Face Wash

Which face wash is right for you?

A cleanser has one job: remove oil, sweat, sunscreen and pollution without stripping the skin barrier. Get the formula wrong and you either leave residue behind or dry your skin into producing more oil than it started with.

• Oily and acne-prone — a foaming or gel wash with charcoal, niacinamide or salicylic acid. Emami Smart & Handsome charcoal and oil-control (50g, from Rs 449), Junsui Naturals Oil Control (100g), Only Aura Oil Control.
• Dry and sensitive — soap-free, low foam, no added fragrance. Simple Kind to Skin and Simple Water Boost Micellar, both 150ml.
• Combination — a mild gel wash twice a day. Simple Kind to Skin or Junsui Whitening Cool.
• Dull or uneven tone — Pond's Flawless Radiance Even Tone, Junsui Naturals Neem Whitening, Only Aura Bright Skin.
• Fine lines — Pond's Age Miracle with Hexyl-Retinol, or Simple Regeneration Age Resisting.

Getting more out of it

Wash twice a day, not more. Over-cleansing is the most common self-inflicted skin problem we see — it damages the barrier and the skin compensates with extra oil, which sends people looking for an even stronger wash. Use lukewarm water rather than hot, work the product in for a full thirty seconds, and moisturise while the skin is still slightly damp.

If you are starting a new wash, give it three to four weeks before deciding. Skin takes about that long to turn over.

A note on cooling and menthol washes

The cooling sensation in products like Junsui Whitening Ice Cool comes from menthol. It feels excellent in Pakistani summer heat, but on genuinely sensitive or broken skin it can sting. If your skin reacts to strong fragrance, go for Simple instead.

Delivery and returns

Free delivery over Rs 3,999. Cash on Delivery across Pakistan. Seven days to return an unopened item.