Can You Over-Cleanse Your Skin? Yes, Here’s How to T

26 Jan

Cleansing is the foundation of any good skincare routine, but more is not always better. In fact, over-cleansing is one of the most common causes of compromised skin, especially for people dealing with acne, sensitivity, or dehydration.

If your skin feels tight, irritated, or suddenly reactive despite “doing everything right,” you may be cleansing too often, or too harshly.

Let’s break down how to tell if you’re over-cleansing, why it happens, and how to fix it without sacrificing results.

What Is Over-Cleansing?

Over-cleansing happens when you:

Wash your face too frequently
Use harsh or stripping cleansers
Double cleanse when your skin doesn’t need it
Combine strong cleansers with active ingredients too often

This strips away your skin’s natural oils and protective barrier, leading to inflammation and imbalance.

Healthy skin needs some oil to function properly.

Signs You’re Over-Cleansing Your Skin

1. Your Skin Feels Tight or “Squeaky Clean”

That tight, dry feeling after cleansing is not a good sign, it means your skin barrier has been compromised.

2. Increased Breakouts (Yes, Really)

When skin is stripped, it often overproduces oil to compensate, leading to clogged pores and acne.

3. Redness, Sensitivity or Stinging

If your skincare suddenly burns or tingles when it didn’t before, your skin barrier may be weakened.

4. Flakiness or Dehydration

Over-cleansing removes lipids that help keep moisture locked in, causing dry patches and dullness.

5. Your Skin Looks Worse Despite “Good” Products

If high-quality serums and moisturisers aren’t working like they used to, cleansing may be the issue, not the products.

**How Often Should You Cleanse?**

For most skin types:

Once daily at night is enough
Morning cleansing can be optional, especially for dry or sensitive skin

If you wear heavy makeup, SPF, or exercise frequently, a gentle double cleanse at night only is ideal.

How to Fix Over-Cleansed Skin

1. Simplify Your Routine

Pause active ingredients (retinol, acids, exfoliants) for a week while your skin recovers.

2. Switch to a Gentle Cleanser

Look for:

Low-foam or cream cleansers
pH-balanced formulas
No harsh sulfates or alcohols

Your cleanser should leave your skin comfortable, not tight.

3. Reduce Cleansing Frequency

Try:

Rinsing with lukewarm water in the morning
Full cleanse only at night

4. Focus on Barrier Repair

Use products with:

Ceramides
Niacinamide
Hyaluronic acid
Fatty acids

These help rebuild the skin barrier and restore hydration.

Who Is Most at Risk of Over-Cleansing?

Acne-prone clients trying to “dry out” breakouts
People using active skincare incorrectly
Those with hormonal or sensitised skin
Anyone using physical exfoliants too often

If this sounds familiar, a professional skin consultation can make a huge difference.

The Takeaway

Clean skin is important, but balanced skin is better.

If your skin feels irritated, tight, or unpredictable, cleansing less (and gentler) may be the key to healthier, clearer skin.

When in doubt, remember:
Your skin shouldn’t feel stripped, just clean and calm.

Gabbi Williams