Face Wash - Recommendations?

**scdemandred** · 10-14-2009, 08:42 AM

What do folks recommend for face-washing products that go harmoniously with a DE shave? I've been using a clearing face wash from Every Man Jack - also the same brand as the brushless cream I was using with my M3 - which is "ok," not spectacular.

I realize this is a highly subjective question; YM will definitely V. I'd just like to know what products work for you all - I'm not convinced the Every Man Jack is doing the best for me.

**ChrisS86** · 10-14-2009, 09:42 AM

Actually, the first question you should ask yourself is "what is my skin type?" Perhaps if your skin is dry, the EMJ skin clearing stuff (with salcylic acid, right?) might be too drying for you, thus negatively impacting your shave.

I personally don't use a cleanser before I shave (I just wash with warm water in the shower and cleanse before bed) as I've found my shaves are better that way. I suggest that you try a gentle, non-acid based cleanser and only wash once a day to start off. Whether or not you use it before you shave is your call.

**Gogo** · 10-14-2009, 09:54 AM

I use antibacterial hand soap to wash my face before shaving. It really helped clear up stubborn ingrown hairs on my neck.

**MinnMD** · 10-14-2009, 10:42 AM

For sensitive skin, my favorite is La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermo-cleanser.

http://www.drugstore.com/products/pr...73&catid=18818

MinnMD

**infotech** · 10-14-2009, 11:39 AM

I like Cetaphil and Men-U face wash. Men-U used to get discussed quite frequently around here. They don't seem to pop up that often these days.

**RILEY** · 10-14-2009, 02:30 PM

I just discovered recently Baxter's face wash has really done the trick for me. My face feels super clean & refreshed after.

**HoratioCaine** · 10-14-2009, 03:40 PM

I like the Baxter's too, although Nancy Boy and Art of Shaving are also quite good. I don't usually use an actual soap for my face, but Santa Maria Novella "Milky" soaps are so gentle and mosturizing, I can usually get away with using them as well, although I still typically prefer a dedicated cleanser.

**ChrisG** · 10-14-2009, 03:42 PM

http://www.kiehls.com/_us/_en/face/c...-face-wash.htm

By far the best. You can even find a local store and get samples.

**scdemandred** · 10-14-2009, 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by ChrisS86

Actually, the first question you should ask yourself is "what is my skin type?" Perhaps if your skin is dry, the EMJ skin clearing stuff (with salcylic acid, right?) might be too drying for you, thus negatively impacting your shave.

I personally don't use a cleanser before I shave (I just wash with warm water in the shower and cleanse before bed) as I've found my shaves are better that way. I suggest that you try a gentle, non-acid based cleanser and only wash once a day to start off. Whether or not you use it before you shave is your call.

Thanks, Chris - this is really good, sensible advice. I think my skin runs to oily, but since I consistently get "bounce" (got it with a NEW Derby blade this morning), I'm thinking that the salycilic acid may indeed be drying my skin.

And thanks everyone for your suggestions!

**fleshdunce** · 10-14-2009, 04:03 PM

I just use Dr. Bronners for my face as well as my body. Doesn't dry out my face and leaves it feeling nice and clean.

Especially the Peppermint is a great picker-upper in the morning. Very refreshing and cooling.

**Kouros** · 10-14-2009, 06:54 PM

I still have not found a better product for my skin than Noxzema.

**JHouse** · 10-14-2009, 07:20 PM

One that I haven't seen mentioned here is Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash. I bought it at a drugstore on a whim because none of the other options were working. I liked how non abrasive cetaphil was, but it felt like it left a film on my face. And with all the others I have tried, I was never quite completely satisfied. Purpose is extremely gentle for me, and my face feels clean, no film, and no dryness. I've been using it for a few months, and it would be tough to find something better.

The only negative thing about it is it goes somewhat fast for me, but it's cheap.

**ChrisS86** · 10-16-2009, 08:47 AM

Originally Posted by JHouse

I liked how non abrasive cetaphil was, but it felt like it left a film on my face

Unfortunately, all cleansers will leave a film on your face. It's the nature of cleansing and the state of your skin after you wash it with something alkaline. The best way to get rid of the film feeling is to use a toner or astringent after you cleanse. I also find that using an acid based cleanser (AHA and/or BHA) alone leaves the least amount of "film feeling" after a good rinse.

**bassguy** · 10-16-2009, 09:01 AM

I'm a big fan of Lush Coalface, but have been using the Nyasha Black organic soap from Fitjar (http://www.fitjarsoapinternational.com/)

**djmike523** · 10-16-2009, 09:11 AM

I concur with the Baxter's users; it's great as a face wash! Plus, the big blue bottle seems to last forever!

BUT...if looking for something to use pre-shave, I recommend C&E's naturals for men facial scrub if you can find it...It retailed at ~$14/$16 a tube, but I was able to pick it up for ~$4 a few months back...l then went back and picked up 5 more because I loved it so much...If you can find it, try it; you wont be disappointed!

**JHouse** · 10-16-2009, 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by ChrisS86

Unfortunately, all cleansers will leave a film on your face. It's the nature of cleansing and the state of your skin after you wash it with something alkaline. The best way to get rid of the film feeling is to use a toner or astringent after you cleanse. I also find that using an acid based cleanser (AHA and/or BHA) alone leaves the least amount of "film feeling" after a good rinse.

I understand, and appreciate your information. Though for me the reason I stopped using Cetaphil wasn't the fact that it did leave residue behind, it was more that it was very noticeable, which never made my skin feel clean... If that makes sense.

I'm not understanding the alkaline comment though, I'm pretty sure cetaphil is acidic. And I know Purpose face wash is, as I tested it myself.

**HoratioCaine** · 10-16-2009, 03:34 PM

Originally Posted by JHouse

I'm not understanding the alkaline comment though, I'm pretty sure cetaphil is acidic. And I know Purpose face wash is, as I tested it myself.

I don't really understand Chris's statement, either, as it is contrary to my understanding. Nearly everything I've read on the matter says that most liquid skin cleansers are detergent based, and most detergents are more acidic than alkaline, more closely resembling the skin's pH. Soaps, on the other hand, are alkaline. They can strip the skin's acid mantle, and they do leave a film behind (soap scum) by reacting with the minerals in hard water. This is one of the main reasons for the "soap is bad for your face" rhetoric (which is overstated, in my opinion), and why liquid cleansers have become such a popular option for use on the face.

**chainfire** · 10-16-2009, 04:00 PM

I've used Korres stuff:

http://www.korresusa.com/product/435...gory/cleansers
also available in a kit with some other stuff:
http://www.korresusa.com/product/513...ory/value-sets

or
http://www.korresusa.com/product/480...gory/cleansers

are both extremely nice and a little goes a long way. The minimal amount you need to use, combined with the fact that their website is also constantly having sales offsets the price.

**Cuttingboard** · 10-16-2009, 04:02 PM

I concur with Kiehl's Facial Fuel, I've tried others and continue to go back to Kiehl's.

**jtomm** · 10-21-2009, 12:40 PM

kiehl's facial fuel is really good stuff. for the money, everyman jack is also very effective. i recently came accross zirh clean at tj maxx for $8 (regularly $15), so i bought two. it smells great and is very mild on my skin.