Posted on February 26, 2024<\/em> Written by: 100% PURE\u00ae<\/em><\/p>\n Regarding skincare, could cleansing our faces become too much of a good thing? We know that scrubby-dubbing our complexions with exfoliants seems fine in the meantime – until our dermis turns on us \u2013 but washing our faces seems straightforward and skin-ocent\u2026 or is it?<\/p>\n We often forget that our skin is a fragile, living tissue that needs to be treated with TLC. But we may overcompensate on the \u2018T\u2019 or \u2018C\u2019 by over-cleansing. Now, your \u2018too much of a good thing\u2019 is stripped, unhappy skin. <\/p>\n Using a natural cleanser is only the first step in maintaining a clean and healthy skin cleansing routine. Let\u2019s discuss the most important dos and don\u2019ts of face cleansing, and tackle the basics of washing your face the right way \u2013 according to dermatologists \u2013 plus the best cleansers to maintain skin balance for a fresh, radiant, happy complexion.<\/p>\n Sunscreen, sweat, excess oil, dirt, dust, pollution, and makeup (oh, my!) can accumulate on your face throughout the day. Without a thorough cleanse later, we run the risk of clogged pores, which could lead to unsightly blackheads and blemishes. So, it\u2019s understandable we may be eager beavers to rub and tug suds feverishly on our faces to get that squeaky-clean feel. <\/p>\n However, you should stop, do not pass go, or collect. This is over-cleansing your dermis and will cause your skin a great dis-monopoly. Here are some of the common signs that indicate your skin might be suffering from over-cleansing:<\/p>\n Dryness:<\/p>\n When the skin barrier becomes weakened due to over-cleansing, dryness is more likely to occur since it\u2019s less able to prevent trans-epidermal water loss. There\u2019s a feeling of tightness, discomfort, and a lack of moisture or hydration on and within the skin. In addition to this feeling of tightness, dry skin can be more prone to cracking, splitting, rashes, burns, and reactivity. Often with dryness, the acid mantle<\/a> on the skin needs a bit of maintenance due to over-cleansing and stripping of the protective barrier.<\/p>\n Irritation:<\/p>\n Over-cleansing your skin weakens its protective barrier, which works to keep our skin healthy and lubricated while acting as a shield from pathogens and impurities. The skin may feel tight after every cleanse, and may even become flaky and irritated. The skin barrier will also have a harder time defending against invading microbes, which can lead to clogged pores and blemishes. On top of that, premature aging becomes more of a risk for a frequently parched or irritated skin barrier.<\/p>\n Increased Sensitivity:<\/p>\n Over-cleansing can strip natural oil levels from your skin and create unwarranted sensitivity. When you have gone overboard with skin cleansing, your dermis can feel sensitive or show signs of sensitivity with reddish, dry patches, as well as irritation – and even peeling. This can be especially true if you use harsh cleansers or hot water, which can further strip the skin of its natural oils damage the skin barrier, and increase skin sensitivities.<\/p>\n As we have pointed out, over-cleansing your skin will throw your dermis and its pH out of balance, especially if you\u2019re not using a natural cleanser. Many on the market use harsh and drying surfactants, petrochemicals as preservatives, and other unsavory ingredients, which can lead to breakouts, dry skin, and generally worsened skin symptoms. <\/p>\n Most importantly, over-cleansing can strip your complexion of its natural oils, leading to a compromised skin barrier. As we briefly covered, going overboard with washing can damage your skin\u2019s protective barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, and even breakouts. When your skin is stripped of its natural oils, it can cause your skin to overcompensate by producing more oil, which can lead to oily skin and clogged pores.<\/p>\n Since the skin has a natural microbiome of healthy bacteria that helps protect against harmful bacteria and maintain healthy skin, over-cleansing your face can disrupt this balance, which can lead to an imbalance in your skin’s microbiome and potentially cause issues such as dryness, irritation, or sensitivity, as well as affect the health of our skin overall.