True happiness, say the experts, isn’t summoned from grand gestures so much as small daily actions practised with consistency and intention. That’s quietly comforting from a skin happiness perspective – facials can be few and far between but a two-minute ritual like cleansing can deliver joy on the daily. Not only is it welcome relief for skin ready to throw off the pore-clogging shackles of sunscreen and makeup, but it can also be the delicious moment your mind is released from the chaos of the day.
“Cleansing isn’t just about being clean,” says Corri Marshall, cosmetic chemist and co-founder of DermapenWorld. “It’s about understanding your skin and respecting its rhythm.”
The trouble is that rhythm changes through the decades, making it challenging to keep in tune at times. “Skin physiology changes with age,” says Dr Gavin Chan, Cosmetic Doctor at the Victorian Cosmetic Institute. “We know that sebum production declines over time, particularly in women after menopause, and there is also a reduction in barrier lipids such as ceramides. So if you apply a more aggressive or repetitive cleansing routine, you are more likely to disrupt the barrier.”
As a rule, if your skin feels ‘squeaky’ clean or tight after cleansing, it’s not the product for you. “That’s a sign that the cleanser is stripping the skin’s natural lipids or disrupting the barrier, leading to dryness, irritation and increased sensitivity,” says Corri.
According to Dr Chan, that level of irritation is bad news all round as barrier disruption contributes to low-grade inflammation, which can speed up ageing. Which begs the question – is a double cleanse too much? “Double cleansing has its place, but it is often overused, particularly with mature skin. If the skin is drier or more fragile, which is common with maturity, then double cleansing is often unnecessary,” he says. “There is no strong evidence that most people need two separate cleansing steps when using a well-formulated cleanser. Modern cleansers are designed to remove both oil-based and water-based debris, including sunscreen.”
Corri disagrees, arguing that an oil-based or balm cleanser is one of the most effective ways to remove make-up and sunscreen, and should be followed by a light second cleanse to remove any oily residue.
“When double cleansing is done with barrier‑supportive ingredients such as nourishing oils, humectants and gentle emulsifiers, it can actually be very suitable for sensitive, mature and dry skins,” she says. “People run into trouble with cleansers that rely too heavily on exfoliating acids or aggressive surfactants.
“At the end of the day, cleansing is about supporting your skin’s barrier, respecting its rhythm and choosing textures that work with your lifestyle.”
Top 3 cleansing tips from cosmetic chemist, Corri Marshall:
1. Dry cleanse: Apply to dry skin first to properly dissolve makeup and sunscreen, then add water to emulsify before rinsing skin.
2. Skin therapy: spend a few minutes massaging the skin as you cleanse to improve circulation and support de‑puffing.
3. Face facts: change your pillowcase regularly. Fresh skin deserves a fresh surface!
If you’re after a new cleanser, here are our top product recommendations:
If you have sensitive skin:
Look for hydrating and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, sea grapes, kiwi and aloe vera.
- The Body Shop Aloe Soothing Cream Cleanser, $25, is fragrance free and super light, washing off easily without residue.
- Avène Tolerance Extremely Gentle Cleanser, $25.99, can stay on skin as it’s so soothing or spritz on Avène Thermal Spring Water to rinse.
If you have mature skin:
Use lukewarm water (not hot or cold) to prevent irritation.
- Rejuran Moisture Bubble Cleansing Water, $60, is foamy but designed for sensitive skin (no squeak!).
- IKOU Recovery Face Cleansing Crème, $49, feels deliciously rich and indulgent. Smells like roses.
- Sothys Morning Cleanser, $85, is the perfect balance of lightly foamy with a soothing skin feel.
If you have very dry skin:
Moisturise straight after cleansing while skin is still damp so it soaks it up effectively.
- Dp Dermaceuticals Tri-Phase Cleanser, $43.00, feels more like a nourishing balm on skin. Transforms into a gel and then milk with water. Makes skin feel amazing.
- No 7 Good Intent Glow Grind Cleansing Balm, $25.99, goes on thick and the squalane-enriched balm turns milky with water.
If you have combination skin:
“A clarifying cleanser should be balanced with calming and conditioning ingredients, such as aloe vera or lightweight natural oils like grapeseed, to keep skin comfortable and resilient,” says Corri.
- Bangn Body Firming Cream Cleanser, $38, is great everyday for body bumps. Use on the face when you’re after a gentle exfoliation action while you cleanse.
- Kit Compatability Cleanser, $34, has a delicious gel-to-milk consistency that leaves skin feeling fresh. Smells addictively herby.
If you have breakout prone skin:
“When the barrier is respected, the skin is able to regulate itself, respond to active ingredients, and cope with internal triggers like hormones and stress,” says Corri.
- Omorfi Active Skincare Gentle & Hydrating Lactic Acid Cleanser, $39.95, lifts impurities with the gentlest, most hydrating acid type.
- CeraVe Balancing Air Foam Cleanser, $23, is ultra frothy, fragrance-free and pH balanced. Removes oil without feeling drying.
If you want to double-cleanse:
“Gentle plant oils are a great start. Grapeseed oil is a beautiful example as it cleanses thoroughly without stripping,” says Corri.
- Epicuticus Oil Cleanser, $160, is best applied to dry skin. Feels nourishing and comes off beautifully with water.
- Ella Bache Botanical Cleansing Oil, $80, smells dreamy and is packed with nourishing omega fatty acids. Washes off easily.
The article originally appeared in the July 2026 issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly. Subscribe so you never miss an issue.
