5 Common Skincare Cleansing Mistakes & Tips to Fix Them

Are You Skipping the Most Important Step in Your Skincare Routine?

If your skincare routine isn’t giving you the results you want—this might be the missing piece.

Cleansing is one of the most overlooked steps in skincare. Some people skip it entirely, especially in the morning. Others go through the motions but may not realize that how—and what—you cleanse with can either support or sabotage everything else you apply afterward.

Whether your skin feels dry, dull, congested, or just “off,” the first place to look is your cleanser.

Here are five things you may not know about cleansing—and how to make small changes that can lead to healthier, more radiant skin. It all starts with cleansing your skin the right way, morning and night.

1. Using the Wrong Cleanser for Your Skin Type

The mistake: If your cleanser leaves your skin feeling tight, red, or dry, it may be too harsh. If your skin still feels oily or not quite clean, it may not be strong enough.

The fix: Choose a cleanser that fits your skin’s current needs—not what worked for you years ago. Mature skin often becomes drier or more sensitive, so a gentle, hydrating cleanser may be best. Oily or acne-prone skin might benefit from a gel or foaming cleanser that clears excess oil without stripping the skin.

Recommended for mature skin:The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser (Amazon) – dissolves makeup and dirt while keeping the skin barrier intact.

You can also watch how I build a gentle but effective routine here:Morning & Night Skincare Routine Over 50 (YouTube)

2. Cleansing Too Often or Not Enough

The mistake: Over-cleansing can damage your skin’s moisture barrier, leading to dryness and irritation. But under-cleansing—especially at night—can leave behind makeup, sunscreen, and pollutants that clog pores and accelerate aging.

The fix: Cleanse twice a day—once in the morning to refresh your skin and prepare it for skincare and makeup, and again at night to remove buildup from the day. If your skin feels dry in the morning, use a cream cleanser or rinse with water and a soft cloth.

3. Skipping the Double Cleanse

The mistake: If you wear makeup, sunscreen, or even a tinted moisturizer, a single cleanse may not remove everything. That leftover residue can block active ingredients from absorbing properly.

The fix: Try the double cleanse method:

• First, use an oil-based cleanser or balm to break down makeup and sunscreen.

• Then, follow with a water-based cleanser to wash everything away and prep your skin.

Oil cleanse options: Maelove Meltaway Balm – melts away sunscreen and makeup gently; or L'Occitane Divine Cleansing Oil - botanical formula that works like magic

Second cleanse or hydrating step: The Ordinary Squalene Cleanser

Need help organizing your routine? Download my free Skincare Layering Guide

4. Using Water That’s Too Hot

The mistake: Hot water might feel relaxing, but it strips natural oils, damages the skin barrier, and can lead to irritation—especially for mature or sensitive skin.

The fix: Use lukewarm water to cleanse your face. It’s enough to remove residue and oils without harming your skin. If you have extra sensitivity, try using a soft microfiber cloth dampened with lukewarm water before applying your cleanser.

5. Not Washing Long Enough (or Too Long)

The mistake: Rushing through your cleanse can leave behind dirt and product buildup, while cleansing for too long can cause dryness or redness.

The fix: Aim for 30 to 60 seconds of cleansing, using light, circular motions. Make sure to get areas like the hairline, jawline, behind the ears, and around the nose. Rinse thoroughly and pat your face dry with a clean towel. You can use a soft silicone cleansing tool—but make sure it’s clean and not abrasive.

Final Thoughts

Cleansing might seem like the most basic part of your skincare routine, but getting it right sets the stage for everything else. Once I started using the right cleanser and technique, I noticed real changes in my skin—less dryness, fewer breakouts, and a healthier overall glow. These changes might seem small, but they add up—especially when we’re over 50 and learning to care for our skin in a new way.

Want help building your full routine or getting started again?

FTC: This post is not sponsored. All links are affiliate. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you use one of my affiliate links to make a purchase, I earn a commission.

DISCLAIMER: This content is for entertainment and education, not medical advice. It is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice.