medications, harsh scrubs, and excessive washing, as these can worsen inflammation 2

Post-Cleansing Care

Essential Moisturization

• Apply moisturizer immediately after cleansing (within 2 fingertip units for hands) 2
• Alcohol-free moisturizers with urea (5-10%) are particularly effective for maintaining barrier function 2
• This step is critical to prevent irritant contact dermatitis from repetitive cleansing 2

Sun Protection

• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 15 minimum) daily to exposed areas 2
• Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors 2

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Cleansing Errors:

• Using dish detergent or harsh household cleaners on facial skin 2
• Washing with very hot or very cold water 2
• Applying cleansers to wet skin without adequate hydration time 5
• Excessive scrubbing or use of abrasive tools without proper technique 1

Product Selection Mistakes:

• True soaps (pH 9-10) that strip natural lipids 2
• Products with known irritants (sulfur, resorcinol in combination with other actives) 2
• Expensive products from unverified sources (higher counterfeit risk) 6

Post-Cleansing Errors:

• Skipping moisturizer application 2
• Applying gloves or occlusive products to wet skin 2
• Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer immediately before or after washing (unnecessary and increases dermatitis risk) 2

Special Considerations

Product Complexity:

• Effective cleansers do not require numerous chemicals or surfactants 6
• A total of 30 different surfactants were identified across popular products, with no correlation between surfactant number and efficacy 6
• Focus on formulation pH and gentleness rather than ingredient count 6

For Acne Treatment:

• Cleansing alone is insufficient for moderate-to-severe acne 2
• Topical retinoids remain the cornerstone of acne therapy and should be combined with appropriate cleansing 2
• Benzoyl peroxide and topical antibiotics should be used as directed, not as cleansing agents 2