A no-nonsense CTM or an elaborate Korean skincare – cleansing is the first and often the most overlooked step in a routine. Using a cleanser gently removes dirt, impurities and pollutants from the pores for a balanced microbiome. Additionally, with the appropriate product, this process can address specific skin concerns like acne, dehydration and dullness.

In this blog, we walk our readers through the many benefits of using a cleanser regularly. Additionally, we help you pick the right product for your skin type. So, keep scrolling to make an informed decision.

What are the benefits of using a face cleanser regularly?

Using a cleanser regularly extends a flurry of benefits to your skin. Some of which are listed below- 

1. It removes dirt, grime, and gunk: Cleansing removes the deep-seated traces of dust, pollutants, and gunk from the pores – ensuring a clean, bright surface. Cleansing your face at night also cues healthy cellular regeneration for better skin elasticity and texture.

2. Prevents clogged pores: Cleansing dislodges clogged pores that may cause whiteheads, blackheads or acne.

3. Ensures skin hydration: A humectant-infused cleanser replenishes your skin’s moisture content, leading to its soft, supple appearance. P.S. For those unaware, humectants like Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, and many more bind water molecules to your skin for long-lasting hydration.

4. Better blood circulation: Cleansing your face daily improves blood circulation – initiating healthy cellular regeneration and improving collagen production. This leads to your skin looking firm, supple, and radiant over time.

5. Facilitates absorption of your skin products: As touched upon briefly, a potent cleanser dislodges excess sebum, dirt and impurities from your skin. This helps in better absorption of your target treatment/serum, which adds to its efficacy.

 How to use a face cleanser correctly?

While there are no hard and fast rules for using a face cleanser, these tips will help you reap its maximum benefits! 

1. Use a coin-sized amount of your face cleanser and gently massage it into your skin. Use upward circular motions to scrub your face for about30 seconds.

2. Remember to use a light hand while cleansing your face. Vigorous rubbing can strain your skin, leading to inflammation, redness, and rashes.

3. Overwashing can strip your skin, causing uncomfortable dryness or tightness. Stick to using your face cleanser twice a day – in your morning and nighttime skincare routine.

4. Use cold water to rinse your face. Cold water makes your skin look firm while reducing the appearance of pesky pores.

 How to pick the right cleanser for your skin type? 

We have learnt that the right cleanser wields immense power in skincare. So why should you pick a random product from the supermarket aisle? Ahead, we help you with the best cleaner based on your skin type.

To make the right choice, you must have a clear understanding of your skin type and its underlying concerns. In case of any confusion, please refer to your dermatologist.

1. Oily skin: If your skin expels oil like it's nobody's business, try Foxtale’s Acne Control Face Wash with Salicylic Acid. This cleanser gently sloughs off dead cells, debris and excess sebum from the pores, without overdrying your skin. The innovative formula also carries Hyaluronic Acid for long-lasting hydration for your skin.

2. Dry or sensitive skin: Grappling with dry, flaky or itchy skin? Try Foxtale’s Hydrating Face Wash with Hyaluronic Acid. The formula binds water molecules to the skin for sustained hydration with Sodium Hyaluronate and Red Algae Extracts. Furthermore, the face hydrating cleanser offsets inflammation, redness and rashes – making it a perfect fit for folks with sensitive skin.

3. Combination skin: It is tricky to care for combination skin types as you need to strike a balance between hydration and oil control. Luckily, Foxtale’s Purify and Glow Mask + Cleanser ticks both boxes. The formulation contains French Pink and Kaolin Clays that help regulate sebum for a balanced microbiome. Moreover, Sodium PCA ensures long-lasting hydration for the skin.

 FAQs

1. Can I use cleanser for oily skin?

Ans) Yes. Foxtale’s Acne Control Face Wash has been formulated for oily/acne-prone skin. Salicylic Acid at the heart of this formulation cuts excess oil, grime, and impurities for a smooth, clean surface. The facial cleanser also carries Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid to uphold the health of your lipid barrier.

