We have been taught that cleaner skin means healthier skin. More washing. More scrubbing. More products.
But what if our skin needs less intervention, not more?
In an article published by Business Insider on November 7, 2026, New York-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ariel Ostad discussed how excessive facial cleansing can contribute to irritation and compromise the skin's natural protective barrier. His advice challenges a familiar skincare assumption: that our faces need constant cleansing to stay healthy.
Are you washing your face too much?
Possibly. If your skin feels tight, dry or uncomfortable soon after washing, that is a common sign you are cleansing more than your skin needs. In the Business Insider piece, Dr. Ostad says he advises many of his patients to simply rinse with water on most days and save cleanser for when there is something to remove, such as makeup, sunscreen or visible dirt. When a cleanse is needed, he suggests keeping it brief.
Not every dermatologist goes as far as skipping cleanser entirely, and every person's skin is a little different. But the broader point, that most of us could be gentler with our faces, is widely shared.
How often should you wash your face?
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing no more than twice a day, plus after heavy sweating, using a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser and lukewarm water. It also advises against scrubbing. For many people, particularly those with dry or easily irritated skin, a morning rinse and one gentle evening cleanse is plenty.
Why does washing make winter skin feel drier?
Cleansers work by lifting away oil, and that includes the natural oils that help your skin hold onto moisture. In a heated Canadian home, indoor air can be very dry, so skin that has just been stripped has even less to work with. Every unnecessary wash adds up. We explain more about this seasonal shift in our heating season skin guide.
What does a simpler routine look like?
Morning: Rinse with lukewarm water, then pat lightly with a soft towel so your skin stays slightly damp.
Right after rinsing: Press two to three drops of face oil into damp skin, or over your moisturizer if you use one.
Evening, with makeup or sunscreen: Use an oil cleanser to dissolve it gently. Our oil cleansing guide walks you through it, and Makeup Melt is made for exactly this step.
Evening, without makeup: A lukewarm rinse may be all you need.
Why should you moisturize while your skin is still damp?
Both dermatologists interviewed by Business Insider stressed that moisturizing right after washing or rinsing is the one step not to skip. Damp skin still holds water at its surface, and sealing it in at that moment helps keep it from evaporating into dry winter air. It is the same principle we cover in squalane vs hyaluronic acid.
Dr. Ostad himself suggests creams with ingredients like niacinamide or ceramides. If you already have a cream you love, keep it, and add a few drops of oil over the top. Our guide to face oil before or after moisturizer explains the order.
Which oil should you use after a water-only rinse?
- Squalane: the lightest option. It absorbs quickly and sits well under makeup, which makes it an easy morning choice for most skin types.
- Jojoba: a gentle pick for sensitive or oilier skin. Learn why in the jojoba myth.
- Marula or argan: richer oils for skin that feels dry or tight in deep winter.
- Vitamin E Face Oil: a blend of organic oils enriched with vitamin E, for skin that feels worn down by cold and wind.
Not sure where to start? Our guide to all nine oils will help you choose.
When should you still use a cleanser?
Cleanse when there is something on your skin that a rinse will not remove: makeup, sunscreen, heavy sweat after a workout, or the grime of a long day out. If you have very oily skin, or your own dermatologist has given you a routine for a specific skin concern, follow their advice. A gentler routine is a starting point, not a rule for everyone.
Less, but better
The underlying lesson is simple. Our skin already has a natural protective system, and caring for it does not always mean doing more.
At Canadian Grace®, this philosophy resonates with us. We believe skincare should work with the skin, not overwhelm it. It is why we focus on pure beauty oils and uncomplicated formulations that help support softer, more comfortable-feeling skin.
Because sometimes, the most thoughtful thing you can do for your skin is give it less to deal with.
Source: Hilary Brueck, "Skip the face wash. A dermatologist says your skin might thank you," Business Insider, November 7, 2026. Read the original article. Dr. Ostad is not affiliated with Canadian Grace and does not endorse our products.
