Gel or cream cleanser for dry skin?

Is gel cleanser or cream cleanser better for dry skin?

Neither texture gets an automatic win. The useful distinction is between a moisturizing soap substitute and a wash that dries or irritates your skin. Everyday soap and shower gels can worsen dryness, but that does not make every facial gel cleanser unsuitable. Likewise, a cream texture is not enough to choose a cleanser without checking its intended use. Look for a gentle, nonabrasive formula without added fragrance. Choose a product that is effective, comfortable and affordable enough to use regularly, because washing your face does not require a luxury procurement department.234

How to wash dry skin

1. 1Choose an emollient wash or a product intended for use as a soap substitute. Some leave on moisturizers can also be used for washing, but do not assume every moisturizer is a cleanser.
2. 2For an emollient soap substitute, mix a small amount, around a teaspoonful, with a little warm water in your palm. Spread it over damp or dry skin.
3. 3Clean gently rather than scrubbing. Harsh cleansing and abrasive products can irritate skin.
4. 4Rinse, then pat your skin dry without rubbing.
5. 5Apply your leave on moisturizer straight after washing. Smooth it onto your skin rather than rubbing it in forcefully.

Emollient soap substitutes do not foam like ordinary soap, but they clean just as effectively, so bubbles can retire from their unpaid quality control job. These washing directions are for emollient soap substitutes; use a packaged facial cleanser as directed on its label.2

For dry or sensitive skin, washing once daily in the evening may be sufficient instead of washing twice daily. That is a useful starting point, not a requirement to cleanse every morning. Moisturizing is a separate step: apply moisturizer after washing and again whenever your skin feels dry.13

Which cleanser is gentler for sensitive skin, gel or cream?

Choose by formula and tolerance, not texture. Added fragrance can trigger irritation or allergic reactions. Introduce one new product at a time, and try a small amount on a limited area before using it over your whole face. Even moisturizing products can sting or irritate, particularly with eczema, so a cream is not automatically the gentler option.34

If an emollient wash stings and the stinging does not settle after rinsing, ask a pharmacist for an alternative. Stop using an emollient that makes your skin itchy or sore. Speak to a GP, nurse or pharmacist about persistent burning, inflamed hair follicles or a facial rash.12

Does gel or cream cleanser remove makeup better?

There is no clear winner between gel and cream here. For a practical alternative, micellar water removes dirt, oil and most makeup while preserving much of the skin's natural oils, making it an option for dry or sensitive skin. Heavy or waterproof makeup can need an additional cleanser. When removing sunscreen or cosmetics with micellar water, follow with a gentle oil or water based cleanser, then moisturizer.6

Keep the cleanser and moisturizer jobs separate

A moisturizing wash does not replace your leave on moisturizer. Leave on emollients trap moisture by forming a protective oily layer on the skin. If you use a prescribed steroid cream, keep about 30 minutes between the steroid and your leave on emollient, and follow your treatment instructions about which goes first.15