Stop using facial cleansers that leave skin tight, warns pharmacist

Using facial cleansers that leave your skin feeling tight after washing could be doing more harm than good, according to pharmacist Jurgita Jankauskienė. In a press release, she detailed how to select the right facial cleanser and avoid common mistakes in daily skincare routines.

Jankauskienė emphasized the importance of understanding one's own skin type, whether normal, dry, oily, combination, or sensitive. She noted that skin condition can fluctuate due to seasons, hormonal changes, age, or cosmetic products. "A poorly chosen cleanser can exacerbate existing skin problems," she warned. For instance, harsh cleansers with acids or intense exfoliating agents can worsen dryness and redness in dry or sensitive skin.

Many people mistakenly believe that a squeaky-clean feeling and tightness signify a product's effectiveness. However, Jankauskienė explained that this tightness is often a sign the cleanser is too aggressive. It can strip the skin of its natural lipids, compromising its protective barrier. Over time, this can lead to increased sensitivity, dryness, or even more intense oiliness as the skin tries to compensate.

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A poorly chosen cleanser can exacerbate existing skin problems. For example, dry or sensitive skin using strongly cleansing cleansers with acids or other intensely exfoliating substances may experience increased tightness, redness, or flaking. Meanwhile, very oily, oily cleansers are not always the best choice for very oily or acne-prone skin if they leave a feeling of heaviness or the skin is not sufficiently cleansed

When choosing a cleanser, Jankauskienė advises focusing on the ingredient list rather than the packaging or scent. For dry and sensitive skin, gentle creamy or oil-based cleansers, milk cleansers, or those containing moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or panthenol are recommended. These help reduce moisture loss and protect the skin barrier.

For oily or acne-prone skin, gel cleansers with ingredients such as salicylic acid, niacinamide, or zinc are often suggested to control oil and unclog pores. However, Jankauskienė cautioned against overly stripping cleansers or excessive washing, as damaging the skin barrier can paradoxically increase oil production. For combination skin, mild gel cleansers with hydrating ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, possibly with a small amount of niacinamide, can help balance oilier zones without affecting drier areas.

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The feeling of tightness often indicates that the product used was too strong, and moreover, the natural protective barrier of the skin can be damaged and too many natural lipids can be removed. Over time, this can make the skin more sensitive, drier, or even start to become oilier even more intensely.