2. How should I check my skin type?”

Ans) You can follow these steps to determine your skin type-

If your skin appears shiny with open pores, it is most likely oily.
If your skin feels itchy or stretchy and looks dull, it is most likely dry.
If your T-zone is always greasy as opposed to the rest of your skin, it is probably combination.

 3. Can I leave a cleanser on my skin overnight?

Ans) No. Leaving a cleanser overnight on your skin can strip off the natural oils leading to dryness and uncomfortable tightness.

4. Can I wash my face only with water?

Ans) Water alone is unable to dislodge the deep-seated impurities, pollutants, and traces of makeup or SPF from the pores. This is why we recommend buying a potent cleanser suited to your skin type. Try Foxtale’s Hydrating Face Wash for dry and sensitive skin, Foxtale Acne Control Face Wash for oily skin and our Purify & Glow Mask + Cleanser for combination skin.

5. Can I skip facial cleanser from my skincare routine?

Ans) No. We recommend using a cleanser in your morning and nighttime skincare routine. Facial cleansers help remove dust, grime, and impurities from your pores, ensuring a healthy microbiome. 

6. Can I skip my moisturizer after cleansing?

Ans) We recommend using a moisturizer after cleansing your face. A potent moisturizer forms a protective barrier on the dermis, preventing TEWL. It also seals your active-infused serums or treatments, hence boosting their efficacy. 

7. What is a simple yet effective skincare routine?

•  Cleanse your skin twice a day
•  Dab a concern-led serum after your skin is dry
•  Follow up with a moisturizer
•  Wear SPF without fail

Additionally, we also recommend these weekly rituals 

• Mask twice a week to boost your skin’s latent glow
• Exfoliate thrice a week for healthy cellular regeneration

The first step of any skincare routine, cleansing, is arguably the most important. Cleansing helps remove dust, impurities, and pollutants from the pores – ensuring smooth, rejuvenated skin. It also paves the way for better absorption of your serums (and moisturizers) to uphold your skin’s overall health while addressing its underlying concerns. However, to reap every single of these skin cleansing benefits, you must follow some best practises.

.Now, while there are no hard and fast rules, these tried and tested cleansing tips can help optimize your skin’s health.

In this blog, we walk you through the steps to wash your skin (correctly) for clearer, healthier skin. But before we get to this list, let’s look at more benefits of face cleansing and the best products for different skin types or concerns.

 The Many Benefits Of Cleansing

Washing your face or cleansing may seem like a no-frills, no-fancy step in your skincare. But it lays the foundation to help you achieve your short and long-term skincare goals. The benefits of cleansing are as follows

1. Removes dust, grime, and pollutants: Your skin attracts a mound of dust, grime, and pollutants throughout the day, leading to an unwarranted build-up atop. Regular facial cleansing helps dissolve these impurities and debris to help reveal a smooth surface sitting underneath.

2. Unclogs pores: Often the dirt, impurities, and pollutants accumulated on your skin can clog its pores. These plugged pores may further get aggravated and lead to blackheads and whiteheads. To steer clear of these concerns, cleansing twice a day is recommended.

3. Improves skin hydration: Hydration is indispensable for your skin’s health and optimal functionality. A hydrating cleanser helps replenish your skin’s moisture reservoir, making it look soft, supple, and smooth. It also offsets episodes of inflammation and irritation to the skin.

4. Improves blood circulation: Regular cleansing or face washing helps improve the blood circulation in your skin. It further leads to healthier regeneration of skin cells and an increased production of collagen. Results? Younger-looking, taut skin.

5. Alleviates inflammation and redness: Inflammation or redness on the skin often goes hand-in-hand with acne or breakout. It is caused due to harmful bacteria thriving on pores – clogged with sebum, debris and keratin. Diligent facial cleaning or face washing helps prevent the spread of this bacteria, reducing redness or inflammation.

6. Better absorption of serums or targeted treatments: As touched upon earlier, regular face washing dislodges dust, grime, and impurities from the pores. This facilitates the better absorption of your targeted treatments/ serums – resulting in better efficacy.

