Foam vs Cream Cleanser In Winter - What’s Dermatologist-Approved? Know Here

During winter most of us feel tightness, flakiness, irritation, and a sudden loss of that supple glow in our skin almost overnight. According to experts, winter can be tough on our skin. Cold air, indoor heating, and dry conditions have a tendency to leave the skin feeling tight, flaky, or irritated. Therefore, choosing the right skincare products is essential. As cleansing is the fundamental first step in any routine for maintaining skin health, selecting the right cleanser becomes a critical choice. However, with so many options available, people always oscillate between foam and cream cleanser. 

So, which one should you really use when the temperatures drop? In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, our expert, Dr Arti Sharma, Senior Consultant Doctor, Dermatologist, Derma Puritys Aesthetic Clinic, Delhi, helped us make this decision. Read ahead to find out.

Foam Cleansers

Foam cleansers are the favourite for any person who loves a squeaky clean finish. They lather well and remove excess oil and makeup efficiently, and feel refreshing on the skin. For summer, or on oily and acne-prone skin, they help in controlling shine and reducing breakouts. However, winter tells a different story altogether.

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According to Dr Sharma, while foam cleaners do a deep cleansing, they also strip the skin of natural oils, thus worsening dryness, flakiness, and irritation. This is particularly so in the case of dry, combination, or sensitive skin, where individuals often complain of tightness and discomfort immediately after washing their face in colder months.

Note that it is not totally, but as per experts, it is inadvisable to use cleansers of a foamy nature during winter, except if one has oily skin.

Cream Cleansers

If foam cleansers are the overachievers of the cleansing world, cream cleansers are the nurturing caregivers. Dr Sharma calls them a winter-friendly choice, and for good reason. Cream cleansers tend to be more rich in texture and formulated with hydrating ingredients such as

• Glycerin
• Hyaluronic acid
• Plant-based oils
• Ceramides

These actives clean without stripping the skin of its protective barrier, and help lock in moisture while taking away dirt, sunscreen, and impurities in a gentle manner. Cream cleansers are the safer alternative for everyday use for people who fight seasonal dryness, irritation, redness, or flakiness. Using one consistently during winter helps prevent post-cleansing tightness and keeps skin soft and nourished.

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Dermatologist Advice on Winter Skin Care

According to Dr Sharma, winter is not the time to try aggressive cleansing. You can still use a foaming cleanser every now and then, especially if your skin is naturally oily, but a cream cleanser should be your everyday mainstay.

"If it leaves your skin dry or irritated after washing, change it to a milder one," she advised. She also pointed out that adding professional winter-friendly facials can help restore hydration and support the skin barrier, enhancing your daily routine.

Winter Cleansing Tips Backed by Dermatologists

Here are a few other things Dr Sharma wanted you all to know:

• Use lukewarm water, never hot as it strips essential oils.
• Cleanse no more than twice a day.
• Always follow cleansing with a moisturiser to seal in hydration.
• Opt for cream cleansers with aloe vera, chamomile, glycerin, or ceramides for a more soothing action.

Foam vs Cream Cleanser In Winter – Final Verdict

As far as the debate between foam and cream goes, winter would definitely be a cream cleanser-winner. They are dermatologist-approved for most skin types during the colder months, as they cleanse very delicately while protecting your skin's moisture barrier. Also, they help keep your skin healthy, radiant, and irritation-free through the season when combined with Derma Puritys hydrating facials.