Kickstarting your skin care routine with a face wash ideal for your skin type, will set the base for other products. The beauty market is filled with many options to cater specific needs and skin concerns. It is, thus, important to know your skin type before buying a face wash. Using the wrong type of face wash can potentially lead to skin issues or exacerbate existing problems. Different skin types produce varying levels of oils and have different sensitivities. Using a face wash formulated for your skin type ensures that you’re effectively removing excess oil, dirt and impurities without stripping your skin of essential moisture or over-drying it. Let’s discuss how face wash for oily skin differs from face wash for dry skin.
Facewash for Dry Skin Vs Facewash for Oily Skin

Dry skin is a skin type characterised by a lack of moisture and an impaired skin barrier function. It often feels tight, rough and can be prone to flaking, itching and redness. The primary need for dry skin is hydration. Look for hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid and ceramides in your skin care products.
Choosing a gentle and hydrating face wash is important for dry skin type. They are formulated to cleanse without stripping away the skin’s natural oils. Harsh cleansers, especially those with strong fragrances and detergents, can increase dryness and cause irritation. A hydrating face wash can provide a soothing and calming effect. Use Lakme Absolute Perfect Radiance Brightening Facial Foam that combines the benefits of cleansing and moisturising. It also comes with a built-in soft silicone facial brush that helps to gently exfoliate and reduce dullness.
Facewash for Oily Skin

Oily skin produces more sebum than normal, leading to a greasy or shiny appearance, particularly in the T-zone. Oily skin is also more prone to acne, pimples and blemishes due to excess oil production that can clog pores and lead to inflammation. Oily skin benefits from thorough yet gentle cleansing to remove excess oil, dirt and debris. Look for skin care products that controls oil production while being gentle on the skin. Choose Pond’s Pimple Clear Face Wash as it offers the best solution for pimples and acne due to its unique formula that includes active Thymo-T Essence.
The best face wash for oily skin is the one that effectively removes excess oil and impurities without completely stripping the skin of its natural oils. Choose a face wash that is labelled as oil-free or non-comedogenic. These formulations are less likely to clog pores and contribute to breakouts. Ingredients such as salicylic acid (BHA) and glycolic acid (AHA) can penetrate pores and help dissolve sebum. They are also effective in exfoliating the skin’s surface, keeping pores clear and promoting even skin texture.
Key Differences between Facewashes

Face washes for dry skin are formulated to provide gentle cleansing without stripping away essential moisture. They often contain hydrating ingredients to replenish moisture levels. They also have mild moisturising properties, leaving the skin more comfortable after cleansing. These cleansers are usually creamy or lotion-like in texture. Use Pond’s Pure Detox Foaming Face Wash with activated charcoal. The creamy foam texture is gentle on the skin but harsh on the dirt. This face wash also comes with a built-in deep cleaning brush that gently massages and exfoliates your skin.
Foaming or gel-based cleansers are often used for oily skin. These cleansers aim to remove dirt, makeup and excess oil thoroughly, as oiliness can make the skin more prone to impurities. Some foaming face wash for oily skin may have mattifying ingredients to help control shine throughout the day. The primary aim of face washes for oily skin aim to control excess oil production and prevent clogged pores.
Ingredients to Look For

Ingredients to look for in face wash for dry skin are glycerin, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera. Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to hydrate and maintain moisture levels. Aloe vera has soothing and moisturising properties that can alleviate dryness and irritation.
For oily skin, choose face wash that contain ingredients like niacinamide (vitamin B3), witch hazel, and tea tree oil. Niacinamide helps regulate sebum production and reduces inflammation. Witch hazel has astringent properties that can help tighten pores and reduce excess oil. Tea tree oil is known for its antimicrobial properties and can be beneficial in managing oiliness and preventing acne. We recommend using Simple Daily Skin Detox Purifying Gel Face Wash. This is a best face wash for oily skin and pimples as it is made with a detoxifying blend of thyme, zinc and witch hazel to deeply clean dirt, oil and makeup while being gentle on the skin.
The Importance of pH Balance

Using a pH-balanced face wash is significant for both oily and dry skin types because the skin’s natural pH level plays a crucial role in maintaining its health and barrier function. The skin’s natural pH is slightly acidic, typically ranging from around 4.5 to 5.5. A pH- balanced face wash for oily skin can help regulate sebum production by supporting the skin’s natural mechanisms. Excessive stripping of the skin’s oils through harsh cleansers can lead to an overproduction of oil as the skin tries to compensate.
Dry skin already lacks natural oils, so using a pH-balanced cleanser helps prevent further moisture loss. An overly alkaline cleanser can disrupt the skin’s lipid barrier, leading to increased dryness and sensitivity. Dry skin is often more sensitive and maintaining the proper pH can help reduce sensitivity and prevent redness and discomfort.
FAQs about Facewash for Dry Skin Vs Facewash for Oily Skin
Q1. Can you use a toner after using a face wash for oily skin?
A. Yes, using a toner after cleansing can help balance the skin’s pH and remove any impurities. Look for a toner with ingredients suitable for oily skin.
Q2. Can you exfoliate dry skin?
A. Yes, use gentle exfoliants like lactic acid to avoid over-exfoliating, which can worsen dryness. Exfoliate one to two times a week at most.
Q3. Can you moisturise oily skin after face wash?
A. Yes, oily skin also needs hydration. Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser to maintain a healthy balance and prevent the skin from producing more oil to compensate for dryness.
Choosing the right face wash for your skin type is a foundational step in a skin care routine. It sets the tone for healthier skin and creates a conducive environment for the rest of your skin care products to work optimally.
Written by Sania Dhirwani on Aug 18, 2023