 The Best Face Washes For Different Skin Types

Before you shop for a face wash or cleanser, it is important to have an infallible knowledge of your skin type. You can follow these steps to categorise your skin type as oily, dry, combination or sensitive. In case of any confusion, we recommend consulting with your dermatologist.

1. If your skin looks excessively greasy with open pores, it is probably oily. Make BFFs with one of the best oily skin products on Foxtale.

Other Oily Skin Concerns: Blackheads, whiteheads, acne, patchy complexion 

Foxtale Recommends: Acne Control Face Wash with Salicylic Acid 

Reasons To Love: Salicylic Acid at the heart of this formulation buffs away excess sebum, impurities, and dead cells for a clean, smooth surface. It is gentle on the skin and helps reduce episodes of inflammation or irritation caused due to acne. Additionally, this unique formulation also carries Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid that deeply hydrate and nourish the skin. It is also the ideal face wash for pimples.

2. If your skin looks dry, flaky, and exceptionally dull, it is probably dry.

Other Dry Skin Concerns: Uncomfortable tightness, early onset of fine lines and wrinkles, marred lipid barrier.

Foxtale Recommends: Hydrating Face Wash with Hyaluronic Acid

Reasons To Love: Foxtale Hydrating Face Wash boasts a unique moisture-lock technology that doesn’t strip your skin after washing. Moreover, it carries Sodium Hyaluronate and Red Algae Extracts that ensure deep and long-lasting hydration for your skin. The best part? This product doubles as a makeup remover! It features gentle surfactants that melt every last trace of makeup and SPF without being harsh to the skin. 

3. If your skin is prone to out of the blue flare ups, redness, inflammation, rashes, it is probably sensitive 

Other Sensitive Skin Concerns: Itchiness, uncomfortable tightness, scaly skin, breaking into hives 

Foxtale Recommends: Hydrating Face Wash with Hyaluronic Acid

Reasons To Love: Skin sensitivity usually goes hand-in-hand with a compromised skin barrier. For those unaware, the lipid barrier forms the first line of defence between your skin and the external environment. It helps ward off pathogens, UV rays, pollutants and many such aggressors daily. Our Hydrating Face Wash ensures your barrier's maximum efficiency by ensuring 2X hydration to the skin.

4. If your T-zone and forehead are extremely greasy but the rest of your face is surprisingly dry – your skin type is probably combination.

Other Combination Skin Concerns: Larger pores, occasional breakouts, dry patches 

Foxtale Recommends: Purify And Glow Cleanser + Mask 

Reasons To Love:This multitasking formula contains French Pinks and Kaolin Clays that unclog pores and blot excess oil for a balanced microbiome. The Cleanser + Mask also boasts Sodium PCA for a big hydration boost of skin hydration.

 How To Wash Your Face For Clearer, Healthier Skin 

Want to reap 360-degree of washing your face wash? Follow these steps 

1. Take a coin-sized amount of your favourite face wash and massage it into your skin using upward circulation motion. Massaging your face helps improve blood circulation, leading to glowing, gorgeous skin.

•  Remember, overwashing is a legitimate concern that can strip your skin, making it uncomfortably tight and dry. So, we recommend washing your face only twice a day. Even if your skin type is oil, stick to cleansing only twice a day! Be extremely gentle while scrubbing your face. Don’t use a heavy hand as it can strain your skin leading to breakouts, rashes, and inflammation.

2. Use only cold water to rinse your face. For those unaware, cold water locks moisture into the skin, ensuring its soft, supple appearance. Moreover, cold water also helps tighten pores and prevents acne breakouts.

3. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to dab your skin dry. Rubbing the towel on your face can be abrasive to your skin.

Wondering whether to spring for a serum or a moisturizer in your skincare? Get them both, we say. Serums and moisturizers are skincare staples that serve different purposes in one’s regime – you can’t pit one against the other! 

For those unaware, a face serum carries a heavy concentration of an active ingredient (like Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide and more). Due to its thin consistency and stronger active concentration, it travels deep into the skin to treat a specific concern – ranging from dullness to dehydration to pigmentation. A moisturizer, on the other hand, creates a protective seal for the water content and the active ingredient in question.

