Why Your Cleanser Matters More Than You Think
A Skin Health Perspective from Good Glow Skin Therapy
Cleansers are often treated like an afterthought — something to quickly wash off before the “real” skincare begins. But in truth, your cleanser is one of the most important steps in your entire routine. It sets the tone for how your skin behaves, how well your products absorb, and how strong or fragile your barrier becomes over time.
If your skin ever feels tight, dry, irritated, or unpredictable, your cleanser is often where the problem begins.
Let’s glow talk about it.
Why Cleansers Affect Your Skin So Deeply
Your cleanser determines the environment your skin starts in — before any serums, moisturizers, or treatments touch it.
A cleanser that is too stripping:
• removes your natural protective oils
• disrupts your skin barrier
• increases inflammation
• slows healing
• makes hyperpigmentation worse
• makes fine lines appear deeper
When the barrier is compromised, every product that follows works less effectively — or irritates the skin further.
Healthy skin starts with how you cleanse.
Why I Don’t Recommend Foaming Cleansers
Foaming cleansers often rely on strong surfactants to create that bubbly, squeaky-clean feeling. While they remove oil quickly, they also remove the lipids that keep your skin protected and hydrated.
That tight feeling after cleansing is not “clean” — it’s your barrier being stripped.
As we get older, this shows up as dryness, sensitivity, inflammation, pigmentation, and deeper fine lines.
The Goal of Cleansing
The goal is not to remove all oil.
The goal is to remove:
• makeup
• sunscreen
• pollution
• dirt
• excess oil
…while keeping the skin hydrated, calm, and protected.
Even oily and acne-prone skin needs a cleanser that respects the barrier.
Why Double Cleansing at Night Matters
If you wear makeup, sunscreen, or both, one cleanse is often not enough.
The first cleanse should dissolve:
• SPF
• makeup
• oil-based debris
• pollution
The second cleanse removes what’s left — without scrubbing or stripping.
Your first cleanse can be:
• an oil cleanser
• a balm
• or a glycerin-based cleanser
One of my favorites is the Prequel Gleanser — a gentle glycerin cleanser that can even be used for both steps. You can absolutely double cleanse using the same cleanser twice. There is no need to overcomplicate it.
Double cleansing allows your skin to be truly clean without damaging your barrier.
Choosing the Right Cleanser for Your Skin Type
Dry or Dehydrated Skin
Avoid foaming or gel cleansers.
Choose:
• creamy cleansers
• milky cleansers
• oil cleansers
• hydrating lotion textures
These protect the barrier while cleansing.
Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
Oil still needs hydration.
Look for:
• gentle gel or lotion cleansers
• salicylic acid, mandelic acid, or azelaic acid
• glycerin and ceramides
These cleanse pores without triggering more oil production.
Combination Skin
Balance is key.
Choose:
• gel-cream cleansers
• low-foam formulas
• barrier-supportive ingredients
Your skin should feel comfortable, not tight.
Sensitive or Rosacea-Prone Skin
This skin needs the most protection.
Best choices:
• non-foaming cleansers
• fragrance-free
• creamy or milky textures
Irritation almost always worsens with harsh surfactants.
When to Use Acne-Fighting Cleansers
These can be helpful when:
• breakouts are active
• pores feel congested
• oil production is high
They should still be:
• gentle
• non-stripping
• used once or twice daily, not excessively
Cleansers should support treatment — not replace it.
Hydration Is the Secret to Balance
When skin is dehydrated:
• oil increases
• breakouts worsen
• texture looks rough
• pigment lingers longer
• fine lines deepen
A hydrated barrier allows skin to heal, regulate oil, and glow.
The Pro-Aging Truth
Barrier damage becomes more visible as we age. That’s why choosing a gentle, hydrating cleanser is one of the most powerful pro-aging decisions you can make.
It doesn’t create drama.
It creates stability.
The Bottom Line
Your cleanser sets the stage for everything that follows.
When you cleanse gently and intentionally, you support:
• better absorption
• calmer skin
• more even tone
• stronger barrier
• long-term glow
At Good Glow Skin Therapy, we always start with the foundation — because healthy skin begins with how you cleanse.
Stay glowing,
Diana Grace
Founder, Good Glow Skin Therapy
