As featured in Oprah Daily, by Genesis Rivas, October 2, 2026
How you take off your makeup matters more as your skin changes. Dr. Morgana Colombo, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at Integrated Dermatology of Reston and founder of Vidaderma, shared her expertise with Oprah Daily on why cleansing balms are a smart choice for mature skin and which formulas she recommends.
Read the full Oprah Daily article
Why mature skin needs a gentler cleanse
As we get older, the skin barrier becomes a bigger priority. Dr. Colombo explained why:
"With age (particularly around perimenopause and menopause), the skin tends to produce less sebum and becomes more vulnerable to barrier disruption, which is why cleansing while keeping the skin barrier intact is necessary." Dr. Morgana Colombo, via Oprah Daily
How cleansing balms work
Cleansing balms use oil to lift away oil-based buildup, which lets them clean thoroughly without harsh ingredients. According to Dr. Colombo:
"The oils in the balm are very effective at dissolving sunscreen, makeup, sebum, and other oil-soluble debris without relying on aggressive surfactants that can leave the skin feeling stripped." Dr. Morgana Colombo, via Oprah Daily
Dr. Colombo's cleansing balm picks
CeraVe Cleansing Balm Hydrating Makeup Remover: Dr. Colombo's favorite budget option, and one she points to for dry, sensitive, or mature skin.
"It's fragrance-free, contains ceramides and jojoba oil, and it's a good choice for dry, sensitive, or mature skin because it removes makeup and sunscreen without an aggressive cleanse." Dr. Morgana Colombo, via Oprah Daily
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm: Her pick for heavier makeup and water-resistant sunscreen.
"It's a longstanding dermatologist-friendly option that's fragrance-free and particularly effective for heavier makeup and water-resistant sunscreen." Dr. Morgana Colombo, via Oprah Daily
What if you're acne-prone?
A richer balm isn't the right fit for everyone. Dr. Colombo's advice for acne-prone skin:
"Someone who is very acne-prone may find that certain richer balms leave too much residue. In those patients, I prefer a balm that emulsifies completely and rinses very cleanly." Dr. Morgana Colombo, via Oprah Daily
A longevity approach to cleansing
At Vidaderma, we believe protecting the skin barrier is one of the foundations of healthy aging skin. Explore our cleansers, learn more in The Skin Longevity Framework, or take the skin quiz to build your routine.
Noticing skin changes after weight loss? Read Dr. Colombo's take on Ozempic face, as featured in Parade.
Book an appointment with Dr. Colombo
Frequently asked questions
Are cleansing balms good for mature skin?
Yes. Dr. Colombo explains that skin produces less sebum with age and becomes more vulnerable to barrier disruption, so a cleanse that keeps the barrier intact is important.
Do cleansing balms remove sunscreen?
Yes. According to Dr. Colombo, the oils in a balm dissolve sunscreen, makeup, sebum, and other oil-soluble debris without aggressive surfactants.
Are cleansing balms good for acne-prone skin?
It depends on the formula. Dr. Colombo notes that richer balms can leave too much residue for very acne-prone skin, so she prefers a balm that emulsifies completely and rinses clean.
What's a good drugstore cleansing balm?
Dr. Colombo calls the CeraVe Cleansing Balm Hydrating Makeup Remover the best drugstore pick.
