I hate washing my face in the morning.
I hate washing my face at night.
It leaves my dry skin feeling itchy and tight.

I hate washing my face with water.
I hate washing my face with soap.
It makes my dry skin look dull, irritated and old. 

I hate washing my face in the sink.
I hate how the water drips down my arms and my neck.
I hate how the water gets my clothing all wet.

I hate washing my face with my cleanser.
It smells like nothing. It has no color. 
The texture is bland and forgettable.
It leaves a weird feeling on my skin.

Am I washing my face wrong?

Or maybe I just haven't found the right cleanser yet.

Why do I hate washing my face?

This article will cover:

• What is dry skin?
• Why cleanse your dry skin?
• What is your skin barrier?
• The problem with soap cleansing
• Alternatives to soap cleansing
• What is the oil cleansing method?
• What are the benefits of oil cleansing?
• What is an oil cleanser?
• What is an oil to milk cleanser?
• How to use an oil to milk cleanser
• How to enjoy cleansing dry skin
• The experience of a face cleanser
• The benefits of a face cleanser
• The aroma of a face cleanser
• The color of a face cleanser
• The texture and feel of a face cleanser
• The packaging
• Summary
• References

What is dry skin?

Dry skin appears dry, rough, and may scale and flake. It may also show premature signs of aging, like fine line, surface wrinkles and loss of elasticity.

Dry skin is skin that is lacking water, humectants and fats. Humectants absorb and hold water, while fats coat the skin and seal in moisture. When there is not enough water, humectants or fats, skin barrier disruption can occur, further worsening symptoms of dry skin (Augustin et al, 2019).

Read more: What is Dry Skin?

Symptoms of dry skin include:

Anyone can develop dry skin.

Why cleanse your dry skin?

Cleansing your skin is essential to keeping your skin healthy. 

All types of skin, from healthy to diseased, infant to aged, need to be kept clean in order to preserve the skin barrier (Mijaljica et al, 2022).

The main purpose of skin cleansing is to remove impurities from the skin’s surface, including make-up, dirt, grime, and daily skin debris. 

Cleansers are designed to remove dirt, sweat, sebum, and oils from the skin (Ananthapadmanabhan, et al, 2004).

To goal is to cleanse skin, without disrupting the skin barrier - i.e., not disrupting the skin pH, nor altering skin microbiota, nor removing the protective lipids and proteins found in the stratum corneum (Mijaljica et al, 2022).

Gentle skin cleansing can be challenging, as the skin’s composition and barrier integrity are intricate, inconsistent, and dynamic (Mijaljica et al, 2022).

What is your skin barrier?

Your skin barrier protects you from physical, chemical, and microbial insults, and prevents the loss of water from your body.

The skin barrier includes the outermost layers of skin, called the stratum corneum.

Your skin barrier is essentially what you can see and touch on the surface of your body.

When your skin barrier is healthy, it feels and appears smooth, soft, and plump.

In contrast, a damaged skin barrier looks dry, rough, dull, and dehydrated, and may become irritated and inflamed.

The stratum corneum can be thought of as a brick wall that protects you.

The "bricks" are the skin cells, called corneocytes, and the "mortar" that holds the bricks together is the lipids or fats, that together create the outer barrier.

Learn More: What is Your Skin Barrier?

The problem with soap

Soap is one of the most popular cleansers.

However, high pH soap can irritate and damage your skin barrier.

The high pH of soap causes swelling of the stratum corneum, which allows unwanted deeper penetration of the soap into the skin possibly causing irritation and itching (Prottey et al, 1975).

Soap can also bind to proteins in your skin barrier, further inducing swelling and hyper hydration of the skin. Following the completion of washing, the excess water evaporates leading to skin tightness and dryness because the soap binding reduces the ability of the skin proteins to hold water. This explains the reduction in skin hydration and elasticity following soap cleansing (Draelos et al, 2018).

Learn more: The Problem with Soap for Cleansing Dry Skin

Soap should be replaced with low pH syndet bars, or other gentle cleansers that can preserve your skin barrier.

