Facial Cleanser Doesn’t Need Frequent Change
Have you spent hundreds of dollars on face wash, only to see no improvement in your skin? The issue might lie in the most basic cleansing step! Dr. Zeng Depeng, Director of the Dermatology Department at Taiwan's Taian Hospital, will break down common misconceptions about cleansing, makeup removal, and surfactants from a professional perspective, helping you say goodbye to ineffective cleaning.
🔹 Myth 1: Skin Type Isn't Set in Stone
Dr. Zeng points out that modern skin conditions are constantly changing due to factors like sleep, diet, stress, environment (especially the significant climate differences in North America), and aesthetic treatments. Therefore, there's no need to frequently switch cleansers. Choosing a gentle cleanser with a simple formula that works for most skin types is more important.
🔹 Myth 2: Sensitive Skin and Rosacea Are Becoming More Common in Younger People
Dr. Zeng observes that the number of patients with sensitive skin and rosacea in clinics is increasing and trending younger. This is often related to external irritation, a damaged skin barrier, environmental factors (like changes in summer temperature and humidity), and lifestyle habits. Overdoing skincare can also accumulate irritation.
🔹 Myth 3: Thorough Cleansing Doesn't Mean Strong Oil Control
Washing your face until it feels dry and tight isn't a good thing. Dr. Zeng emphasizes that "thorough cleansing" means removing makeup and dirt without harming the skin barrier. Your skin still needs a moderate amount of oil! Over-cleansing can actually damage it.
🔹 Myth 4: The Simpler the Cleanser Formula, the Better
Dr. Zeng suggests that the primary principle of cleansing is "the simpler the product, the better." A daily cleanser should be effective enough to clean while avoiding post-wash tightness and irritation. Frequently switching products only adds complexity. Instead of chasing changes in your skin type, focus on a regular routine, diet, and sun protection to help your skin find its balance.
🔹 Myth 5: No Surfactants Always Means Gentler?
Surfactants are used to encapsulate and emulsify oil and dirt. More isn't always better, and fewer isn't always gentler. The key is whether the formula balances cleansing power and irritation. Even oil-based makeup removers need a moderate amount of surfactants. The best way to judge a cleanser is by how your skin feels after washing.
🔹 Myth 6: Over-Cleansing Damages Your Skin More
The layered "deep cleansing" trend on social media can be a multiple irritant for sensitive skin. Exfoliating isn't a daily necessity; once or twice a week is enough, and it should be avoided on days you wear makeup. The once-popular cleansing devices aren't essential either. Stable skin mainly comes from moderate cleansing, a regular lifestyle, and reducing unnecessary irritation.
💡 Q&A Quick Summary
Q1: How many times a day should someone with sensitive skin or rosacea wash their face?
A: Generally, cleansing once in the morning and once at night is sufficient. In the morning, you can use just water or a gentle cleanser depending on how oily your skin is. During periods of redness or stinging, avoid hot water, cleansing devices, and prolonged rubbing. If symptoms worsen, consult a dermatologist.
Q2: Do I need to remove sunscreen with a makeup remover before washing my face?
A: For daily, non-water-resistant sunscreen, a gentle cleanser is enough. For highly water-resistant, sweat-proof sunscreen or if you're wearing makeup, it's recommended to remove it first with a makeup remover and then cleanse. If your skin frequently feels tight and stings after washing, it might be a sign of over-double-cleansing, and you should adjust your routine.
Q3: Does a tight feeling after washing mean my face is cleaner?
A: Tightness and dryness are not signs of cleanliness; they indicate that too much sebum and skin barrier lipids have been stripped away. The ideal state is to have clean skin that still feels soft. Try lowering the water temperature, reducing the time you spend rubbing, and switching to a gentler formula.
Q4: Can sensitive skin use cleansers with acids or granules?
A: It's not recommended to use them immediately when your skin is red, peeling, stinging, or after aesthetic procedures. If your skin is stable and you need exfoliation, start with a low frequency and avoid using them on the same day as exfoliating masks, acid treatments, or cleansing devices.
Q5: How do I know if a cleanser is really right for me?
A: Observe how your skin feels after washing for one to two consecutive weeks. A suitable product should remove dirt, leave no oily residue after rinsing, and not cause persistent tightness, dryness, itching, burning, or redness. If you experience discomfort after switching to a new product, stop using it immediately and consult a doctor.
