Can soap be used to wash the face?

When washing your face, soap is not the best choice. Although soap—a basic cleanser—effectively removes impurities from the skin, frequent use can strip facial skin of moisture, leading to dryness. Specifically, for oily skin, while occasional soap use may help remove excess sebum, long-term use can trigger overproduction of oil as a compensatory response. For dry skin, soap is particularly problematic, as it further depletes the skin’s essential natural oils. To maintain a healthy balance of hydration and sebum, it is advisable to choose a mildly acidic facial cleanser, which better matches the skin’s natural pH. Additionally, use lukewarm water—not excessively hot or cold—to avoid irritating the skin. This approach helps keep your skin in optimal condition.