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n You wouldn\u2019t polish your nails after a good file or tips before washing your hands, would you? It\u2019s the same concept with your skin: an effective skincare routine starts with a cleansed dermis. Before you try to reap the full benefits from all your skincare products, you\u2019ll want to focus on removing every impurity from your skin without stripping its precious barrier. <\/p>\n The key is \u2018without\u2019, and that means how to skin-cleanse the right way! We weighed in on the basics of washing your face the right way \u2013 according to dermatologists \u2013 based on different skin types, and here are some recommendations to help guide you.<\/p>\n When it comes to skin cleansing, fingertips are the best tool you can use \u2013 provided they\u2019re clean! The American Academy of Dermatology<\/a> warns against scrubbing your skin with harsh surfaces like washcloths and mesh sponges (or your fingernails), which can irritate and damage your skin.<\/p>\n According to dermatologists, very hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils<\/a>, weakening its defensive barrier. This is bad news for skin health because the defensive barrier plays an important role in preventing skin damage from UV rays and other environmental aggressors. It also helps to defend your skin against irritants that could cause inflammation.<\/p>\n Try rinsing your face with lukewarm water before cleansing, as this will help to open your pores, and gently massage a natural cleanser on your face. Washing your face once with a conventional cleanser is unlikely to remove all the makeup or impurities on your skin. Thoroughly removing makeup with a natural cleanser is important for avoiding breakouts and harsh ingredients that can affect the health of your skin. <\/p>\n Follow up skin cleansing with a splash of cold water to seal your skin\u2019s cuticle, and finish with a curated skincare routine for your skin type<\/a>, which includes moisture and sun protection!<\/p>\n As we have covered over-cleansing your skin can lead to dryness, inflammation, and a weakened defensive barrier, on the other hand, under-washing can cause dullness as well as clogged pores from impurities, which can lead to acne. This could further increase your risk of getting a skin infection.<\/p>\n According to the American Association of Dermatologists<\/a>, most skin types should try to wash their face once in the morning once in the evening, and after sweating profusely. Sweat can irritate your skin<\/a>, clog pores, and cause breakouts. Therefore, it\u2019s important to cleanse your face as soon as possible after sweat-inducing activities, like intense exercise. But for oily skin types during hot or humid months, you may need a mid-day cleanse after sweating, exercising, or time outdoors. <\/p>\n If you\u2019re shopping for a natural cleanser, the first step is knowing what your skin type needs to succeed. Choosing the wrong cleanser can lead to breakouts, dry skin, and generally worsened skin symptoms. Here\u2019s what you should be looking for on selecting the appropriate natural cleanser to avoid over-cleansing, based on your skin type:<\/p>\n DRY SKIN Cleanser Needs: OILY\/ACNE-PRONE SKIN Cleanser Needs: COMBO SKIN Cleanser Needs: SENSITIVE SKIN Cleanser Needs: NORMAL SKIN Cleanser Needs: DULL SKIN Cleanser Needs: AGING SKIN Cleanser Needs: When your skin barrier becomes damaged, it\u2019s all too easy to (quite literally) feel uncomfortable in your skin. Luckily, the skin barrier can repair itself over time, and some steps and products can help restore skin health after over-cleansing. <\/p>\n It\u2019s all about balance by hydrating, nourishing, and keeping things gentle for the skin \u2013 plus how to adjust your skincare routine to prevent over-cleansing now and in the future!<\/p>\n #1: Use Skin Barrier Repair Products When shopping for a barrier repair product, check for ingredients that can help restore the skin barrier like niacinamide<\/a>, ceramides, and fatty acids. Soothing ingredients like aloe vera, rose hydrosol, and calendula<\/a> can also help ease redness and inflammation that may occur with a damaged skin barrier.<\/p>\n Our Restorative Sea Culture Replenishing Serum<\/a> contains sea kelp, algae extract, and chia seed to help restore the skin barrier for a healthier microbiome and a restored glow. There\u2019s also our Rose Hyaluronic Acid Serum<\/a>, which can soothe irritated skin and replenish moisture.<\/p>\n #2: Switch Up Your Cleansing Tactics Instead, cleanse with products that hydrate and nourish your skin while cleansing it. If you\u2019re using makeup wipes or harsh makeup removers, opt instead for cleansing oils and cleansing balms. Our Blood Orange Cleansing Balm<\/a>, for instance, moisturizes the skin while melting off makeup and dirt with the help of avocado, coconut, and olive leaf extract.