11/08/2026
Are you over-cleansing your skin?
It's widely taught “clean” skin is the foundation of a good skincare routine, but sometimes doing less can actually be better for your skin barrier!
Here are a few cleansing habits I think are worth reconsidering...
Your AM cleanse is unnecessary
For many people, particularly those with dry or sensitive skin, there’s no real need to cleanse again first thing in the morning. Your skin hasn’t accumulated the same sweat, pollution, SPF and makeup that it has by the end of the day. A splash of lukewarm water may be all you need before applying your morning skincare.
Keep your face away from hot shower water
Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils and worsen dryness and irritation. Always use lukewarm water on your face and, ideally, avoid washing your face directly under the shower. The combination of hotter water, pressure and prolonged exposure isn’t doing your skin barrier any favours!
Dry skin? Try this before showering
Apply a thin layer of an ointment-based moisturiser like the dr storm night moisturiser or Vaseline before getting into the shower. This creates an occlusive barrier that can help reduce water loss and protect very dry or compromised skin.
Micellar water isn’t necessarily the problem - how you use it might be
Repeatedly rubbing the skin with cotton pads until they come away completely clean can cause unnecessary friction and irritation. If your skin feels tight, dry or sore afterwards, look at your technique as well as the product itself. Gentle is the goal!
And what about acids in cleansers?
I’m generally not a fan. Ingredients such as salicylic acid need sufficient contact with the skin to exert their effect. In a cleanser that’s applied and rinsed away shortly afterwards, that contact time is limited. Exfoliating cleansers often contribute to dryness or irritation.
Cleansing shouldn’t leave your skin feeling squeaky clean, tight or stripped. Your skin barrier is there for a reason...treat it gently.
Was this helpful? Let me know in the comments please! 👇