Ahead, we delve deeper into the many benefits of serums and moisturizers. We also help you pick the best products for an infallible skincare routine.

 What Is A Face Serum?

As discussed, a face serum targets and addresses a specific skin concern. Due to the lower molecular weight of the active ingredient infused in the formulation, it travels deep into the skin for swift results. So, whether you’re struggling with acne or extreme dryness, a concern-led serum can help restore your skin to its former glory.

A serum is integral for your short and long-term skincare goals. If you wish to transform your skin with a no-frills, daily AM/PM regimen, take a look at the best face serums.

1. Niacinamide Serum by Foxtale

Active Ingredients: Niacinamide 

Skin Types: All

Niacinamide is a skincare workhorse with a myriad of benefits. It is the holy grail of brightening that fights pigmentation and dark spots – by reducing the concentration of melanin. This ideal serum for open pores regulates sebum production for a balanced, healthy microbiome.

More Reasons To Love Foxtale’s Niacinamide Serum 

1. Foxtale’s innovative formulation bestows a gorgeous, matte finish to the skin. Use it to create the perfect base for your glam look.

2. Star Ingredient Niacinamide helps uphold the lipid barrier that serves as the first line of defence for your body. A sturdy barrier also prevents TEWL for your skin’s soft, radiant appearance.

3. Foxtale’s Hydrating Serum

Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid 

Skin Type: Dry, Normal

If you grapple with dry, flaky skin, Foxtale’s Hydrating Serum should be on your wishlist. It features 6 Hydration Boosters that replenish your skin’s moisture reservoir on application. Use it in your morning/nighttime routine for 75% plumper skin.

More Reasons To Love Our Hydrating Serum

1. The serum ensures 24-hour-long, multi-level moisturization for your skin.

2. Regular use of the Hydrating Serum helps soften fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet, restoring your skin’s youthful appearance.

3. Our Hyaluronic Acid serum also reduces episodes of inflammation, redness, and rashes within 10 minutes of application. It is a must-have for people with dry skin with underlying sensitivities.

3. AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum

Active Ingredients: Salicylic and Glycolic Acids

Skin Types: Oily, Combination

Clogged pores, excessive buildup, acne or small bumps – Foxtale’s AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum fights them all. Infused with meticulous yet gentle exfoliants Salicylic and Glycolic Acids, the serum sloughs off dead cells, debris, and excess sebum for a clean, bright surface. The best part? It doesn’t dry out the skin, not even in the slightest.

More Reasons To Love Our AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum

1. Hyaluronic Acid in the serum deeply hydrates the skin for its soft, radiant appearance.

2. Niacinamide in this AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum reduces redness, inflammation and rashes, owing to its anti-inflammatory properties.

3. This exfoliating serum also fades dark spots and pigmentation with time.

4. Rapid Spot Reduction Drops 

Active Ingredients: Tranexamic Acid, Niacinamide & Oligopeptides 

Skin Types: All

To combat dark spots, patches, and pigmentation, try Foxtale’s Rapid Spot Production Spots. The milky formula targets localized discolouration to ensure an even tone complexion. Moreover, the duo of Niacinamide and Oligopeptides adds a brightening effect.

More Reasons To Love Our Rapid Spot Reduction Drops 

1. The serum boasts Hyaluronic Acid for deep hydration.

2. Sqaulane in the serum shields the skin against free radicals and aggressors.

 What Is A Moisturizer?

.A regular moisturizer boasts three components: Occulsives, Emollients, and Humectants.

Together, these three prevent your skin from getting dry and dehydrated. But that’s not all! Here are some other benefits of a moisturizer. 

1. A potent moisturizer ensures a soothing effect for the skin, reducing episodes of inflammation and redness.

2. It reinforces the lipid barrier, indispensable to the overall health of your skin.

3. Regular moisturisation prevents early signs of skin ageing like fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet.

