Is Skipping Cleansing Protecting Your Skin? The Truth About Double Cleansing & Damaged Skin Barrier

Ersa Tsoutsoura is a dermatology clinical specialist pharmacist with extensive experience managing chronic skin conditions and prescription skincare in both hospital and digital healthcare settings. She leads clinical governance and innovation at KLIRA, a personalised skincare startup, ensuring best practices in dermatology care.

Recently, a concerning myth has been circulating more often in my clinics: the idea that skipping your morning cleanse—or ditching cleanser altogether—is somehow better for your skin.

Many believe that by cleansing only once at night—or not at all—they’re preserving their natural skin oils and protecting their skin barrier. While this sounds logical, it’s actually a misconception that can worsen skin issues, particularly for those already dealing with a damaged skin barrier.

Throughout both day and night, your skin accumulates a mix of sweat, oil, environmental pollutants, and leftover skincare or makeup products. When these substances sit on the skin without being properly removed, they form a dulling film that not only clogs pores but also exacerbates inflammation and impairs your skin’s ability to function as a healthy barrier.

Using a gentle, pH-balanced, fragrance-free cleanser that matches your skin type does not damage your skin—it supports it. In fact, cleansing properly helps reinforce your barrier function by clearing away irritants that could cause more harm than good. When you leave layers of residue—including potent prescription products—on your skin for too long, it can lead to sensitivity, breakouts, and increased barrier disruption.

For those wearing sunscreen, makeup, or active treatments, double cleansing can be an excellent way to ensure complete removal of buildup without aggressive scrubbing. 

• The first cleanse (usually with an oil-based cleanser) breaks down surface debris and excess sebum.
• The second cleanse (typically a water-based cleanser) purifies and refreshes the skin. This technique is especially helpful in preventing further deterioration of a damaged skin barrier, provided that both steps use gentle, non-stripping products.

Skipping cleanser is not a form of skin kindness—it’s a shortcut that leaves your skin vulnerable. A smart cleansing routine, especially double cleansing, protects against pollutants, product overload, and barrier breakdown. If you want your skin to stay strong, resilient, and truly clean, don’t skip your cleanser—choose the right one and use it consistently.