Vanicream moisturizer and face wash: how to choose and use them

What is Vanicream face wash?

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is the brand's named facial cleanser. Vanicream also lists Liquid Cleanser and Gentle Body Wash as separate products. If you are shopping for the facial cleanser, look for "Gentle Facial Cleanser" rather than selecting another wash because it carries the same brand name.4

Which Vanicream moisturizer should you look for?

Vanicream has several moisturizers, so "the Vanicream one" is not quite a shopping list.4

As a general rule, lotions are lighter than creams, while ointments are the thickest option. For seasonal dryness in otherwise normal skin, a lotion can be sufficient. For persistently dry skin, start with a cream or ointment because these hold in more moisture than lotions. These are differences between moisturizer types, not a comparison of the individual Vanicream formulas.5

For oily skin, a lighter gel is an option instead of a heavier moisturizer. If your face has both dry and oily areas, focus moisturizer on the dry spots rather than automatically applying the same amount everywhere. Too much moisturizer can clog pores in some people. For any formula you are considering, look for a noncomedogenic label, which means it is intended not to block pores.5

How to use face wash and moisturizer together

1. 1Remove makeup in the evening if you are wearing it. A cleanser alone does not necessarily remove all makeup. If using makeup wipes, choose fragrance free ones.
2. 2Wash with lukewarm water. Gently massage the cleanser with your hands rather than scrubbing with a washcloth.
3. 3Rinse and gently pat with a towel instead of rubbing. For dry skin, leave the skin slightly damp for moisturizer.
4. 4Apply moisturizer. Gently massage it into the skin rather than waiting until the skin feels completely dry.
5. 5In the morning, finish with broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. Use sun protective clothing and seek shade as well.

A basic routine uses cleanser and moisturizer in the morning and evening. Use a small amount of cleanser rather than trying to build a thick lather. If your skin is dry, moisturizer can also be applied when it feels dry during the day; extra washing is not part of that step.12

Where do other skincare products fit?

If you already use a serum, the general order is cleanser, serum, moisturizer, then morning sunscreen. Layer from thinner to thicker textures rather than putting a thin serum over a thick cream. An antioxidant serum is optional, and neither cleanser nor moisturizer needs a toner to complete this basic routine.16

What should you expect from moisturizing?

Moisturizer helps soften skin and reduce water loss. Applying it to damp skin helps trap water, and regular applications support relief from dryness. If skin is dry and peeling, moisturize rather than exfoliating the flakes away. Adjust the texture or frequency when seasonal dryness changes what your skin needs.5

How should sensitive skin try the products?

Introduce new products one at a time. For sensitive skin, test a pea sized dot behind your ear along the jawline and wait a day or two before applying the product to your whole face. Choose products labeled fragrance free. "Unscented" products can contain ingredients that hide other odors and irritate dry, sensitive skin.26

Stop using a new product if it causes irritation or a rash, and make an appointment with a dermatologist. Tell your dermatologist if moisturizer causes burning or stinging. Seek care if dryness persists despite gentle cleansing and regular moisturizing, or becomes painful, cracked or bleeding. Excessively dry skin sometimes needs treatment beyond a moisturizer; follow any existing dermatology treatment plan.125

What goes in the recycling bin?

Vanicream directs you to rinse the Gentle Facial Cleanser bottle, discard its pump and recycle the bottle in a local bin or drop off. The Daily Facial Moisturizer box can go into recycling, but its tube and cap cannot, so the packaging has its own sorting routine.4