Dermatologists Reveal 8 Skin-Cleansing Habits to Quit

Cleansing your face is one of the most essential steps in any skincare routine. It removes makeup, oil, pollutants, and other impurities, keeping your skin healthy and preventing breakouts. But even with the best intentions, you might unknowingly harm your skin with certain cleansing habits.

To help you get the most out of your skincare regimen, here are eight cleansing mistakes dermatologists want you to avoid.

1. Cleansing Too Often

Washing your face multiple times a day for that “squeaky-clean” feeling can strip your skin of its natural oils.

• The Risk: Over-cleansing leads to irritation, increased oil production, and breakouts.

• The Fix: Stick to washing your face twice daily once in the morning and once before bed. Wash an extra time only if you've exercised or gotten sweaty, says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist.

2. Overloading on Active Ingredients

Using too many active ingredients (like retinoids, salicylic acid, or vitamin C) can overwhelm your skin.

• The Risk: Overuse can irritate your skin, cause inflammation, and damage the skin barrier.

• The Fix: Start with one active ingredient at a time for at least a month, says Papri Sarkar, MD, a dermatologist. Gradually add others only if needed and tolerated.

3. Only Cleansing Once a Day

Skipping your morning or nighttime wash leaves your skin vulnerable to buildup.

• The Risk: Dirt, oil, and environmental pollutants can clog pores and accelerate skin aging.

• The Fix: Cleanse twice daily to remove sweat, dirt, and makeup. For very dry skin, use a gentle cleanser and wash at least at night before applying skincare products.

4. Using Abrasive Physical Exfoliants

Harsh scrubs with large particles like nut shells can create micro-tears in your skin.

• The Risk: Micro-injuries can cause redness, irritation, and infection.

• The Fix: Opt for gentle physical exfoliants (like jojoba beads) or chemical exfoliants with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid, Dr. Engelman advises.

5. Washing With Bar Soap

Bar soap is too harsh for the delicate skin on your face.

• The Risk: It disrupts your skin’s pH, leading to dryness and irritation.

• The Fix: Use a gel or cream cleanser designed for your skin type. If you prefer bar soap, choose one formulated for sensitive skin, like Dove’s Beauty Bar.

6. Avoiding Oil-Based Cleansers

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you might shy away from oil cleansers, but they’re actually an effective first step in removing makeup and pollutants.

• The Risk: Skipping oil cleansers can leave residues that clog pores.

• The Fix: Try double cleansing: use an oil-based cleanser first, followed by a gel or cream cleanser, says Dr. Engelman.

7. Skipping Cleansing After Exercise

Even if you’ve already washed your face in the morning, neglecting to cleanse after a workout can lead to clogged pores.

• The Risk: Sweat and bacteria can trigger breakouts.

• The Fix: Keep makeup wipes or a gentle cleanser in your gym bag for post-workout refreshment, recommends Dr. Sarkar.

8. Forgetting to Moisturize

Cleansing can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and tight.

• The Risk: Neglecting to moisturize can weaken your skin barrier, leading to dryness and irritation.

• The Fix: Apply a moisturizer immediately after washing. Look for formulas with ceramides to restore your skin’s natural barrier, like CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion.

Final Thoughts

Cleansing is the foundation of healthy skin, but it’s easy to make mistakes. By avoiding these eight habits and sticking to dermatologist-recommended practices, you can keep your skin clear, hydrated, and glowing.

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