Alternatives to soap cleansing

There are many different types of face cleansers that are beneficial for dry skin.

For daily cleansing, there are many options, including syndets, cold creams, cleansing milks, cleansing oils, cleansing balms, micellar water and non-foaming cleansers.

For removing heavy make-up and sunscreens, cleansing balms and cleansing oils are the best choice.

These cleansers can all be great choices for dry skin, depending on your preferred texture and after-feel. 

Soaps and cleansers that are high in pH should be avoided, as high pH soaps can be irritating and disrupt the skin barrier.

Learn more: 8 Types of Face Cleansers - Which Are Best for Cleansing Dry Skin?

What is oil cleansing?

The oil cleansing method is a technique used to clean your face using oils. It works according to the principle of "like attracts like" as the oils help lift and remove daily sebum and oil build up, dirt and skin debris.

Oil cleansing is very effective for gently removing oil-based and waterproof cosmetics, and sunscreens that cannot be easily removed with soap and water.

The oil cleansing method is effective for cleansing skin and is safe to use daily.

The oil cleansing method will not clog pores if the correct oil cleanser is used.

Learn more: What is Oil Cleansing?

What are the benefits of oil cleansing?

Oil cleansing is very gentle on your skin and protects your skin barrier.

There are many beneficial fats and lipids that are naturally found in your skin barrier and play a critical role in keeping your skin healthy.

Beneficial fats and lipids help to lubricate and coat your skin cells and nourish your skin.

Learn more: Beneficial Fats Found in Your Skin Barrier

Oil cleansing effectively cleanses your skin and removes all types of makeup and sunscreens effortlessly. 

Oil cleansing doesn’t dry out your skin: You’re replenishing oils as you cleanse, instead of just stripping it away with soap.

Oil cleansers are packed with plant oils that are nutrient-rich and lubricating: They leave your skin so soft, and you may find, you don’t need a moisturizer afterwards.

Learn more: What is Linoleic Acid? Beneficial Fatty Acid for Dry Skin

What is an oil cleanser?

Oil cleansers are soap-less cleansers that are composed of oils. 

An oil cleanser is made from plant-based oils, and may also include mineral oils, animal-based oils, and/or esters. 

A simple oil cleanser may be composed of a single plant oil, whereas a more complex oil cleanser may contain several plant oils, as well as extracts, actives and aroma compounds.

Different plant oils have different properties, including textures, aromas, colors, skin feel, nutrient profiles and benefits.

Virgin coconut oil

Virgin coconut oil has a strong natural coconut aroma that is buttery and sweet, and easily absorbed into your skin.

Virgin coconut oil initially creates an oily, protective barrier on the skin, which is then absorbed fairly quickly, leaving your skin feeling soft and plump.

Coconut oil is nutrient-packed and has many benefits for dry skin.

Learn more: 5 Benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil for Your Dry Skin 

Apple seed oil

Apple seed oil smells heavenly - like fresh apples and a hint of marzipan. 

Apple seed oil can also soften your skin, strengthen your skin barrier and prevent free-radical damage.

Learn more: 4 Benefits of Apple Seed Oil for Your Dry Skin

Hemp seed oil

Hemp seed oil has a beautiful green color and a grassy to slightly nutty aroma.

Hemp seed oil is quickly absorbed, packed in essential nutrients, and leaves skin feeling soft and supple. 

Learn more: 5 Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil for Your Dry Skin

What is an oil to milk cleanser?

An oil to milk cleanser is similar to an oil cleanser but is also contains an emulsifier to help it rinse away clean with water.

Oil to milk cleansers can emulsify dirt, oil and microorganisms on the skin surface so that they can be easily removed with water. 

Oil to milk cleansers rinse away clean, and do not leave a greasy feeling on your skin.

Oil to milk cleansers leave your skin feeling clean, soft, and plump.

Learn more: What is an Oil to Milk Cleanser?

 

How to use an oil cleanser?

An oil cleanser can be used as a face cleanser, a make-up remover and as a mask.

For best results, always apply an oil cleanser to your dry skin (not even a little damp...)

