The dirty side of cleansing

For years, we were taught that squeaky clean was the gold standard of a good cleanse. That tight, stripped, no-oil feeling was proof your cleanser was doing its job.

Here's the truth: that feeling isn't your skin saying thank you. It's your skin crying out for moisture - and it may be a sign your skin barrier is compromised.

We believe cleansing is one of the most important steps in any skincare routine. Get it wrong, and every product that follows is playing catch-up.

So what actually happens when cleansing goes 'wrong'? Let's break it down.

1. Your skin produces more oil

Foaming cleansers and soaps rely on surfactants to create that satisfying lather. The catch? Those same surfactants show up in dishwashing liquid.

Squirt dishwashing liquid on a greasy plate and it cuts through the mess beautifully - because that's exactly what it's designed to do. 

Cleansing your skin this way strips away its natural, protective oils. Your skin notices the loss and does what it's built to do: overcompensate, producing even more oil to make up the difference. The result is skin that feels oilier than before you started.

2. Your skin becomes dehydrated and congested

When natural oils are stripped away, water evaporates from the skin more easily. And water isn't just for comfort - it's essential to how your skin functions, including its natural exfoliation process.

The outer layer of skin is made up of flattened cells that form a protective barrier. New cells continually rise to the surface, and older ones are meant to shed away naturally. These cells are held together by a kind of intercellular "glue."

With the right level of hydration, an enzyme activates to soften that glue, allowing dead cells to shed and skin to stay smooth and refined. Without enough water, that process stalls - dead cells build up on the surface, work their way into pores, and block the natural flow of oil, resulting in congestion and blockages.

3. You may start experiencing breakouts

Your skin's acid mantle - a thin layer of oil and water - is naturally acidic by design. Its job is to guard against bacteria and irritation.

Many cleansers, particularly foaming formulas, sit at a higher, more alkaline pH. Used regularly, they disrupt this protective acid mantle, leaving skin more vulnerable to bacteria, which can lead to inflammation and breakouts.

What Good Cleansing Actually Feels Like

A good cleanse shouldn't leave your skin feeling tight, stripped, or "squeaky." It should leave it feeling balanced, comfortable, and ready for the rest of your routine.