Cleansing your face is an essential part of your skincare routine. Unfortunately, I often see people clean their skin too often or with the wrong products, which can lead to various skin problems.
A well-cleansed skin looks fresh and radiant, retains its moisture and is less likely to develop congestion and breakouts. On the other hand, skin that is cleansed too often or incorrectly can look dull, dry or oily. Over-cleansing can damage the skin barrier and remove beneficial bacteria that are important for healthy skin. The trick is to find the right balance, and this can vary from person to person.
Is your skin as delicate as silk or as rugged as denim?
You can compare cleansing your skin to washing clothes: some fabrics come out of the wash radiant, while others are damaged after just one wash. It is important to discover whether your skin is more like a silk blouse, which requires careful treatment, or a pair of jeans that can tolerate a bit more. It is also useful to know what causes your skin problems, so that you can adjust your cleansing routine accordingly.
Know your skin type
To choose the right cleansing method, it is essential to first understand how your skin behaves. Try to determine this by washing your face with only water for two to three days, without any cleansing products, and ask yourself the following questions:
Does your skin become oily or feel dry during the day?
- Do you suffer from pimples?
- Is your skin sensitive?
- Do you suffer from rosacea?
Cleansing tips for dry and/or sensitive skin
For dry or sensitive skin, it is important to cleanse as gently as possible. Use a gentle, non-foaming cleanser in the evening and rinse with water. Preferably choose a milky cleanser with added oil that does not irritate the skin. In the morning, you can simply rinse your face with water. If your skin remains dry or irritated, try a vegetable oil as a cleanser. Although it sounds contradictory, oil can dissolve dirt and bacteria without drying out the skin. Massage the oil into the skin and rinse with water or a mild cleanser. If necessary, mix some oil into your cleansing product. Rice oil, jojoba oil and camellia oil are particularly suitable for this because they are not too greasy and even remove waterproof make-up.
Dry skin with pimples
If you suffer from dry skin with pimples, you can also cleanse your skin with oil. Then cleanse again with a water-soluble cleanser to remove unwanted bacteria. After cleansing, it is important to immediately hydrate your skin with a moisturizer that contains soothing and restorative ingredients. Apply this while your skin is still slightly damp for optimal effect.
Rosacea and cleansing
Rosacea is often associated with sensitive skin and sometimes with pimples or bumps, caused by mites that live on the skin. Unfortunately, this is often not checked by doctors. It is important to keep your skin clean if you have rosacea, but cleaning too intensively can damage the skin barrier and worsen the symptoms. Therefore, it is wise to carefully experiment with different products and techniques to find out what works best for your skin.
Product recommendations
Dr. Jetske Ultee – Cleanser (normal to dry skin)
- Contains shea butter for extra hydration
- Fragrance free and vegan
- Gentle cleansing that respects the skin barrier.
Paula's Choice – Omega+ Complex Cleansing Balm
- Mild, water-free balm that prevents water from drying out the skin
- Fragrance-free and vegan.
CeraVe – Hydrating Cleanser
- Contains moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin
- Suitable for sensitive and dry skin
- Fragrance-free and vegan.
Eucerin – DermatoCLEAN Soothing Cleansing Milk
- Milky formula with a high concentration of glycerin for extra hydration
- Fragrance-free and vegan.