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Stop Over-Cleansing: How to Use Oil-Based Cleansers the Right Way for Dry Skin
Beauty

Stop Over-Cleansing: How to Use Oil-Based Cleansers the Right Way for Dry Skin

16 April 2025


How Often Should You Use an Oil-Based Cleanser for Dry Skin?




When it comes to choosing the perfect skincare products, few steps are more essential than cleansing. As the very first phase of any effective skincare routine, cleansing removes makeup, excess oil, dirt, and impurities accumulated throughout the day. And for those with dry or dehydrated skin, finding the right cleanser can be a game-changer—not only for how your skin feels immediately afterward, but also how it functions long-term.



Oil-based cleansers are having a major moment—and for good reason. Their nourishing formulas effectively dissolve even the most stubborn makeup and sunscreen, all while preserving the skin’s delicate moisture barrier. But if you’re dealing with dry skin, you may wonder: How often should I use an oil-based cleanser? Should it be a daily ritual, or something you save for makeup-heavy days?




Let’s dive into what makes oil-based cleansers such powerful tools for dry skin, how they work, and exactly how often you should be using them.



Should You Use an Oil-Based Cleanser If You Have Dry Skin?




Absolutely, yes. In fact, oil cleansers might just be your skin’s new best friend.



If you have dry or sensitive skin, you know how frustrating it can be to find a cleanser that effectively removes dirt and makeup without stripping your skin of the natural oils it desperately needs. Harsh cleansers can leave the skin feeling tight, flaky, and uncomfortable—exactly what you don’t want from your daily skincare routine.




This is where oil-based cleansers shine. They offer a gentle yet thorough cleanse that respects your skin’s natural lipid barrier, while infusing it with hydration and nourishment. Unlike foaming cleansers or gel-based formulas (which are often better suited for oily or acne-prone skin), oil cleansers don’t leave your skin dry or squeaky-clean—instead, they leave it soft, supple, and balanced.



How Do Oil-Based Cleansers Work on Dry Skin?




The beauty of oil cleansers lies in how they work. It may sound counterintuitive, but “like dissolves like”—which means that oil attracts and lifts away other oil-based impurities like sebum, sunscreen, and waterproof makeup.



Most oil cleansers are formulated with emulsifiers, ingredients that allow the oil to mix with water during rinsing. When you add water to the oil on your skin, it transforms into a silky, milky emulsion that easily rinses away—no greasy residue left behind.




Key Benefits of Oil Cleansing for Dry Skin:



Gently removes makeup, SPF, and daily buildup without drying the skin




Helps protect and maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier



Leaves the skin feeling hydrated, not tight




Works well as a first step in double cleansing



Ideal for sensitive, mature, or rosacea-prone skin types




How Often Should You Use an Oil-Based Cleanser?



Here’s the good news: You can use an oil-based cleanser daily—but with a few important caveats depending on your skin’s individual needs and what products you’re pairing it with.




🔹 For Dry to Very Dry Skin:



Use once daily, preferably at night.




Using an oil cleanser in the evening is ideal, as it removes sunscreen, makeup, and environmental pollutants accumulated throughout the day. For those with dry skin, once daily is usually sufficient—and avoids potential over-cleansing, which can lead to further dryness or irritation.



If your morning routine involves occlusive night creams or facial oils, you can use a lightweight oil cleanser in the morning to gently remove product residue before applying daytime skincare. However, if your skin feels clean and comfortable, skipping the morning cleanse may help preserve moisture.




🔹 Double Cleansing: How Often Is Too Often?



Double cleansing—using an oil cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser—has become a popular routine, especially for makeup wearers. But for dry skin types, it’s important not to overdo it.




If you wear heavy or waterproof makeup, live in a polluted area, or apply SPF multiple times a day, double cleansing in the evening is a great option. Just make sure your second cleanser is gentle, preferably a cream or hydrating gel that won’t strip your skin further.



Avoid double cleansing twice a day unless absolutely necessary, as this can disrupt your moisture barrier.




Can You Use an Oil-Based Cleanser in the Morning?



Yes—but it’s optional.




Morning cleansing is more about refreshing the skin and removing any products applied overnight than deep-cleansing. If you used a thick night cream, face oil, or sleeping mask, a quick oil cleanse in the morning can help clear residue and prep your skin for serum and SPF application.



Oil cleansing in the morning may be especially helpful if you:




Apply heavy moisturizers or occlusives at night



Experience overnight oiliness or product buildup


Have dry skin and want a gentle alternative to foaming cleansers

However, if your skin feels fine upon waking and doesn’t need a cleanse, you can skip it and go straight to your hydrating toner or serum.

What Happens If You Use Oil Cleansers Too Often?

While oil cleansers are generally gentle, overuse can backfire, even on dry skin. If you cleanse too often or use too much product:

You may begin to strip away your skin’s natural sebum

Skin can feel tight, parched, or flaky

The protective lipid barrier can become compromised

Skin may become more sensitive to environmental damage

It’s a delicate balance—cleansing thoroughly but not excessively. That’s why most dermatologists recommend limiting oil cleansing to once per day, typically in the evening, for dry skin types.

Can You Use Only an Oil Cleanser—Without a Second Cleanser?

Yes, especially if you’re not wearing heavy makeup or SPF.

Oil cleansers are effective enough to use on their own, provided they emulsify well and rinse cleanly without leaving behind a residue. Many people with dry skin find that single cleansing with oil is enough to thoroughly clean their skin without causing dryness.

However, if you’re applying multiple layers of makeup or sunscreen, it’s generally best to double cleanse to ensure that pores remain clear and skin can breathe and renew itself overnight.

When to Use an Oil Cleanser on Its Own:

You don’t wear makeup

You have very dry or sensitive skin

You want to keep your routine minimal

When to Pair with a Water-Based Cleanser:

You wear foundation or waterproof eye makeup

You reapply sunscreen multiple times a day

You live in a polluted environment

Best Times to Use an Oil-Based Cleanser

Time of Day Why It Works Ideal For

Morning Gently removes overnight residue from oils, creams Dry, sensitive skin needing a soft cleanse

Evening Removes makeup, SPF, and environmental buildup Daily wearers of sunscreen, makeup

Post-Workout Removes sweat and bacteria Only if you’ve worn products to the gym

Travel Days Fights dry airplane skin and excess buildup Hydrating reset after flights or long travel

Tips for Using Oil Cleansers on Dry Skin

Start with dry hands and a dry face. Massage the oil directly into your skin for 30–60 seconds to dissolve dirt and makeup.

Add warm water. This will emulsify the cleanser and turn it into a milky texture.

Massage again, then rinse thoroughly. Use lukewarm water—avoid hot water, which can further dry your skin.

Follow with a hydrating toner or serum. This helps replenish and lock in moisture.

Use a microfiber cloth or muslin cloth for extra cleansing power—especially if you wear a lot of makeup.

Final Takeaway: Use Oil Cleansers Wisely and Your Dry Skin Will Thank You

Oil-based cleansers are more than just a skincare trend—they’re an essential tool for anyone with dry skin who wants to cleanse effectively without compromising hydration.

For dry skin, the sweet spot is using your oil cleanser once a day, preferably in the evening. This removes daily grime while leaving your skin nourished and ready for serums, moisturizers, or any other nighttime treatments.

Whether you use an oil cleanser alone or as the first step in a double cleanse, make sure to listen to your skin. If it feels comfortable, soft, and hydrated—you’re doing it right.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
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