Over-Cleansing Damages Your Skin
Cleansing is the first step in skincare, but over-cleansing can damage the skin's natural barrier, causing dryness and sensitivity. Learn the correct cleansing methods and avoid the pitfalls of over-cleansing.
Written by skin_diary
Over-Cleansing Damages Your Skin
"Cleansing is the first step in skincare" - this familiar saying has led many people to mistakenly believe that the cleaner they wash, the better their skin will be. However, this is not the case. Over-cleansing can actually damage the skin's natural barrier, causing the skin to become dry and sensitive, and even trigger a series of skin problems.
Three Major Harms of Over-Cleansing
💧 Over-Cleansing Damages the Sebum Film
The sebum film is a natural film on the skin surface composed of oils secreted by sebaceous glands and sweat. It plays an important role in protecting the skin and preventing water loss. Washing your face frequently or using strong facial cleansers will wash away the sebum film, causing the skin to lose protection, become dry, and be more susceptible to external stimulation.
🧱 Over-Cleansing Accelerates Corneocyte Shedding
The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of cells on the skin that protects the skin and prevents bacteria and harmful substances from entering. Over-cleansing accelerates the shedding of corneocytes, damaging the skin barrier function, thinning the skin, and making it more prone to red blood vessels and sensitivity issues.
🦠 Over-Cleansing Causes Skin Microbiome Imbalance
A large number of microorganisms live on the skin surface, forming a micro-ecosystem with human skin. Over-cleansing disrupts this micro-ecological balance, causing skin flora disorders and making it easy to trigger skin problems.
How to Cleanse Your Skin Properly?
Choose Gentle Facial Cleansers
Avoid using facial cleansers containing irritating ingredients such as soap base and alcohol, and choose gentle amino acid facial cleansers instead.
Control Face Washing Frequency
Washing your face once in the morning and once at night is sufficient - avoid over-cleansing.
Control Face Washing Duration
Each face washing session should not exceed 1 minute.
Use Warm Water to Wash Your Face
Avoid using water that is too hot to prevent damage to the sebum film.
Avoid Using Cleansing Brushes and Cleansing Devices
These tools will increase skin friction and damage the skin barrier function.
In Addition to Cleansing, Pay Attention to the Following Points
🧴 Moisturizing
Use moisturizing products to replenish skin moisture and keep the skin hydrated.
🔧 Repair
Choose skincare products that repair barrier function to help the skin restore its barrier function.
☀️ Sun Protection
Avoid sun damage to the skin by using sunscreen or taking other sun protection measures.
Summary
Remember, cleansing is the first step in skincare, but it's not the only step. The correct skincare method is what will make your skin healthy and beautiful. Over-cleansing is like over-fertilizing - it may seem like you're giving your skin "benefits," but it's actually harming it.
Gentle cleansing + moderate moisturizing + effective sun protection = the foundation of healthy, beautiful skin.
