Should you be using a pH balanced face wash?

woman holding purple bottle of Frownies pH balanced face wash

A cleansing face wash is an essential part of any basic skincare routine. But just soap and water may not be ideal for the delicate skin on your face. 

The skin on your face is exposed to dirt, sweat, bacteria, and UV radiation constantly on a daily basis. Plus your skin could be exposed to hundreds of other pH-altering chemicals if you wear makeup every day. 

Dermatologists recommend washing your face twice per day. In the morning, a cleansing face wash will remove any sweat, bacteria, and dead skin cells. In the evening before bed, you can use the same pH balanced cleanser to remove makeup, excess oil, dirt, and environmental pollutants your skin may have been exposed to throughout the day.

Whether it is part of your morning or evening skincare routine, a clean face is the perfect palette for the rest of your skincare products. 

Because the skin on our face is unique, it is best to avoid harsh astringents and synthetic fragrances which will only cause irritation to the delicate facial skin. 

woman with braids washing face at sink with Frownies pH balancing Face Wash

What is the Difference Between Face Wash and Cleanser?

You may have heard the term ‘facial cleanser’ and have wondered if that is another way of saying ‘face wash.’ And the answer is subtle.

Most people use the terms ‘face wash’ and ‘facial cleanser’ interchangeably. So, what are the differences between cleansing face wash and a facial cleanser?

The basic functions of a cleansing face wash and a facial cleanser are the same – to clean the skin of the face. Where face washes and facial cleansers may differ is in the ingredients to achieve clean skin. 

In general, a face wash will have a foaming action and bubbly texture that we would expect in a soap. Cleansers tend to lack the soaping feature and offer more hydrating ingredients. 

When cleaning your face, most people should look for a balance between washing away dirt and bacteria and hydrating the facial skin.

Since the terms ‘face wash’ and ‘facial cleanser’ may be considered synonymous, we suggest you look past the name of the product and dig deeper to consider the ingredients in the bottle.

Look for a cleansing face wash or facial cleanser with mild surfactants, gentle astringents, and ultra-hydrating ingredients. Stay away from harsh, stripping synthetic soaps and strong artificial fragrances. Instead opt for clean, plant-based, and non-toxic ingredients. 

In addition to cleaning and hydrating, a premier cleansing face wash or facial cleanser will also be pH balanced specifically to the skin of the face. 

Frownies pH balancing face wash in purple bottle on pink background

What Does a pH Balanced Cleanser Do?

You probably have never considered that your skin has a certain pH level.

Think back to high school chemistry class. You may remember that pH is a scale from 1 to 14 with a pH of 7 considered neutral, like water, for example. The ideal pH of the surface of your skin is actually slightly acidic, ranging from 4.5 to 5.5. 

There is a specific reason that your skin should be in this acidic pH range – your skin has a protective layer called the acid mantle. The acid mantle is a mixture of sweat and a waxy secretion, called sebum, that coats and protects the surface of your skin. 

This acidic layer of sweat and sebum prevents water-loss, dehydration, and even sun damage; therefore locking in moisture and decreasing signs of aging. 

In addition, the acid mantle protects against harmful bacteria and viruses from penetrating the skin’s epithelial layer. Essentially, the acid mantle functions to keep the “good stuff” in and the “bad stuff” out. 

Oily skin averages between 4.2 and 5.2 on the pH scale, meaning it leans more acidic. In contrast, dry skin tends to rate less acidic, or more basic, with a higher pH greater than 5.5. 

When the pH balance of your skin is outside the ideal range, your skin is susceptible to a variety of annoying and unsightly skin conditions such as acne blemishes, dry patches, and even psoriasis.

A pH balanced cleanser will help restore the ideal pH of the skin of the face to maintain a healthy acid mantle and protect the facial skin from water loss and environmental damage. 

Should You Use a pH Balanced Cleanser?

In short, yes. Everyone should be using a pH balanced cleanser to avoid acne breakouts or dry, flaky skin. 

In fact, longterm use of a pH balanced cleanser may slow signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and crepey skin by maintaining a healthy acid mantle.  

There are many ways you can naturally balance the pH of your skin:

  • Drink plenty of water

For plump, supple skin, you need to be well-hydrated from the inside out. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day at a minimum. However, your fluid intake to be hydrated will vary on your size, weight, activity level, and the environment where you live. 

  • Exercise regularly

Remember, the acid mantle is made up, in part, by the amino acids found in sweat. Plus, exercise is essential for all your other body systems as well. The American College of Sports Medicine suggest 30-minutes of moderate exercise most days per week. 

  • Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables, especially raw plants, provide the wide range of vitamins and minerals that your skin needs to be its healthiest. 

  • Use a pH balanced cleanser 

Take an inventory of the skincare products that you use. Start with a cleansing face wash that works with your body’s natural pH. For example, a pH balanced cleanser such as Frownies pH Balancing Face Wash is ideal of all skin types – from oily and acne-prone to dry or combination skin types. 

hands holding Frownies pH Balancing Face Wash purple bottle against pink tile background

Top 13 Ingredients in Frownies pH Balancing Face Wash

Frownies pH Balancing Face Wash is a customer favorite due to its gentle yet powerful soap-free cleansing.

Frownies pH Balancing Face Wash is non-toxic, clean, and plant-based as you’ll see in the ingredients below:

1. Decyl Polyglucoside

Decyl Polyglucoside is a gentle surfactant cleanser derived from plant-based sources including coconut sugar and corn sugar. The plant-based surfactant provides a subtle lather without the use of harsh soaps which can strip the skin of natural oils and distrupt the skin’s pH balance.  

2. Vegetable Glycerin

Vegerable glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a plant-based humectant made from palm, soy, and coconut oils. Humectants enhance the skin’s ability to hold moisture, leaving the skin plump and hydrated. 

3. Willow Bark Extract

Willow bark extract provides a gentle chemical exfoliation to cleanse the skin of dirt, makeup, harmful bacteria, and dead skin cells. Willow bark extract is also high in various compounds known for their antioxidant properties – tannins, flavonoids, and polyphenols. These antioxidants combat damage from sun exposure and free radicals while slowing the aging process. 
Willow bark extract also naturally restores the pH of the skin to optimal levels, reduces excess oil production, and fights acne. 

4. Sucrose Cocoate

Sucrose cocoate is an emollient that effectively soothes and softens the skin. It is derived from coconut oil and beet sugars. Sucrose cocoate is considered extremely safe and is even used in skincare products for babies. 

5. Propanediol

Propanediol is another humectant that assists the skin in holding moisture. Propanediol is made from fermented corn and is rated “low” for common concerns by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).  

6. Soapwort Extract

Soapwort is a popular plant-based skincare ingredient. It is a natural surfactant that is used in many natural soaps. Beyond its foaming qualities, soapwort has many benefits for the skin. Soapwort is high in saponins, a compound known for antimicrobial and healing properties. 

7. Sodium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Soy Protein

Sodium cocoyl hydrolyzed soy protein is a salt compound made from coconut and soy. Although you may not have heard of hydrolyzed soy protein, it is rated as “safe” by Skin Safe and is safe enough to be used on babies. Hydrolyzed soy protein is regarded as a premier skincare ingredient with powerful hydrating properties making it ideal for dry skin types. 

8. Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Cocamidopropyl betaine is a thickening and foaming agent derived from coconuts. It is a gentle and hydrating cleanser. 

9. Tangerine, Grapefruit, and Lemon Oils

The essential oils of tangerine, grapefruit, and lemon not only provide natural fragrance, but these specific essential oils are also known to be natural antimicrobial agents which prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and reduce acne breakouts. Citrus essential oils may also brighten the skin and reduce dark spots, resulting in a more even skintone. 

10. Lavender Flower Oil

Lavender oil is known for its soothing properties. It reduced inflammation and redness. Research has also shown that lavender essential oil improves skin healing and increases collagen production, making it ideal to restore and maintain the skin’s elasticity and decrease signs of wrinkles. 

11. Apple Extract

Apple extracts contain Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) which is known to have multiple skin-related benefits. AHA acts as a gentle exfoliant and helps to remove dead surface cells from the skin improving the overall tone and texture. AHA in apple juice is also thought to brighten skin and promote collagen production.

12. Bilberry Extract

Bilberry extract is a powerful plant-based skincare ingredient. It acts as a mild astringent to tighten skin and minimize the appearance of pores. Bilberry extract also contains high levels of tannins which are known antioxidants to protect from free radical damage. Bilberry extract is also used to gently even skintone by subtly lightening and brightening the skin’s complexion. 

13. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that is known to reduce free-radical damage to the skin caused by UV sun exposure. Vitamin E reduces hyperpigmentation and lightens dark spots. It also strengthens the skin's protective barrier to lock in moisture to smooth the appearance of fine lines. 

With plant-based, non-toxic ingredients, Frownies pH Balancing Face Wash restores the skin of the face to its ideal pH balance.

To hear how Frownies pH Balancing Face Wash can restore your skin to its natural balance and help clear your acne, check out Frownies Instagram Highlights here!

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DISCLAIMER

The information provided on this website is intended solely for educational purposes and should not be construed as medical or dermatological advice. At Frownies, we recognize that individual skin responses to treatments and skincare products vary. Testimonials shared represent personal experiences and may not reflect the outcomes of all users, as results depend on numerous factors such as consistency, skin type, age, lifestyle, and more.

We strongly recommend consulting with your healthcare provider or dermatologist before incorporating any new skincare regimen, including Frownies products, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or specific skincare concerns.

Thank you for prioritizing your health and well-being.