Cleansing and exfoliating are often mistaken for each other. While they both remove dirt and debris from your skin, each has different roles and should be seen as techniques to use alongside the other. Cleansing is the process of cleaning your skin, removing surface-level dirt, grime and makeup. Exfoliating gives a deeper clean, cleansing the pores and removing dead skin cells. Both have benefits for your skin and should be implemented into your skincare routine. Here we look into the differences between a normal face wash and an exfoliating face wash, exploring the difference between them and when they should be used.
Face wash
What is it: Face washes can come in many forms, including gels, creams and foams. They are designed to gently remove the top layer of dirt and grime from your skin, as well as makeup and any product residue. Water alone isn’t enough to remove impurities from your skin and face washes help give a much-needed boost to your complexion. They also help prevent spots and blemishes and improve its overall appearance.
What are the benefits?
There are a host of benefits to using a face wash. This includes:
Cleansers are great for adding moisture to your skin as well as removing dirt and dead skin cells that have shedded and collected on the surface of your skin. By cleansing, you can prevent spots and blemishes from forming and make it easier for products to sit on your skin. Your makeup can look less cakey and last longer too.
Whether you have dry skin, oily skin, or combination skin, you’re sure to find a face wash on the market designed to suit you. Specially formulated for different concerns, you can find specific products to help combat any issues you might have. The type of cleanser you choose can also have an impact, whether you opt for a gel, a foaming cleanser or a lotion.
When your skin is dry and in need of cleaning, it can look dull and things such as fine lines can be enhanced. By using a cleanser, you can enjoy fresher and more youthful-looking skin that compliments your appearance.
When to use it?
You should use face wash every morning and evening. Use it in the morning to wash away any dirt, debris and dead skin that has built up overnight and use it in the evening to remove any grime and makeup from the day. You should follow your face wash with a toner and moisturiser to ensure your skin looks its best.
Exfoliating face wash
What is it: An exfoliating face wash scrubs your skin for a deeper clean than your normal cleaner. It targets built-up dirt and dead skin cells, permeating your pores and giving them a deep clean. Exfoliation products tend to have a grainy texture or be made of chemicals that are formulated with acids designed to dissolve dead skin cells.
What are the benefits?
There are many benefits to exfoliating face washes. This includes:
Over time, lymphatic fluid can build up in the face, filled with toxins and waste from your lymph nodes. Exfoliation can help to boost circulation and lymphatic drainage, removing these toxins and enhancing the blood flow of your skin. When this is done, your skin can look much younger and brighter, with fine lines and wrinkles being reduced.
Collagen is the main structural protein in the body and it plays an important role in the function of your skin, muscles and bones. It's important to encourage the production of collagen to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy. Through regular exfoliation, you can increase the production of collagen which leads to glowing, vibrant skin, an increase in skin elasticity and an improvement in the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Due to the properties of exfoliators, they can get deep into your pores and remove dirt and debris that normal cleansers can’t reach. By getting rid of this, it helps to stop spots and blackheads from forming, keeping your skin clear of blemishes.
The process of exfoliation removes dead skin cells, encouraging new skin cells to grow. This renewal leaves you with a much healthier complexion that will stay that way for longer. It will help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as fade areas of hyperpigmentation that can be caused by acne or other skincare concerns.
When to use it?
Because an exfoliating face wash can be harsher than a usual wash, it’s best to use it a couple of times a week. An exfoliating face wash should be used in lieu of your usual cleanser and is designed to give a real deep clean. It’s generally recommended to start with exfoliating once a week and seeing how your skin reacts, then adjusting as necessary. Make sure you don't leave the products on for too long and use a basic washcloth and warm water to remove any product residue. Follow up with a tone and hydrating moisturiser.
These are just a few of the differences between a usual face wash and an exfoliating face wash. It’s important to add both to your skincare routine for healthy-looking skin and to keep it clear of dirt and dead skin.
What’s the best exfoliating face wash?
Botanic Tree glycolic acid exfoliating face wash is a type of face wash that alleviates clogged pores and removes dirt and oil that has built up on your face. One of the best types of wash for your skin, it’s best used multiple times a week for the best results. Glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliating ingredient that is derived from sugar cane and works to chemically exfoliate the skin removing the top layers.
Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Face Wash
