How to Cleanse Your Face Properly (According to Dermatologists)

Are you washing your face the right way? Is double cleansing always necessary? And why do dermatologists say that "squeaky clean" skin is actually a bad thing? In this episode of the After Hours Skin Clinic podcast, Consultant Dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid explain everything you need to know about facial cleansers, skin barriers and how to choose the right cleanser for your skin type. From acne-prone skin and eczema to rosacea and sensitive skin, Emma and Ellie break down how cleansers work, why some can damage your skin barrier, and why an expensive cleanser isn't necessarily a better one. You'll learn why cleansing is one of the most important steps in your skincare, how easy it is to get wrong, and how using the incorrect product could be undoing the benefits of the rest of your routine. This episode covers: Are you washing your face the right way? Yes, there is a right way! Why "squeaky clean" skin is a warning sign How cleansers actually work The truth about double cleansing How to choose the right cleanser for your skin type The difference between cream, foaming and salicylic acid cleansers Cleansers for acne, rosacea, eczema and sensitive skin Why your skin barrier matters Should you use hot or cold water? How long should you cleanse for? Do expensive cleansers work better? Should you wash your face in the morning? Are cleansing brushes and facial scrubs damaging your skin? Emma and Ellie also explain why cleanser is one of the most important steps in any skincare routine, how to avoid over-cleansing, and the simple techniques they recommend to patients every day in clinic. This episode includes a paid partnership with @cerave, a skincare brand developed with dermatologists, focused on repairing and strengthening the skin barrier. Emma and Ellie discuss the different CeraVe cleanser formulations and how they may suit different skin types and concerns. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the number of cleansers available, or wondered whether you're actually cleansing your skin correctly, then this episode is for you. 👇 Let us know your skincare questions in the comments. 🔔 Subscribe for dermatologist-led, evidence-based skincare. 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. 🎥 Watch us on YouTube @afterhoursskinclinic. Find us on Instagram and TikTok @afterhoursskinclinic. Products mentioned: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser CeraVe Foaming Cleanser CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser Dr Emma and Dr Ellie’s Cleanser cheat-sheet… Dry CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Gently removes dirt while helping support the skin barrier with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Sensitive CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser A gentle, non-stripping formula that's suitable for easily irritated skin. Eczema-prone CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Cleanses without leaving skin feeling tight or "squeaky clean". Rosacea-prone CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser A gentle cream cleanser that's less likely to disrupt an already sensitive skin barrier. Normal skin CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or Foaming Cleanser Choose based on your preferred texture—cream or foam. Combination skin CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Removes excess oil while helping maintain the skin barrier. Oily skin CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Cleanses away oil and impurities without leaving skin stripped. Breakout-prone CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser Contains 2% salicylic acid & Niacinamide. It Unclogs pores & helps regulate excess oil. Also suitable for those who may be prone to acne. Blackheads & clogged pores CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser Contains 2% salicylic acid. It penetrates & unclogs pores to help clear congestion. Bumpy Body Skin CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser Contains 2% Salicylic acid. It gently exfoliates while moisturising to help support the skin barrier. Also suitable for those prone to Keratosis Pilaris (KP). Body Breakouts CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser A practical body cleanser for breakout-prone areas. Also suitable for those who may be prone to acne on their body. Disclaimer: This cheat sheet is not part of the episode sponsorship, recommendations are Emma & Ellie’s own. Producer: Ella Blaxill Series Editor: Eve Streeter Music: Simon Elms This is a Raconteur Studios Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices