The Debate
We have discussed about how to correctly Wash your face in a previous post. The next question which often comes to mind is “Which is better? Facial wash products, facial cleanser, or facial soaps?”. Search the web and you will find blog posts from both sides of the spectrum explaining and swearing why one is better than the other.
I think that debate itself is a little misleading and throws off our perspective from the topic’s essence. In my opinion, whether a facial wash, cleanser or soap, your focus should solely be on its ingredients.
Why do we wash our face?
The purpose of washing your face is to;
§ Remove oxidized sebum, make-up, and other impurities your skin is exposed to during the day
§ NORMALIZE/IMPROVE YOUR SKIN TURNOVER FUNCTION.
Both of these are important and should be taken in consideration with equal weight. Yet, we see a tendency to put less emphasis on how facial cleansing plays a very BIG ROLE to NORMALIZE/IMPROVE YOUR SKIN TURNOVER FUNCTION in the “long run”. Many facial wash, cleansers and soap products we see in commercials and advertisements put the spotlight on how it makes your face feel “squeaky clean” or “silky smooth”. These products surely do seem like to live up to those claims. But do they help your skin turnover function in the long run? Let’s take a look.
What the “Squeaky Clean” really is
Have you ever washed the dishes with synthetic detergent without rubber gloves? You’ve probably noticed how squeaky the surface of the dish feels after washing it. On the other hand, when you feel your hands, don’t they rather feel slimy and after a thorough rinse feel extremely dry? That is because dish detergents commonly include synthetic ingredients which “strips off oil” and the residues of the synthetic preservatives and stabilizing agents creates an “emulsifying” effect.
These ingredients are working on your dishes and hands.
I am not saying that the same ingredients are used in your face wash product. But if you have ever taken a close look at the ingredients of a “synthetic” face wash product, you will discover that there are many less desirable ingredients in it, some which act as “cleaning agents” and “emulsifiers”.
If you wash your face incorrectly or harshly, these ingredients might end up weakening or disrupting your skin’s natural turnover function.
Chemicals to Beware Of (a few)
The below are a few chemicals to beware of. You can click the links and see what they are about.
§ Sodium Laureth Sulfate
§ Diethanolamine
§ Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A palmitate)
§ Triclosan
§ Propylparaben
§ Ethylparaben
§ Methylparaben
§ PEG-40 Glyceryl Cocoate
§ Alcohol and Petroleum ingredients etc.
Conclusion
So, which is better? Facial wash, cleanser, or soap? I would say the narrative “Synthetic face wash vs Organic face wash” would be more accurate. Those concerned with dry skin, oily skin, and sensitive skin should take time to learn about the potential risks of the ingredients in synthetic face wash, cleanser, and synthetic soap products and what it does to your skin in the long run. Your ultimate goal of skincare is to build and maintain a healthy and naturally functioning skin.
It wouldn’t hurt to always keep in consideration “Synthetic vs Organic” before buying a product.
There are some great Organic face washes out on the market for those who prefer tube type. Personally, I use our Three Olive Trees Organic Face Wash which does not contain any synthetic ingredient, preservative or fragrance and is made only from certified organic ingredients. I love our soap. Sorry for being biased!
Source: www.threeolivetrees.com
This post is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of a dermatologist. The reader should regularly consult a licensed dermatologist in matters with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.
This post is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of a dermatologist. The reader should regularly consult a licensed dermatologist in matters with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.
