Does your skin feel dry after cleansing? Derm reveals it’s a bad sign

Desperately needing to quench your dehydrated skin with ample moisturizer after cleansing could be a bad sign, according to skincare pros.

Dr. Justine Hextall, a consulting dermatologist for cult skincare brand La Roche Posay, warned that a tight, dry complexion could be a sign of a damaged skin barrier, harsh cleanser or a matter of water temperature.

“If your skin feels dry after washing your face it usually means the cleanser is too harsh, stripping the skin barrier [the outermost layer of the skin] and ultimately leading to moisture loss,” she told Metro, explaining that the “squeaky clean” feeling post-cleanse could mean a chance in skin pH and, thus, a damaged skin barrier.

A damaged skin barrier can result in stubborn acne, wrinkles, rough patches, dry or scaly skin, itchiness and tenderness or stinging when applying products.

“After cleansing, skin should feel soft and hydrated – you should not be reaching for your moisturizer,” she said.

Mineral-dense hard water — like that found in New York City pipes — can irritate the skin due to the high concentration of minerals such as calcium and magnesium.

“Hard water finds it harder to remove soaps and shampoos from the skin and hair, as it reacts with the fatty acids in the soaps creating residue that sits on the skin and hair causing dryness,” Hextall said.

“Ultimately this damages the skin barrier, causing skin sensitivity, dryness, irritation and scalp flaking.”

While washing your face in the shower might save some extra time, the UK-based dermatologist cautioned against the overly hot water that could dry out your skin — not to mention the soaps, shampoos and conditioners that could irritate “delicate facial skin.”

“I always recommend cleansing facial skin after the shower,” she said, adding that applying a moisturizer pre-rinse will protect the skin barrier from both hard and hot water during a shower.

As winter weather approaches, dry skin seems inevitable — but doctors say it doesn’t have to be.

Rachael Gallo, esthetician and Chief Operating Officer of Silver Mirror Facial Bar, previously told The Post that both your moisturizer and cleanser should chance with the seasons.

“During the hotter months, change to a gel- or foam-based cleanser to help with the excessive heat and dead skin,” she advised. “In the colder months, switch to a cream cleanser and add one with a milk base for extra hydration.”

Gentle cleansers can remove the dirt and debris that accumulates on the surface of the skin without stripping the barrier, experts recommend.

Using hyaluronic or lactic acid can keep your skin glowing even in frigid weather, while niacinamide can reduce redness, Gallo said. Additionally, SPF, vitamins and moisturizers are a must as the temperatures drop.