Over cleansing: Why Squeaky Clean is Not Good for Your Skin
Cleansing is one of the most important steps in any skin care routine. At night, it removes the dirt, oil, makeup, and environmental pollutants that build up on your skin throughout the day. Many people also cleanse in the morning to remove excess oils, active ingredients and impurities transferred from pillowcases or bedding.
But how do you know if you are overdoing it?
The idea of a “squeaky clean” face might sound appealing, but in skin care, it is not a good sign. If your skin feels tight, dry, or stretched after cleansing, or if it becomes sensitive or red with dry patches, you may be over-cleansing. Washing too often or using harsh products strips away your skin’s natural lipid barrier and disrupts its pH level. This can trigger your skin to produce more oil in response, which leads you to cleanse again—creating a damaging cycle.
Harsh or alkaline cleansers can also dry out the skin, leaving it raw and dehydrated. When the skin’s protective barrier, also known as the acid mantle, is compromised, it becomes vulnerable to bacteria and irritants. This can result in inflammation, rashes, breakouts, or even conditions like rosacea and atopic dermatitis.
One of the first things we address with any new client at the salon is the state of their skin barrier. A damaged barrier is one of the most common causes of persistent skin issues, including flakiness, redness, itchiness, and breakouts.
The good news is that the skin barrier can be restored with the right approach and products.
If you are experiencing signs of over-cleansing or have concerns about your skin’s condition, we encourage you to book a consultation with our team. During your appointment, we will assess your skin, identify any barrier damage, and guide you towards a cleansing routine and product selection that suits your individual needs.
