How can you cleanse your skin without it becoming dry?

Before the 20th century, cleanliness wasn’t held in such high regard. Today, we understand the important connection between health and hygiene. While it's a relief that we've moved far beyond the sanitation standards of the Medieval era, frequent washing can come with its own downside: dry skin.

While this issue isn’t as serious as, say, contracting the plague, it can still be uncomfortable and unsightly. Dryness can lead to itchy, flaky skin, as well as the development of fine lines and wrinkles [source: Mayo Clinic].

You can cleanse your skin without drying it out, but it requires a two-pronged approach: changing both your products and your cleansing routine. The first step might seem daunting—especially when faced with an entire aisle of face and body cleansers at the drugstore.

Once you've overcome that hurdle and have the right cleanser on your bathroom counter, the next step becomes much simpler. In fact, it boils down to controlling the water temperature and knowing when to wash—and when to skip it.

Luckily, we’ve laid out some straightforward guidelines for choosing and using cleansers that will help lock moisture into your skin. On the upcoming pages, we’ll cover different products, their ingredients, and how often to use them.

Choosing a Cleanser that Works for You

Thinking of purchasing a new cleanser? Start by asking yourself a few simple questions.

Whew! That’s a pretty thorough checklist for something that seems so straightforward. Why not just grab any soap that’s on sale? Well, you could, but if you want to avoid drying out your skin, soap may not be the best choice. Most soaps contain harsh detergents that strip moisture from your skin rather than replenishing it [source: Curél® Skincare]. Soap-free cleansers are gentler and can clean your skin without drying it out. These are the best options for preserving moisture.

Other factors should be taken into account as well. If your skin is more mature or naturally dry, a cleanser with moisturizing ingredients would be beneficial. You’ll also want to steer clear of products with exfoliants, as they may irritate and worsen dry skin. Even if your skin is normal or oily, keeping a moisturizing cleanser on hand for the winter months is a good idea, as the cold weather can dry your skin. Women may also prefer a cleanser that removes makeup.

Additionally, think about where you’re using your cleanser. Your face has more delicate skin than the rest of your body, so it’s best to use a separate cleanser there. Also, keep in mind that dry air and frequent hand-washing during the winter can lead to the need for a moisturizing hand soap.

Now that you’ve figured out the right cleanser for your skin, read on to discover the best techniques for using it.

Maintaining a Cleansing Routine

If you followed the advice of a Hollywood aesthetician or a beauty counter consultant, you might end up setting aside a large portion of your day for an intricate beauty regimen that involves prepping, cleansing, and moisturizing your skin. Luckily, it doesn’t need to be that complicated. If your goal is simply clean, hydrated skin, you can achieve that with minimal effort. All you really need is a gentle cleanser (and moisturizer, if it suits your skin) along with warm water. The temperature of the water is crucial—hot water can strip away your skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness. So, while a steamy shower may be inviting, it’s better for your skin to avoid it.

As for how often you need to cleanse, it’s probably less than you think. The key time to wash your face is before bed, when you can remove all the day’s buildup—sweat, pollutants, sunscreen, and makeup. There’s no need to wash your face in the morning—just splash some water on it to freshen up. When it comes to baths and showers, one 15-minute session per day is typically sufficient. During cleansing, skip the scrubbers and washcloths—your hands are just as effective and less likely to irritate or dry out your skin. Afterward, gently pat your skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing it.

It's perfectly fine to follow your cleansing routine with other skin supplements, such as moisturizing lotions. However, to prevent dryness, it's best to avoid toners and astringents, as these products typically contain alcohol, which can be drying.

Discover more about cleanser ingredients on the next page.

Identifying Problematic Cleanser Ingredients

Sometimes, manufacturers make it easier by labeling whether a cleanser is mild or formulated for dry or oily skin directly on the packaging. But that’s not always the case. And even when it is, it’s a good idea to double-check those claims.

If you spot any of the following ingredients in a cleanser, you’ll likely want to steer clear of that product, as it could dry out your skin:

When it comes to hand soaps, be mindful that antibacterial formulas can be harsher and more drying compared to regular soaps. Overusing alcohol-based hand sanitizers can also be damaging to your skin.

To ensure the cleanser you're choosing helps retain moisture and prevents dryness, look for products that contain synthetic ceramides. These ingredients replicate natural ceramides, which play a key role in locking moisture into the skin.

You may find that organic cleansers have more of the ingredients you prefer—or at least fewer of the ones you want to avoid. For example, many organic products are free from sulfates, harsh yet effective surfactants used in most commercial skin and hair care items. Just be cautious, as organic products aren’t always regulated by the government, and claims of being organic may not always be truthful. To verify a product is truly organic, check for the USDA certification logo on the label.

Keep reading for more valuable insights into skin care.