With winter’s chillier conditions in full swing, your skin might be starting to feel desert-dry and bearing a close resemblance to a flaky croissant (a delicious one at that).
It’s easy to point the finger at the weather.
But there might be another culprit hiding in plain sight…
Your cleanser.
Wait… isn’t my cleanser supposed to make my skin feel squeaky clean?
Not necessarily.
For years, we’ve been taught that a squeaky-clean face is the hallmark of a good cleanse. But if your skin feels tight after washing, it’s not necessarily saying, “Great job!” It’s more likely saying, “Oi… where did all my moisture go?”
Your skin is protected by a natural barrier made up of skin cells, lipids (fats) and naturally occurring oils called sebum. This protective layer helps lock moisture in, keeps irritants out and leaves your complexion feeling fresh and balanced.
A good cleanser should remove dirt, excess oil, makeup and sunscreen while leaving your skin’s protective barrier intact. If it strips away too much of the good stuff, your skin has to work overtime trying to restore the oils and moisture that keep it healthy.
Why winter can do a number on your skin
Your skin barrier is already under plenty of pressure once Jack Frost rolls into town.
As the temperature drops, the air becomes drier and your skin naturally produces less of the oils that help keep it soft and hydrated. Before you know it, your face starts feeling tighter than your favourite pair of jeans after a six-course meal.
Then there’s the irresistible lure of a long, steaming-hot shower. Bliss for your soul? Absolutely. A bit of a bully to your skin? Unfortunately, yes.
It’s no wonder skin can suddenly become extra grumpy by mid-winter.
Add a harsh cleanser into the mix and you’ve got the perfect recipe for dryness.
The downside of traditional cleansers
Many cleansers rely on soaps or stronger cleansing agents (called surfactants) to wash away dirt and oil. While they’re great at cleaning your skin, some formulas can be a little too harsh, removing not only the day’s grime but also some of the natural oils your skin needs to stay healthy.
When your skin barrier is already battling the elements, that extra loss of moisture can be enough to leave your complexion feeling dry, tight and uncomfortable.
Four signs your cleanser could be drying out your skin
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Your face feels tight after washing
This is the biggest giveaway. Clean skin should feel fresh and supple, not like it’s shrunk two sizes.
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Your moisturiser doesn’t seem to be working
Applying moisturiser is only half the equation. Your skin barrier needs to be in good shape to hold onto that hydration. If your cleanser is repeatedly removing the natural oils that help lock moisture in, even the richest moisturiser will have a hard time doing its job. Think of it like pouring water into a bucket with holes in the bottom.
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Dry patches keep popping up
When your skin barrier becomes compromised, water escapes more easily through a process known as transepidermal water loss (TEWL). In plain English? Your skin loses moisture faster than it can replace it. That’s when flaky patches and rough texture start making their grand appearance.
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Your skin suddenly becomes more sensitive
Does your favourite serum suddenly sting? Is your face becoming red more easily after washing? A healthy skin barrier acts as your skin’s first line of defence. When it’s weakened by harsh cleansing formulas, your skin can suddenly feel irritated.
So… what should you be reaching for instead?
Not all cleansers are created equal.
During winter, it’s worth choosing a hydrating formula that plays nicely with your skin barrier and doesn’t strip away what little moisture winter has left behind.
After cleansing, your skin should feel soft, nourished and comfortable, never tight or dry.
Look for cleansers that are:
- Hydrating
- Soap-free
- Gentle on the skin barrier
- Rich in nourishing plant oils
- Designed to support your skin’s natural moisture balance
Meet your winter cleansing dream team
3 Cheers Cleansing Oil
3 Cheers Cleansing Oil uses the oil cleansing method to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, excess oil and daily impurities using a nourishing blend of hemp seed oil, glycerine and botanical extracts. Once water is added, the formula emulsifies (that’s the clever bit where it turns milky), allowing everything to rinse away cleanly without leaving behind greasy residue.
Cloud 9 Cleansing Balm
Then there’s the Cloud 9 Cleansing Balm. If your skin loves rich, buttery textures, Cloud 9 is about to become your winter bestie. This luxurious, soap-free cleansing balm melts away makeup, sunscreen and daily grime without stripping your skin. Instead, it cushions your complexion with nourishing shea butter, while macadamia oil, naturally rich in Omegas 6 and 7, helps maintain your skin’s moisture balance as you cleanse, preparing it for whatever comes next.
(Oh… and the uplifting blend of Australian lemon myrtle and grounding sandalwood smells pretty spectacular too.)
Keep your skin hydrated and happy this winter
A simple switch to a soap-free, barrier-friendly formula can leave your skin healthier, hydrated and far less lizard-like throughout the chilly season.
As a rule of thumb: your cleanser should wash away the day, not wash your skin’s moisture down the drain. Happy cleansing!
