Behind every public figure's polished appearance lies a personal care routine. This series examines the diets, workouts, procedures, and beauty and fashion habits of newsmakers — and what everyday readers can learn from them.

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[Yonhap]

Yulhee, a former member of the girl group LABOUM, recently opened up about struggling with acne, redness and sensitive skin — and her cleansing habits have drawn attention alongside her confession. She has admitted to sometimes going to bed without removing her makeup, while on other occasions spending about 30 minutes washing her face in multiple steps. Dermatologists warn that when skin becomes irritated, the problem is often not that a person is washing too little, but that they are washing too aggressively.

Appearing on Channel A's beauty program "Beauty Clinic Touch Me," Yulhee said her skin used to be genuinely good but has recently broken out badly, turned blotchy and sensitive, and developed noticeable dark circles.

The show also revealed her cleansing routine: a three-step process — water rinse, cleansing foam and scrub — that takes roughly 30 minutes each time, alongside habits such as eating late-night snacks and occasionally sleeping with her makeup on.

Squeaky-clean after 30 minutes of washing — but is cleaner always better?

Cleansing is necessary to remove sebum, sweat, makeup and sunscreen, but washing longer does not make skin healthier.

The outermost layer of skin — the stratum corneum — contains a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss and shields against external irritants. Repeated use of strong cleansers or prolonged scrubbing can strip away the skin's natural lipids, compromising that barrier. The result can be tightness, dryness, redness, stinging or itching. The Cleveland Clinic notes that excessive cleansing or scrubbing can damage the skin barrier.

The notion that skin must feel "squeaky clean" to be properly washed deserves particular caution. If skin feels severely tight after washing, or stings when moisturizer is applied immediately afterward, that may signal the cleanser is too harsh or the cleansing session is running too long.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that people with acne-prone skin wash gently twice a day with a mild, non-irritating cleanser, and add an extra wash after heavy sweating. Fingertips — not towels or sponges — should be used, and rubbing should be replaced with gentle circular motions.

Scrubbing more frequently is not better, either. Repeatedly working a granular scrub over skin that is already breaking out and red only adds irritation. The AAD also cautions that scrubbing hard to clear acne can worsen inflammation rather than resolve it.

Sleeping in makeup one night, triple-cleansing the next — both extremes take a toll

Sleeping with makeup on is a habit worth breaking. Cosmetic residue, sebum and dust left on the skin for hours can clog pores and aggravate breakouts.

The AAD advises that people with acne can wear makeup, but should always remove it before bed and follow up with a gentle cleanser. Choosing products labeled "non-comedogenic" or "won't clog pores" can also help.

The real trap is trying to make up for a night of skipped cleansing by washing multiple times the next day. In skin care, a consistent daily routine matters more than any single intensive session. For most people, removing makeup, following with a mild cleanser and applying moisturizer is enough.

Moisturizing after cleansing is equally important. People with acne-prone skin often skip moisturizer because their skin feels oily, but allowing skin to become too dry can increase irritation and discomfort. The AAD explains that during acne treatment, when skin tends to dry out, a moisturizer can reduce irritation — and applying it immediately after cleansing helps lock in hydration.

When acne flares, find the cause before reaching for the cleanser

A sudden worsening of acne does not automatically point to a hygiene problem. Adult acne can be driven by hormonal shifts, stress, genetics, and skin or hair products. According to the AAD, hormonal changes are a common trigger of adult acne in women, and stress can make existing breakouts worse.

Responding to a flare-up by washing more often or adding exfoliants can therefore backfire. A better first step is to simplify the routine — centering it on a mild cleanser and moisturizer — and to check whether any new cosmetics or hair products were recently introduced.

Sunscreen during the day is also important. When skin is already sensitive, choosing products with minimal fragrance and irritants, suited to one's skin type, becomes especially critical.

If lifestyle changes bring no improvement and acne and redness keep worsening — or if painful inflammatory acne, itching, oozing or severe stinging develops — the problem should not be dismissed as simple barrier damage. Contact dermatitis or other skin conditions may be the underlying cause, and a dermatologist visit is the right next step.

The broader lesson from Yulhee's experience is that "more is better" does not apply to skin care. Sleeping in makeup and over-washing for 30 minutes are opposite habits, yet both burden the skin. The real foundation of healthy skin is simpler: cleanse thoroughly but gently, minimize irritation, and consistently keep up with cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection.


rainbow@heraldcorp.com