Cleansing is the foundation of every Korean skincare routine. When done right, all following steps – essences, serums, creams, and SPF – work more effectively. When done harshly or insufficiently, the barrier suffers, leading to dryness, redness, and breakouts. Here are five common mistakes and how to fix them.
Mistake #1: Using harsh cleansers
High-pH formulas, strong sulfates, or heavily fragranced cleansers can strip natural lipids and damage the protective barrier. The result is “squeaky-clean” skin that feels tight, stings, and overreacts to anything applied afterward.
Fix it: Choose gentle gel/cream cleansers with pH ~5–6 containing humectants like glycerin, betaine, aloe, or beta-glucan. For dry or sensitive skin, look for sulfate-free formulas.
Mistake #2: Overwashing
Washing your face 3–4 times a day (or after every little activity) unnecessarily strips the skin barrier. This can trigger more oil production in oily skin and worsen dehydration in dry skin.
Fix it: Stick to cleansing twice daily – morning and evening. If your skin is very sensitive in the morning, rinsing with water or using a very mild cleanser may be enough.
Mistake #3: Skipping double cleansing with SPF/makeup
Sunscreen and long-lasting makeup are designed to stay put – which is great, but one water-based cleanser alone often can’t remove them completely. Residue can clog pores and reduce serum effectiveness.
Fix it: In the evening, use double cleansing: first an oil/balm cleanser to dissolve SPF and makeup, then a gentle water-based gel/cream. In the morning, one mild step is enough.
Mistake #4: Wrong water temperature
Very hot water dries and worsens redness, while ice-cold water doesn’t cleanse well and can shock sensitive skin.
Fix it: Use lukewarm water. It’s the most balanced choice to keep your skin barrier comfortable.
Mistake #5: Rubbing with a rough towel
Aggressive rubbing mechanically irritates and can worsen sensitivity, rosacea, and post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Fix it: Pat gently with a soft, clean towel or use disposable soft tissues. Change towels frequently – hygiene is key.
Bonus: Skin-type specific advice
- Oily/acne-prone: Gentle gel with 0.5–2% salicylic acid at night; lighter cleanser in the morning.
- Dry/dehydrated: Cream or milk cleansers; avoid daily acids in cleansing stage.
- Sensitive/reactive: Mild, fragrance-free formulas; no hot water or cleansing brushes.
- Combination: Gel for T-zone, cream cleanser for cheeks – or one very mild gel overall.
Mini cleansing checklist
- Remove makeup/SPF with an oil step at night.
- Use a gentle water-based cleanser for 30–60 seconds.
- Always use lukewarm water.
- Pat dry, don’t rub.
- Follow immediately with hydration (essence/toner → serum → cream).
Conclusion
Proper cleansing is a quiet superpower. It shouldn’t sting, tighten, or leave your skin squeaky. When you treat your barrier with respect, Korean skincare rewards you with calmer, clearer, and more radiant skin – and every product after cleansing performs better.
