How to Use Cleansing Foam

Co-authored by Lydia Shedlofsky, DO

Last Updated: May 20, 2024 References

Cleansing foams are deep-cleaning face washes that form a foamy, sudsy lather on your skin. While cleansing foams can be a bit too harsh for some skin types, they are a great option if you have oily, acne-prone skin. Washing your face with cleansing foam will remove excess dirt and oil from your face and keep your skin feeling fresh and clean. Before using a cleansing foam, however, it’s important that you determine if cleansing foam is the right type of face wash for your skin.

Correctly Using a Cleansing Foam

Splash your face with warm water to wet your skin.
Squirt 2 pumps of foam into your hands.
Gently massage the foam into your face and neck using circular motions.
Splash warm water on your face to rinse away the foam.
Pat your face with a clean, dry towel.
Apply a gentle moisturizer onto your clean skin.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Washing Your Face with Cleansing Foam

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1
Wet your face with warm water. First, pull your hair back out of your face with a hair tie or headband. Turn on both the hot and cold water and let it run for a few seconds to heat up, adjusting as needed until the water is warm. Then, use your hands to splash water on your face.^{[1]
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- Using water that is too hot is harsh and damaging to your skin, so make sure the water is comfortably warm.
2
Massage 2 pumps of cleansing foam gently over your face. First, press down on the pump twice to dispense the cleansing foam into your hands. Then, gently massage the foam all over your face and neck in circular motion, avoiding your eyes.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 3 May 2021.}^{[3]
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Research source} This will help cleanse your skin by removing any impurities while increasing circulation, which will promote cell growth.
- While it may be tempting to scrub the foam into your skin if you’re removing layers of makeup or sunscreen, doing so can irritate your skin. It may also push impurities deeper into your pores and make acne worse.^{[4]
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Once your face is completely lathered in foam, use your hands to splash water on your face to rinse the cleansing foam off. Make sure that you rinse thoroughly to remove any residual dirt or cleanser on your face, as this can clog your pores.^{[5]
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Pat your face dry with a clean towel. Using a fresh, clean towel, pat your face gently all over until it’s dry.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 3 May 2021.} Avoid rubbing your skin with the towel, as this can irritate your skin and cause redness.^{[7]
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- When drying your skin after using cleansing foam, always use a fresh, clean towel. Reusing a towel even once can transfer bacteria into your pores and cause breakouts, irritation, or even an infection.^{[8]
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Even if you have oily, acne-prone skin, it’s important that you always follow a cleansing foam wash with moisturizer to restore your skin’s natural moisture.^{[9]
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Research source} This is particularly important if your cleansing foam contains sodium lauryl sulfate (as most do), which could dry out and irritate your skin if you don’t re-moisturize after use.^{[10]
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Expert Source

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 3 May 2021.}

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Determining If Cleansing Foam Is Right for Your Skin

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1
Try a cleansing foam if your skin is oily and acne-prone. Cleansing foams tend to get rid of more excess oil in your skin than other types of face wash.^{[11]
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Research source} As a result, this type of cleanser is generally recommended for people with oily, acne-prone skin.
- Most cleansing foams contain an ingredient called sodium lauryl sulfate, which strips the oils out of your skin. While this can be irritating for many skin types, if you have very oily skin, it may work for you and leave your skin feeling clean and fresh.^{[12]
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James Hamblin, Preventative Medicine Specialist

The best way to clean the skin is to use gentle, non-irritating cleansers that do not strip the skin of its natural oils. It is also important to avoid over-cleansing and to allow the skin to maintain its natural balance.
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Use a cleansing foam to remove heavy makeup or sunscreen. If you use any makeup or sunscreen products that are difficult to remove, using a cleansing foam could be a good option for you. Cleansing foams create a foamy lather that tends to be more effective at breaking down products and impurities on your skin than other types of face washes, making them easier to remove.^{[13]
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- If you have sensitive or dry skin, you’ll likely want to only use a cleansing foam to remove heavy makeup and sunscreen and stick to a more gentle cleanser for everyday washes.
3
Choose a moisturizing cleansing foam if your skin is sensitive. While most cleansing foams can be a bit too harsh for sensitive skin types, there are some products that are formulated with moisturizers. These moisturizing cleansing foams are a great option for people whose skin is prone to acne breakouts, yet sensitive and easily irritated. The foam formula will strip your skin of dirt and impurities, while the added moisturizes will keep your face from drying out.^{[14]
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- When searching for a moisturizing cleansing foam, look for options that are labeled “non-soap” or “neutral pH.”^{[15]
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Avoid using a cleansing foam if your skin is very dry. Because cleansing foams are formulated to strip oils out of your skin, they generally aren’t recommended for people whose skin is already dry and sensitive. While it’s possible that a cleansing foam with added moisturizers could work for dry and sensitive skin, you’re likely better off trying out a different type of cleanser.^{[16]
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- A hydrating cream cleanser might be a good option for you if a cleansing foam is too harsh for your skin.^{[17]
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Tips

With so many different cleansing foams with a variety of different ingredients and formulas on the market, it can be difficult to figure out which option is best for you. While you can assess based on the ingredients to a degree, the best way to find a cleansing foam that works for you is to test them out.^{[18]
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