Best Moisturizer For Your Skin Type

Regardless of the skin type, moisturizer is a non-negotiable in every skincare routine. Here are some Foxtale Favourites that you must bag STAT.

For Dry Skin Try The Hydrating Moisturizer with Ceramides 

This rich moisturizer carries Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymers and Olive Oil for multilevel hydration of your skin. It combats dryness and uneven skin texture while upholding the lipid barrier. Additionally, Ceramides and Vitamin E in the formula forms a protective barrier on the skin, shielding it from aggressors and free radicals.

For Oily or Combination Skin, Try Foxtale’s Oil Free Moisturizer

Infused with Hyaluronic Acid, Red and Blue-Green algae Extracts, this lightweight moisturizer deeply hydrates the skin. It prevents clogged pores, blackheads, and acne bumps with regular use.

For Sensitive Skin Try The Skin Repair Cream

Skin sensitivity often goes hand-in-hand with an impaired barrier. If you experience out-of-the-blue inflammation, redness or irritation – we recommend Foxtale’s Skin Repair Cream for your vanity. It contains Olive Leaf Extracts and ProVitamin B5 that ensure prolonged moisturisation for the dermis.

Verdict: Moisturizers and serums are both essential to an infallible skincare routine. Period. A serum (based on the active ingredient) targets and addresses a specific concern. You can turn to Hyaluronic Acid for hydration, AHAs BHAs for acne, Niacinamide for oil control, Retinol for age reversing and so forth. On the other hand, a moisturizer plays a pivotal role in locking hydration and treatment into the skin. Regular use of a potent moisturizer softens ageing lines, alleviates inflammation, and ensures your skin’s soft, supple appearance.

Your morning/nighttime skincare routine should start with gentle cleansing. Follow it with a serum and your favorite moisturizer. For sun protection, use a dewy or mattifying sunscreen based on your skin type.

You may have heard from industry experts, dermatologists, and beauty gurus that moisturization is key for healthy skin. Regardless of your skin type, yes, read that again – a moisturizer in your morning/nighttime skincare is unskippable. For those unaware, a potent moisturizer forms a protective barrier on the skin, preventing the loss of its moisture content. Additionally, it is responsible for your skin's feel and youthful appearance, among other things.

In this blog, we take you through the basics of moisturizers and their flurry of benefits. We also help you find the perfect match for your skin type. So keep scrolling! 

What Is A Moisturizer?

A moisturizer is a creamy or balmy formulation that helps seal the moisture in your skin. Most moisturizing formulas contain three main components – each with a different function.

1. Occlusives: Occlusives in your hydrating moisturizer prevent TEWL or TransEpidermal Water Loss. They form a physical shield on your skin’s outermost layer a.k.a. the lipid barrier.

2. Emollients: Emollients are responsible for your skin’s soft feel and supple appearance. These moisturizing components can be butters and oils that fill the gaps between skin cells.

3. Humectants: Most moisturizers are also formulated with humectants like Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerine and more. For those unaware, humectants bind water molecules to the skin for multi-level and sustained hydration. 

What Are The Benefits Of Moisturizer?

Whether you believe in 10-step rituals or skin minimalism, a moisturizer is a must-have in every routine. Here are the benefits that a potent formula extends in your morning/nighttime routine.

1. Keep Dryness At Bay: From temperamental weather to your air-conditioned office cubicle – several factors zap the moisture right from the dermis. Results? Dry skin around the clock. A layer of your favourite moisturizing formula prevents your skin from losing water content.

2. Slows Down Skin Ageing: Skimping on moisturizer is an open invitation to early signs of skin ageing like fine lines, wrinkles and more. Use a moisturizer twice every day to keep these worries at bay.

3. Ensures Supple, Elastic Skin: I don’t like supple, soft skin  – said no one ever. Emollients in your moisturizing formula fill the gaps between skin cells, making it look taut and soft.

4. Boost Hydration: As discussed earlier, several moisturizers carry humectants that replenish your skin’s moisture content. Look for ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerine in your moisturizing formula to ensure long-lasting hydration of the skin.

5. Soothes Inflammation: Hydrating heroes like Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerine also offset episodes of inflammation, redness and rashes. A humectant-infused moisturizer should be a no-brainer for folks with extremely sensitive or dry skin.

6. Ensures A Healthy Microbiome For Oily Skin: We know that dehydration in oily skin can cue its sebaceous glands into overdrive mode – leading to more grease. To circumvent this situation, use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that prevents water loss from the skin.

The Best Moisturizers On Foxtale

Now that you are well-versed in the many benefits of a moisturizer, it’s time to add one to your vanity. Luckily, Foxtale is a one-stop destination for all your skincare needs and carries an assortment of moisturizers. Scroll ahead and learn more about it.

1. Hydrating Moisture with Ceramides 

Key Ingredients: Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Olive Oil, Ceramides

Skin Type: Normal to Dry, Sensitive

Infused with Sodium Hyaluronate a.k.a. Hyaluronic Acid, the creamy formulation ensures 24-hour moisturization for the skin. Additionally, Olive Oil and Squalane in the blend boast nourishing properties, making this moisturizer a great fit for the sensitive skin type.

2. Oil Free Moisturizer 

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Red and Blue-Green Algae Extracts

Skin Type: Oily and Combination Skin

Formulated for oily and combination skin types, the oil-free moisturizer deeply hydrates without clogging your pores. It also reduces acne bumps while alleviating redness or inflammation. Moreover, Niacinamide in this moisturizer, regulates sebum production for a healthy microbiome.

3. Skin Repair Cream

Key Ingredients: Olive Leaf Extracts, Provitamin B5, Niacinamide 

Skin Type: Dry to Very Dry, Sensitive skin

Foxtale’s Skin Repair Cream boasts Enhance-Replenish-Seal or ERS Technology to nourish and hydrate the skin. The brew’s star ingredients, Provitamin B5 and Niacinamide ensure long-lasting moisturisation – keeping your skin soft and radiant.

4. Super Glow Moisturizer 

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and Peptides

Skin Type: All 

A moisturizer that uncovers your skin’s glow potential? Sign us up! Foxtale’s Glow Moisturizer carries Vit C, Niacinamide and Peptides in the forefront for visible results from day 0. It fades the appearance of dark spots, fights off pollutants and nourishes the skin barrier – talk about a 360 approach to skin health.

How To Use A Moisturizer?

1. Start by gently cleansing your face. A good cleanser washes away impurities, debris and sebum from the pores, ensuring a healthy microbiome.

2. If you are combating specific skin concerns like acne, dullness or pigmentation – apply your designated serum now. Dab the formula into your skin and never use a heavy hand for application.

3. Once the serum absorbs in your skin, apply a generous amount of your fave moisturizer. A coin-sized amount should be enough to cover your face and neck. This step helps seal the active ingredients from your treatment, hence boosting its efficacy.

4. If you’re stepping outdoors, wear SPF without fail. A broad-spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen will shield your skin against UVA and UVB rays, preventing photoaging, pigmentation and burns.

Related Articles
1. How to get glowing skin 
2. How to glow skin naturally 
3. Which serum is best for glowing skin 
4. Does moisturizer make skin glow
 

Conclusion: Moisturization is non-negotiable in your skincare routine. It creates a physical barrier on the dermis, preventing water loss. Moreover, using a moisturizer regularly also keeps dryness, irritation and inflammation of the skin at bay.

 FAQs 

1. Where does moisturizer go in my skincare routine?

Ans. 1. Cleanser, 2.Toner (Optional), 3.Serum, 4. Moisturizer, 5. Eye Treatment, 6. SPF

2. Can I leave moisturizer overnight?

Ans. Yes. You should apply moisturizer twice a day – once before going to bed. A layer of moisturizer overnight ensures water retention when your skin undertakes repair and regeneration activities.

3. What is the 3 minutes moisturizer rule?

Ans. The rule states that you should apply your moisturizer within 3 minutes of bathing. This helps seal maximum moisture into your skin.