Are you washing your face the right way? Is double cleansing
always necessary? And why do dermatologists say that "squeaky clean"
skin is actually a bad thing?
In this episode of the After Hours Skin Clinic podcast,
Consultant Dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid explain everything you need to know about facial cleansers, skin barriers and how to choose the right cleanser for your skin type.
From acne-prone skin and eczema to rosacea and sensitive
skin, Emma and Ellie break down how cleansers work, why some can damage your skin barrier, and why an expensive cleanser isn't necessarily a better one.
You'll learn why cleansing is one of the most important steps in your skincare, how easy it is to get wrong, and how using the incorrect
product could be undoing the benefits of the rest of your routine.
This episode covers:
Are you washing your face the right way? Yes, there
is a right way!
Why "squeaky clean" skin is a warning sign
How cleansers actually work
The truth about double cleansing
How to choose the right cleanser for your skin type
The difference between cream, foaming and salicylic acid
cleansers
Cleansers for acne, rosacea, eczema and sensitive skin
Why your skin barrier matters
Should you use hot or cold water?
How long should you cleanse for?
Do expensive cleansers work better?
Should you wash your face in the morning?
Are cleansing brushes and facial scrubs damaging your skin?
Emma and Ellie also explain why cleanser is one of the most important steps in any skincare routine, how to avoid over-cleansing, and the
simple techniques they recommend to patients every day in clinic.
This episode includes a paid partnership with @cerave, a skincare brand developed with dermatologists, focused on repairing and strengthening the skin barrier. Emma and Ellie discuss the different CeraVe cleanser formulations and how they may suit different skin types and concerns.
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the number of cleansers
available, or wondered whether you're actually cleansing your skin correctly, then this episode is for you.
👇 Let us know your skincare questions in
the comments.
🔔 Subscribe for dermatologist-led, evidence-based skincare.
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.
🎥 Watch us on YouTube @afterhoursskinclinic.
Find us on Instagram and TikTok @afterhoursskinclinic.
Products mentioned:
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser
Dr Emma and Dr Ellie’s Cleanser cheat-sheet…
Dry
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
Gently removes dirt while helping support the skin barrier with ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
Sensitive
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
A gentle, non-stripping formula that's suitable for easily irritated skin.
Eczema-prone
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
Cleanses without leaving skin feeling tight or "squeaky clean".
Rosacea-prone
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
A gentle cream cleanser that's less likely to disrupt an already sensitive skin barrier.
Normal skin
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or Foaming Cleanser
Choose based on your preferred texture—cream or foam.
Combination skin
CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
Removes excess oil while helping maintain the skin barrier.
Oily skin
CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
Cleanses away oil and impurities without leaving skin stripped.
Breakout-prone
CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser
Contains 2% salicylic acid & Niacinamide. It Unclogs pores & helps regulate excess oil. Also suitable for those who may be prone to acne.
Blackheads & clogged pores
CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser
Contains 2% salicylic acid. It penetrates & unclogs pores to help clear congestion.
Bumpy Body Skin
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser
Contains 2% Salicylic acid. It gently exfoliates while moisturising to help support the skin barrier. Also suitable for those prone to Keratosis Pilaris (KP).
Body Breakouts
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser
A practical body cleanser for breakout-prone areas. Also suitable for those who may be prone to acne on their body.
Disclaimer: This cheat sheet is not part of the episode sponsorship, recommendations are Emma & Ellie’s own.
Producer: Ella Blaxill
Series Editor: Eve Streeter
Music: Simon Elms
This is a Raconteur Studios Production.
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