As a cleanser and make-up remover: With dry hands, apply a generous amount of oil cleanser, and massage into dry face and neck. Gently remove cleanser with a warm moistened cloth. Use daily as required.

Can be used as a stand-alone cleanser, or as the first step oil cleanser in two step cleansing.

As a mask: With dry hands, apply a generous amount of oil cleanser, and massage into dry face and neck. Let sit for 20 min and up to 1 hour. Gently remove cleanser with a warm moistened cloth.

More info: 7 Ways to Use an Oil to Milk Cleanser for Dry Skin

How to enjoy cleansing dry skin

There are many factors that contribute to the enjoyment of washing your face with a cleanser.

• The experience of a face cleanser
• The benefits of a face cleanser
• The aroma of a face cleanser
• The color of a face cleanser
• The texture and feel of a face cleanser
• The packaging

When you find the right face cleanser, it is possible to enjoy washing your dry skin.

The experience of a face cleanser

Do you look forward to using your cleanser? Or are you just settling?

The experience of using a face cleanser includes the aroma, the color, the texture and the after-feel. It also includes the packaging and the messaging. 

Do you enjoy the aroma? Is the color attractive?

Do you like the texture? Do you like the packaging?

Do you enjoy how it feels on your face? As you wash it off.

And more importantly, how it makes your skin feel when you rinse it off.

Does your cleanser offer you a moment of luxury and relaxation?

Does it help you feel calm and ready to take on the day?

You should look forward to using your face cleanser every single day.

Learn more: The experience of Dry Skin Love Wild Orange Oil to Milk Cleanser

 

The benefits of a face cleanser

Does your face cleanser improve the texture and appearance of your skin?

Dry Skin Love Wild Orange Oil to Milk Cleanser is a luxurious experience that makes your dry skin feel clean, nourished, soft, calm and protected.

Our cleanser is packed with potent plant ingredients, including nutrient-rich plant oils, herbs, flowers, microalgae extract and aromatic essential oils.

Our premium ingredients are rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants that play a critical role in maintaining skin barrier, calming inflammation and protecting against oxidative stress and damage.

After just one use of Dry Skin Love Wild Orange Oil to Milk Cleanser, you will notice a difference in the texture and appearance of your skin.

Learn more: 5 Benefits for Your Dry Skin: Dry Skin Love Wild Orange Oil to Milk Cleanser

The aroma of a face cleanser

The aroma of your face cleanser helps you connect to the experience and look forward to using it.

When you love the smell of your skincare, you develop a connection with your skincare. You are more likely to use it, leading to better results.  

At Dry Skin Love, we believe skincare is better with natural aroma. 

Skincare without aroma is lifeless and boring. Unscented is necessary for some people with sensitive skin and allergies, but it is not the way for everyone.

We only use natural aromas, including plant oils, butters, waxes, honey, herbs, flowers, roots, extracts and essential oils. No artificial or synthetic fragrances. 

As many brands shy away from using essential oils and plant extracts, we aim to celebrate natural aroma in skincare.

Learn more: How We Create the Sensual Aroma of Dry Skin Love Wild Orange Oil to Milk Cleanser

Safety: Is Wild Orange Essential Oil Safe for Your Skin?

The color of a face cleanser

The color of a face cleanser also helps you connect to the cleanser. 

We believe skincare is more appealing when it is a rich, vibrant, natural color.

Plants that are rich in antioxidants tend to have vibrant colors, such as bright reds, vibrant blues, deep greens and calming yellows.

We use natural plant extracts that retain their natural color.

We use 100% natural color in our skincare. No artificial or synthetic colors. 

The vibrant orange color of Dry Skin Love Wild Orange Oil to Milk Cleanser is formed from combining red astaxanthin, blue chamomile, green hemp and yellow calendula.

Together these powerful plant compounds form a bright, vibrant orange color, and an antioxidant-rich treat for your skin.

Learn more: Natural Orange Color of Dry Skin Love Wild Orange Oil to Milk Cleanser

The texture and feel of a face cleanser

The texture and feel of a face cleanser are very important.

