AH
After Hours Skin Clinic

The Truth About Cleansers: Are You Damaging Your Skin Without Realising? (Dermatologists Explain)

March 26, 2026·28 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Cleansing should be simple... but it's so easy to get wrong. In this episode of After Hours Skin Clinic, consultant dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid explain how choosing the wrong cleanser can damage your skin barrier, trigger eczema, worsen acne and rosacea, and leave your skin feeling dry, tight or irritated. With so many options, from oil cleansers and micellar water to salicylic acid and exfoliating cleansers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The messaging can be unclear and complicated - what difference do additional ingredients and their so-called 'added-benefits' actually make? It is all just skincare marketing...? This episode breaks down what's actually important whne it comes ot choosing the right cleanser for your skin type - based on the science of skincare and according to skin health experts. Emma and Ellie also explore how factors like hard water in the UK and over-cleansing can impact your skin. If your skin isn’t behaving the way you want it to, your cleanser might just be the problem, so we're here to help. In this episode we cover: How the wrong cleanser can worsen eczema, acne and rosacea The truth about double cleansing and oil cleansers Why “squeaky clean” skin is a red flag The difference between gentle vs harsh surfactants (SLS) How hard water in the UK affects your skin Whether you should cleanse your face in the morning The dermatologist-approved way to cleanse properly Key takeaway: The best cleanser removes dirt and SPF without disrupting your skin barrier. Klira - Founded by Dr Emma Craythorne, Klira is a bespoke luxury skincare formula prescribed by dermatologists. You may hear it mentioned from time to time on the podcast and if you want to find out more head over to klira.skin Follow & Connect: AHSC YouTube Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinic Email: ahsc@raconteur.tv Producer: Ella Blaxill Exec: Eve Streeter Music by Simon Elms. This is a Raconteur Studios Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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