What Face Wash is Right For Me?

There are a lot of facial cleansers out there, but which one is the right one for you? SkinMedica offers four different face washes – Facial Cleanser, AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, Pore Purifying Gel Cleanser and HA5 Hydra Collagen Hydrating Foaming Cleanser. These three offer a variety of benefits, but let’s break down what they are.

Start with skin type and sensitivity. If your skin is balanced, reactive, or you’re unsure, choose Facial Cleanser as your default daily wash—it’s gentle, removes makeup and sunscreen, and won’t strip. If you’re often tight or dehydrated, or you want barrier-support and cushiony foam, use HA⁵ Hydra Collagen Hydrating Foaming Cleanser instead. Both are safe for everyday AM/PM use and pair well with actives in the rest of your routine.

If oil, shine, and breakouts are your main concerns, reach for Pore Purifying Gel Cleanser. Its clarifying gel format cuts through excess sebum and helps keep pores clear, making it ideal for combination to oily or acne-prone skin. Use once or twice daily; if you’re sensitive, start with evenings only. Avoid over-cleansing—skin should feel clean, not squeaky.

If dullness, rough texture, or visible pores bother you, add AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser two to four times per week. The exfoliating acids polish away buildup for a brighter, smoother look. Use it in place of your regular cleanser on exfoliation days, then follow with a calming toner/serum. Skip it the same night you use strong retinoids to minimize irritation.

Smart combinations: pair a daily base cleanser with a targeted add-on. For dry or mature skin, use HA⁵ Hydrating daily and rotate AHA/BHA a few times weekly for glow. For oily or congested skin, use Pore Purifying nightly and keep Facial Cleanser for mornings—or double-cleanse at night with Facial Cleanser first, then Pore Purifying. Always moisturize after cleansing and wear sunscreen in the daytime.

SkinMedica Facial Cleanser

SkinMedica Facial Cleanser is SkinMedica’s best-selling cleanser for all skin types. It removes environmental pollutants, excess oil and makeup, and hydrates and refreshes the skin. This is an ideal facial cleanser for everyday use.

Key Ingredients-

Panthenol (Pro-Vitmain B6) is an agent that binds moisture to surface skin layers, encouraging healthy skin while soothing and calming your skin.

Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract is a plant extract that provides antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects on the skin, preventing free radical damage.

How to Use-

Apply your cleanser as the first product in your AM and PM routine. Moisten your skin with lukewarm water, lather cleanser into your hands, and massage into the skin. Rinse thoroughly.

SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

This exfoliating cleanser gently removes dead skin cells, enhancing the appearance of your skin tone and texture. We recommend pairing this cleanser with the Facial Cleanser to avoid over-exfoliating your skin. A good routine would be to use the exfoliating cleanser three times a week in the evenings, while using the Facial Cleanser on the other evenings and every morning.

Key Ingredients-

Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Citric Acid, and Malic Acid- each of these are a natural alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that provide mild exfoliation to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles while enhancing skin texture.

Jojoba Oil- round soft jojoba spheres work to gently exfoliate the skin.

Salicylic Acid- a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that helps exfoliate the skin.

How to Use-

Moisten skin with warm water. Apply a small amount to the fingertips, add a little water and gently exfoliate and cleanse the face using small circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. While using this product, the AHA may increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunburn, so it is important to use sunscreen regularly!

SkinMedica HA5 Hydra Collagen Hydrating Foaming Cleanser

Experience the SkinMedica HA⁵ Hydra Collagen Foaming Cleanser, a clinically proven gem that effortlessly wipes away makeup and impurities, hydrating your skin for a radiant, dewy glow you’ll love!

Key Ingredients-

HA5 Hydra Collagen Complex:

This formulation offers immediate hydration using five types of hyaluronic acid (HA) and Hydra Collagen, which help attract and retain moisture for instant hydration.

Amino Acid Complex:

This formula effectively cleans the skin while preserving its natural pH balance and supporting the microbiome for a silky smooth feel.

Pea Peptide:

A peptide that helps maintain skin barrier integrity, providing high moisture levels while soothing the skin.

How to Use-

Moisten skin with warm water. Dispense two full pumps into palm of hand, apply by gently massaging over the entire affected area. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

SkinMedica Pore Purifying Gel Cleanser

SkinMedica Pore Purifying Gel Cleanser is a gentle, non-irritating formula that features clinically proven ingredients. It effectively removes makeup, oil, impurities, and dirt to cleanse and purify the pores while supporting the skin’s barrier and enhancing skin texture.

Key Ingredients-

Salicylic Acid (BHA): gently exfoliates and helps clear pores.

Bakuchiol: targets post-blemish discoloration and visible redness.

Antioxidants: support clearer-looking skin.

Soothing botanicals (Aloe + Olive Leaf): calm and soften skin.

How to Use-

Apply as the first product used in your morning and evening skincare routine.Moisten skin with warm water. Apply a small amount to the fingertips, add a little water, and cleanse the face using small circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

These four facial cleansers are excellent options to help you find the best fit for your skin. Begin with the Facial Cleanser or the HA5 Foaming Cleanser. After that, consider incorporating either the AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser or the Pore Purifying Gel Cleanser into your routine. Just remember to wash your face every morning and evening!

SHOP THIS BLOG: