Washing your face is supposed to be the foundation of any good skincare regimen. It gets rid of dirt, excess oil, and makeup and makes your skin fresh and ready to take in other products. What if, however, your daily face washing routine is more of a detriment to your skin than a benefit? Surprisingly, even the best-intentioned skincare step, i.e. cleansing, can have a boomerang effect if done wrongly or too often.
In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, our expert, Dr Sanjeev Gulati, Department of Dermatology, Sharda Hospital, Noida, shared how to know whether your cleansing routine is undermining your skin health, and how to get back on track. Read ahead to find out
1. Your Skin Feels Tight or Squeaky Clean After Washing
Although that squeaky-clean sensation may feel nice, it's really a warning sign. A stretched, tight feeling is an indication your cleanser is stripping the natural oils that your skin requires to remain in balance.
Red Flag: If your face feels tight, dry, or itchy after washing, it may indicate your skin barrier has been disrupted.
Fix It: Choose gentle, moisturising cleansers, particularly if you have dry or sensitive skin. Try to find ingredients such as glycerin, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid.
2. You're Breaking Out More Often
It's tempting to think that acne equals needing to wash more. But overwashing ends up doing more harm than good by irritating your skin and prompting it to produce more oil, causing clogged pores and more breakouts.
Red Flag: More frequent breakouts or ongoing acne even with regular cleansing.
Fix It: Steer clear of abrasive exfoliating cleansers or products containing excessive active ingredients (such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide in combination). Adhere to once or twice daily washing and top it off with a non-comedogenic moisturiser.
Also Read: What Happens When You Accidently Use Someone's Towel? Expert Shares The After-math
3. Flaking, Redness, or Burning Sensation
If your skin is flaky, red, or feels like it’s burning, your cleanser might be too harsh. This is especially common if you’re using formulas with sulfates, high alcohol content, or strong fragrances.
Red Flag: Skin irritation shortly after washing or over time.
Fix It: Switch to a fragrance-free, pH-balanced cleanser. And avoid washing your face with hot water, which can exacerbate dryness and inflammation.
4. You’re Cleansing Too Frequently
More isn’t always better. Cleansing more than twice a day, or scrubbing your face throughout the day, can wear down your skin’s natural protective barrier.
Red Flag: Washing your face multiple times a day with cleanser (especially when not sweaty or dirty).
Fix It: Stick to cleansing once in the morning and once before bed, no more unless you’ve been sweating or wearing heavy makeup.
5. Your Skin Feels Oily Immediately After Washing
This might seem contradictory, but skin that feels oily soon after cleansing might be overcompensating for lost moisture. When your skin's natural barrier is stripped, it can kick into oil-production overdrive.
Red Flag: Persistent oiliness despite consistent cleansing.
Fix It: Use a gentle foaming cleanser for oily or combination skin, and don’t skip moisturiser. Hydrated skin produces less oil over time.
Cleansing is essential, but only when done right. Listen to your skin, choose the right formula, and don’t overdo it. Remember, skincare is not about being aggressive; it's about being consistent, gentle, and smart.