What You Should Know About Dry Cleansing

Seema Rai
Seema Rai

Although it may appear to be the simplest step in your skincare routine, there are incorrect ways to cleanse your face. Choosing the incorrect formula for your skin type, exfoliating excessively, and failing to follow up with a moisturizer are all common cleansing blunders. Technique is also important, and when it comes to cleansing your face, there are several options.

What exactly is dry cleansing?

Raise your hand if the first step in your evening skincare routine is to splash warm water on your face before applying your favorite cleanser. Same. This is the most common method of cleansing, designed to provide a gentle cleanse that removes oil, dirt, and makeup. Also read Which is Better for You- Oil-Based or Water-Based Cleansers?

Dry cleansing, as the title suggests, omits that step in favor of applying a gel-based or foaming cleanser directly to dry skin and massaging as usual. The method does not completely eliminate the use of water. Step two is to rinse your hands in warm water and massage your face again after the initial massage. You’re adding a little water to make a lather without completely rinsing your face.

The cleanser should then be removed with a damp cloth. Because you’re not rinsing with water, it’s especially important to remove all residue both the cleanser and the makeup and oil you’ve just lifted from your pores.

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After cleansing, apply your usual serum and moisturizer.

Is Dry Cleansing Sufficient?

According to dermatologists, it is not necessarily more effective than regular wet cleansing. Proponents argue that if you don’t dilute your cleanser with water, you get more out of it. This is especially true if you use a cleanser containing an active ingredient such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

Certain cleansers require brief contact with your skin in order to be effective. If you’re using a regular, gentle cleanser, letting it sit on your skin unfiltered rather than lathering and rinsing with water is unlikely to make a significant difference unless you’re looking to switch up your skincare routine.

Is it appropriate for all Skin types?

If you have dry skin, avoid using dry cleanser. Dry cleansing can be extremely irritating for people who have dry or sensitive skin. The more likely problem is that, depending on the formula, dry cleansing may cause irritation to your skin. The concentrated soap will spread less effectively.

The added potency of dry cleansing may appeal to those with particularly oily skin. However, because it’s best to dry cleanse with super gentle, non-foaming cleansers, people with very oily skin may prefer a foaming cleanser with more surfactants, or double cleanse instead.

Also read The Best Ways to Care for Acne-Prone Skin in the Winter

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