It is light or heavy? Does it feel creamy, oily or soapy?

What is the after-feel like? How does it leave your skin feeling?

Does it rinse off squeaky clean? Or leave an oily residue after rinsing?

Does your skin feel stripped and dry? Or plump and nourished?

The texture of our wild orange cleanser is rich, sensual and luxurious. The cleanser goes on rich and heavy, but rinses off clean.

The cleanser leaves a slight protective film on your skin. It feels comforting, and
it will not clog your pores.

Your skin will feel clean, soft, nourished and plump.

 

The packaging of a face cleanser

The packaging of a face cleanser plays an important role in the overall experience of using a face cleanser.

Do you like the way the bottle feels in your hand?

Is the packaging material plastic or glass?

Do you like the packaging design? Colors? Messaging?

Does the packaging protect the ingredients?

Is the packaging recyclable?

High Performance Packaging

Our Dry Skin Love packaging is elegant and functional. 

Dry Skin Love Wild Orange Oil to Milk Cleanser is packaged in Miron violet glass to protect our precious ingredients from light and keep them fresh.

Miron violet glass is visually stunning and feels sleek and heavy in your hands. Miron glass is eco-friendly, made from natural raw materials, reusable and 100% recyclable.

Our glass bottle in topped with a pump lid so less air is in contact with the cleanser, meaning less oxidative damage, so our product stays fresh longer.

Our bottle labels are direct printed in Canada.

Our product boxes are custom made in Canada. The ink is vegetable based. The box is 100% recyclable.

Wrapped With Care

We include a hand-written thank you card with your order.

Our packaging is prepared with care, and extra attention is given to every detail.

Every full-sized order comes with a gift of our exclusive aroma.

 

Summary

Do you hate washing your face? Are you washing you face wrong?

Or maybe you just haven't found the right cleanser yet.

The experience of using a face cleanser includes the aroma, the color, the texture and the after-feel. It also includes the packaging and the messaging.

You should look forward to using your face cleanser every single day.

Oil cleansing is a technique used to clean your face using oils.

Oil to milk cleansers also contain emulsifiers, so they can rinse clean upon contact with water.

Oil cleansers are gentle cleansers that can effectively remove daily dirt, skin debris, makeup and sunscreen.

Oil cleansers are packed with nutrient-rich oils and leave your skin feeling healthy and nourished.

Oil cleansers leave you skin feeling clean, soft, and plump.  

After just one use of our Dry Skin Love Wild Orange Oil to Milk Cleanser and Mask, you will notice a difference in the texture and appearance of your skin.

References

Ananthapadmanabhan KP, Moore DJ, Subramanyan K, Misra M, Meyer F. Cleansing without compromise: the impact of cleansers on the skin barrier and the technology of mild cleansing. Dermatol Ther. 2004;17 Suppl 1:16-25. 

Augustin, Matthias, Dagmar Wilsmann‐Theis, Andreas Körber, Martina Kerscher, Götz Itschert, Michaela Dippel, and Petra Staubach. 2019. Diagnosis and treatment of xerosis cutis – a position paper. JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft 17 (S7): 3–33.

Draelos ZD. The science behind skin care: Cleansers. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018 Feb;17(1):8-14.  

Mijaljica D, Spada F, Harrison IP. Skin Cleansing without or with Compromise: Soaps and Syndets. Molecules. 2022 Mar 21;27(6):2010.

Prottey C, Ferguson T. Factors which determine the skin irritation potential of soaps and detergents. J Soc Cosmetic Sci. 1975;26:29- 46.

Author Information

Dr. Natasha Ryz is a scientist, skin care expert and an entrepreneur. She is the founder of Dry Skin Love Skincare, and she creates skincare products for beauty, dry skin and pain relief.

Dr. Ryz has a PhD in Experimental Medicine from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, and she is a Vanier scholar. She also holds a Master of Science degree and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.

Natasha is the former Chief Science Officer of Zenabis Global, and she oversaw cannabis extraction, analytics, and product development. Her team brought 20 products to market including oils, sprays, vapes and softgels.

Why I Started A Skincare Company