Does cleanser damage the skin barrier?

Author: Kaitlyn Abbott I  |  Last update: Friday, June 6, 2025

It is known that harsh surfactants in cleansers can cause damage to skin proteins and lipids, leading to after-wash tightness, dryness, barrier damage, irritation, and even itch.

How can I wash my face without damaging skin barrier?

When cleansing your skin, use lukewarm water. Washing your face or showering in hot water can damage the skin barrier and lead to dryness, irritation, and inflammation. And when you're done, gently pat your skin dry after cleansing to help avoid irritation. Rubbing your skin with a towel can damage the skin barrier.

What products destroy skin barrier?

Damaged skin barrier causes
  • Air pollution, allergens and irritants.
  • Alkaline detergents or soaps.
  • Too much sun exposure.
  • Extremely dry or humid environments.
  • Over-washing or over-exfoliating your skin.
  • Harsh chemicals.
  • Some medications (eg steroids)
  • Ageing.

What not to use on a damaged skin barrier?

Marisa Garshick's, top do's and don'ts when it comes to repairing a damaged skin barrier. “It is important to avoid any ingredients that can worsen irritation or further compromise the skin barrier such as harsh soaps, abrasive scrubs, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids or salicylic acid.

Does cleanser affect skin?

Cleansers are too often harsh and can result in excessive drying of the skin, which leads to overcompensation by the oil glands and ultimately to more oil on the surface of the skin. Cleansers can then disrupt the stratum corneum which, in turn, perturbs the environment where good commensal bacteria thrive.

how i repaired my skin barrier (not sponsored)

Is my cleanser damaging my skin barrier?

It is known that harsh surfactants in cleansers can cause damage to skin proteins and lipids, leading to after-wash tightness, dryness, barrier damage, irritation, and even itch. In order for cleansers to provide skin-care benefits, they first must minimize surfactant damage to skin proteins and lipids.

What are the disadvantages of cleanser?

Sensitivity and Irritation: Harsh or fragranced cleansers may cause skin sensitivity, redness, or irritation, particularly for those with sensitive skin. Allergic Reactions: Ingredients in certain cleansers might trigger allergic reactions in some individuals.

Does CeraVe destroy skin barriers?

All CeraVe skincare products are enriched with a blend of three essential ceramides (ceramides 1, 3 and 6-II), along with fatty acids and other lipids. This unique blend works to replenish the skin's natural ceramides and strengthen its protective barrier.

Should I double cleanse when my skin barrier is damaged?

I wouldn't recommend it for sensitive skin as it can strip off the skin's moisture and potentially make it drier, flakier and duller.” If double cleansing is something you do want to add into your routine, Dr Lokhande advises approaching it with caution and opting for products that are gentle and non-irritating: “Look ...

How to quickly repair skin barrier?

How to Repair a Damaged Skin Barrier
  1. Step 1: Gentle Cleansing and Exfoliation. The first step in fixing a damaged skin barrier is to reassess your cleansing routine. ...
  2. Step 2: Hydrating and Moisturizing. ...
  3. Step 3: Nourishing and Protecting. ...
  4. Step 4: Adding Repairing Agents.

Can vaseline repair skin barriers?

Petrolatum isn't just an occlusive moisturiser, it is also an emollient. It moves into the spaces around skin cells within the stratum corneum to take the place of lost lipids in dry and/or damaged skin, immediately improving the skin's barrier function1, as well as the skin's smoothness and softness.

What is the best gentle cleanser for damaged skin barrier?

Our favorite dermatologist-recommended affordable cleansers are: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, Derma Made Hydrating Cleanser, or CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser for dry and sensitive skin.

What products can damage skin barrier?

Harsh Skincare Products: Overuse of products containing ingredients that can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to barrier damage, including alcohols, mechanical exfoliation and layering too many actives.

How often should you cleanse your face?

' For most people, twice a day is ideal, in the AM and PM. There are some differences to consider when it comes to how to wash your face in the morning vs at night. Typically, a single cleanse is enough in the morning, but when considering how to wash your face at night, we recommend double cleansing.

What is a barrier cleanser?

A hydrating cream-to-foam facial cleanser that removes makeup and sunscreen without stripping the skin barrier.

Who should not use CeraVe?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: deep/open/puncture wounds, broken/damaged/blistered skin, animal bites, serious burns. If you are using this product for hemorrhoids and bleeding from the rectum occurs, stop using it and consult your doctor promptly.

Is Cetaphil or CeraVe better?

There is no definitive “better” brand between CeraVe and Cetaphil. Both make quality skincare products using different approaches. CeraVe has more specialised options with patented technologies, while Cetaphil focuses on simpler, sensitive skin formulas.

Why am I breaking out so much after using CeraVe?

If your acne gets worse after using CeraVe's Moisturising Cream, there are a few things that might be to blame. The cream is made to be non-comedogenic, which means it shouldn't clog pores. However, people with oily or acne-prone skin may find that its thick thickness is too much for them, which can cause breakouts.

How do I know my skin barrier is damaged?

How To Know If Your Skin Barrier Is Damaged?
  • Dry, Scaly Skin: A weakened skin barrier struggles to retain moisture, leading to dryness and flakiness. ...
  • Itchiness: With a compromised barrier, irritants can penetrate the skin more easily, triggering itching sensations that can be quite bothersome.

What oil is good for skin barrier repair?

Natural oils such as sunflower, sesame, or safflower seed oil have been suggested as good options for their use in promoting skin barrier homeostasis [119].

What sunscreen is best for damaged skin barrier?

The best sunscreens for a damaged skin barrier contain ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. Look for mineral sunscreens like CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen for gentle protection and repair.

Is it OK if I don't use cleanser?

“I suggest rather than having someone stop washing their face altogether, they should consider finding the appropriate cleanser for their skin type instead. Using the wrong type of cleanser can have an adverse effect on the skin,” says DiBernardo.

What are the side effects of salicylic acid on the face?

The first few days of using salicylic acid to treat your acne may cause the skin to become dry or irritated. To avoid this, use the product lightly at first and gradually increase the amount once you have gotten used to it. Salicylic acid should not be used on broken, red, swollen, itchy, irritated, or infected skin.

What happens if you use cleanser everyday?

“It's important to use a gentle cleanser and avoid over-washing, as excessive cleansing can strip the skin of its natural oils and lead to dryness or irritation,” Dr. Tolpinrud notes.

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