Are You Over-Cleansing Your Skin?
Believe it or not, too much cleansing can backfire. Here’s how to find the sweet spot for healthier, happier skin.
We all want clean, healthy skin—but is your cleansing routine doing more harm than good? While cleansing is a cornerstone of skincare, overdoing it can wreak havoc on your skin, leaving it vulnerable and out of balance. The good news? With the right knowledge, you can strike the perfect equilibrium for your skin.
Let’s break it down: what exactly is over-cleansing, how do you know if you’re guilty, and how can you nurse your skin back to health?
What Does Over-Cleansing Mean?
Over-cleansing occurs when your cleansing habits disrupt your skin’s natural balance. This could mean washing your face too frequently, using products that are too harsh, or scrubbing excessively. While that squeaky-clean feeling might seem like a win, it’s often a sign that your skin’s protective barrier has been stripped away.
And what about double cleansing? This beloved skincare technique isn’t necessarily the culprit—it’s all in the execution. When done with gentle, skin-appropriate products, double cleansing can effectively remove makeup and impurities without over-drying. But doing it too often, or pairing it with strong cleansers, can tip the scales toward over-cleansing.
Signs You’re Over-Cleansing
Your skin has ways of telling you when it’s unhappy. Here are some red flags that you might be over-cleansing:
- Dryness and tightness: Skin that feels taut or parched after washing is likely over-cleansed.
- Sensitivity or redness: An irritated complexion can indicate a compromised barrier.
- Eczema flare-ups or itchiness: Over-cleansing can exacerbate underlying skin conditions.
- Breakouts and excess oil: Stripping your skin of natural oils can cause your sebaceous glands to overcompensate, leading to clogged pores and acne.
Why Over-Cleansing Is a Problem
At the heart of healthy skin lies the skin barrier—a protective layer that retains moisture and shields against external irritants. Over-cleansing can weaken this barrier, leading to dehydration, inflammation, and increased sensitivity. Long-term damage can result in premature aging, persistent dryness, and aggravated skin conditions.
The bottom line? An imbalanced cleansing routine not only disrupts your skin’s health but also undermines the effectiveness of your entire skincare regimen.
How to Treat Over-Cleansed Skin
If your skin is crying out for help, don’t fret—recovery is within reach. Here’s how to reset and repair your skin:
1. Go back to basics with your cleanser.
Today’s cleansers are getting fancier by the minute, but an overachieving formula doesn’t necessarily make it better (at least not for all). Dr. Maximin Navarro, resident dermatologist at Bella Pelle Skin Solutions, advises going for a soap-free formula that is non-comedogenic—meaning it won’t clog pores—has no harsh cleansing agents, no botanical extracts, no essential oils, and is pH-balanced.” One such option is Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser, P2,100, which is gentle even on the most delicate and sensitive skin.
 Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser, P2,100 |
 Bioderma Sensibio H2O AR, P1,350 |
For those who love double cleansing, consider Bioderma Sensibio H2O AR, P1,350, as your first step. Its micellar formula is gentle yet effective. According to Dr. Navarro, “Micelles, inspired by the skin’s lipids, are invisible micro-droplets that attract and capture impurities while maintaining the skin’s natural protective barrier.” This cult-favorite removes makeup and impurities without causing irritation, leaving your skin primed for a water-based cleanser suited to your skin type.
(Also read: Which cleanser is best for you?)
2. Always, always follow up with moisturizer.
Moisturizing post-cleansing is non-negotiable. Reach for barrier-repairing moisturizers like the Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream, P1,800, or the Ivatherm Aquafil Hydra Rich Hydrating Cream, P2,550, both brimming with soothing ingredients to replenish and protect your skin.
 Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream, P1,800 |
 Ivatherm Aquafil Hydra Rich Hydrating Cream, P2,550 |
For extreme dryness on the body, a more intensive moisturizer like Neostrata Problem Dry Skin Cream, P2,880, could be the game-changer you need. Formulated with a rich, highly emollient blend, it significantly improves rough, calloused, and scaly skin.
3. Pause exfoliation.
Temporarily put away harsh exfoliants—whether physical or chemical—until your skin regains its strength. This includes products with acids or AHAs, like your glycolic acid toners and creams. Once skin is healed or is feeling less taut or dry, you can reintroduce your exfoliators sparingly. It’s best to start again with lower concentrations, too, even if you’re used to stronger formulas.
4. Invest in barrier-repair products.
Products with niacinamide, Centella Asiatica (a.k.a. cica), or zinc can work wonders for repairing your skin’s barrier. The zinc-infused Bioderma Cicabio Cream, P1,300, for example, helps repair dry and irritated skin by supporting its natural healing process.
 Bioderma Cicabio Cream, P1,300 |
 Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume, P1,990 |
Meanwhile, Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume, P1,990, is formulated with a patented Skin Barrier Therapy™, to protect against bacteria and allergens, two key triggers of dryness.
5. Get shielded with sunscreen.
A weakened skin barrier is even more susceptible to UV damage. Use a hydrating, non-irritating sunscreen like Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF 50, P1,800, to protect your skin while keeping it moisturized.
 Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF 50, P1,800 |
 Heliocare 360 Water Gel, P2,120 |
An extra moisturizing option is Heliocare 360 Water Gel, P2,120, which has a light, aqueous formula that’s quickly absorbed, leaving the skin hydrated even during sun exposure.
How to Prevent Over-Cleansing
Once your skin is back in balance, prevention is key:
- Cleanse twice a day, max. Morning and evening are enough for most skin types.
- Avoid alcohol-based toners. These can alter the skin barrier, leadin to dehydration and dryness of the skin.
- Handle skin with care. There’s no need to scrub your face vigorously—let your products do the work.
- Choose your products wisely. Match your cleanser to your skin type and concerns.
Over-cleansing might seem harmless at first, but its effects on your skin’s health can be significant. By recognizing the signs and refining your routine, you can restore your skin’s natural balance and glow.
For customized skincare, haircare, and body care recommendations, you can book a face-to-face or virtual consultation with Dr. Maximin Navarro, resident dermatologist at Bella Pelle Skin Solutions, here. You may also contact the Bella Pelle Skin Solutions clinic at (+63) 999-887-1933. For a full list of facial services and other treatments, click here.
Bella Pelle Skin Solutions is located 2/F L Building, #142 Katipunan, Brgy. Saint Ignatius, Quezon City. The center is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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SHOP OTHER PRODUCTS:
 Biretix Purifying Cleansing Gel, P1,100 |
 Mesoestetic Brightening Foam, P2,200 |
 Bella Pelle Skin Solutions Oatmeal Soap, P195 |
 Vanicream Cleansing Bar, P720 |