<\/p>\n And cleansing balms work best when paired with a non-stripping gel, like our Rose Water Gel Cleanser<\/a>, or for even more hydration, cleansing milk, like our Calendula Flower Cleansing Milk<\/a>.<\/p>\n #3: Up Your Moisture Game While a daily moisturizer is still essential, try finishing off your nighttime with a rich, balmy moisturizer that will lock in water while you sleep. Our Intensive Nourishing Balm<\/a> and our Multi-Vitamin + Antioxidants Ultra Rich\u00e9 PM Treatment<\/a> are excellent options!<\/p>\n #4: Re-Examine Your SPF Strategy If you haven\u2019t already, start making an SPF a part of your daily skincare regimen, ideally a physical sunscreen that uses minerals to shield your skin from the sun.<\/p>\n Our Green Tea SPF 30<\/a> protects the skin from harmful UV rays while rehydrating with green tea and aloe. <\/p>\n A daily hydrating skincare routine is your secret weapon for radiant, healthy skin. With active ingredients that work their magic to moisturize and balance your complexion \u2013 without over-cleansing your skin – you’ll rock your day with refreshed, glowing skin. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse for some well-deserved me-time!<\/p>\n #1: Wash Your Face #2: Tone Your Skin #3: Time For Serum #4: Moisturize Your Skin For an extra hydration boost, add a few drops of our Super Fruit Facial Oil<\/a>. Gently massage it into your skin and let it absorb, then drift off to your wonderful day that lay ahead, knowing you\u2019re going to rock gorgeous, glowing skin!<\/p>\n
Ingredients that inject rich moisture, such as rosehip, coconut oil, or argan oil<\/a>, and refreshing hydration into the skin \u2013 skip the foaming cleansers.<\/p>\n
Ingredients such as neem, green clay, or degreasing blood orange<\/a> to seriously balance sebum surplus, calm redness, soothe inflammation, and purify pores.<\/p>\n
Ingredients that both regulate oil and reinforce moisture, such as green clay and colloidal oatmeal, while providing the right balance for skin, with ingredients such as lavender, geranium, or coneflower.<\/p>\n
Ingredients that will cleanse and replenish without stripping or irritating skin, such as calming calendula, and skin-soothing ingredients like chamomile and aloe.<\/p>\n
Ingredients that keep skin in balance while reinforcing tone, texture, and hydration, such as hyaluronic acid, aloe, cactus, and coconut oil.<\/p>\n
Ingredients that regulate melanin production, slough away layers of dead skin, improve skin texture, and brighten skin tone, such as niacinamide.<\/p>\n
Gentle, non-stripping ingredients that encourage brightness, elasticity, moisture retention, and skin suppleness like coconut, argan, or olive oil, as well as avocado butter, are all nourishing. They also contain important vitamins like A and E, which help to repair and nourish skin while lessening aging concerns.<\/p>\n
There are products on the market that can help repair the skin barrier, and they can be identified by the ingredients they contain.<\/p>\n
Over-cleansing is one of the most common causes of a damaged skin barrier, especially when using harsh ingredients like alcohol<\/a> and artificial fragrances.<\/p>\n
Perhaps above all, hydrating products are going to be especially helpful. Those with a thick, occlusive consistency are especially beneficial for preventing trans-epidermal water loss as your skin barrier heals.<\/p>\n
When the skin goes unprotected, the sun is going to cause damage, both short-term and long-term. No matter what season, time of day, clouds, or rain, make SPF a priority.<\/p>\n
Every great skincare routine starts with a clean canvas. Melt away makeup and impurities with our Blood Orange Cleansing Balm<\/a>. Just scoop out a small amount, gently massage onto your face, and rinse with lukewarm water. For a lighter option, try our Rose Water Gel Cleanser<\/a> \u2013 it’s gentle, yet effective.<\/p>\n
Keep your skin hydrated and balanced with our Restorative Sea Culture Hydrating Toner<\/a>. Simply apply with a cotton pad to remove any leftover debris and give your skin that extra boost of hydration.<\/p>\n
Say hello to long-lasting hydration with our Rose Hyaluronic Acid Serum<\/a>. This soothing formula restores your skin’s youthful bounce and elasticity while calming redness. Massage a few drops onto your face and neck for the ultimate skin treat.<\/p>\n
Seal the deal with our Rose Water Hydrating Milk<\/a>. This lightweight moisturizer, featuring rose hydrosol and hyaluronic acid, hydrates and calms redness caused by dehydration. Pat a small amount onto your face and neck for a silky-smooth finish.<\/p>\n