What Is Double Cleansing & Why Should I Incorporate It Into My Skincare Routine?

What Is Double Cleansing?

Just as it sounds, double cleansing involves using two different types of cleansers – one oil based, and one foam or gel cleanser. Most beneficial at night, the purpose of double cleansing is to remove any products that have been applied throughout the day, such as sunscreen and makeup. Then followed by a regular cleanser to clean your skin from build up on a deeper layer . This is because it’s difficult for a foam/ gel cleanser to break through makeup, while still cleaning the face thoroughly.

Double cleansing isn’t necessary both morning and night, especially because many strong cleansers can often leave skin feeling tight, stripping it of essential oils. Choosing two gentle cleansers can work better than having one harsh cleanser as this will leave the skin undamaged while still feeling extremely clean and soft.

Benefits Of Double Cleansing

Although doing your skincare routine after a long day can be a massive effort, it is the best way to assure that your skin is clean and free of any nasties that may have built up on your skin throughout the day.

Double cleansing will allow for your skin cells to be rejuvenated as the serums and moisturizers applied after will soak into fresh and clean skin. This means we will receive all the amazing perks of our skincare, including a bright, youthful complexion.

Cleansing into a deeper layer of the skin also allows makeup to be applied more evenly. Dry skin tends to leave makeup looking flakey, but double cleansing can counteract this as it refreshes the skin. This is because it can exfoliate to remove dead skin cells, leaving the base as a smooth canvas.

Double cleaning is a great way to prevent or help address acne and pimples as it prevents sebum buildup. Sebum can lead to breakouts on the skin, therefore if we are removing any chance for excess sebum, we are able to be in control of one major factor that causes pimples. This is not to say that our skin will be completely clear, as breakouts can be caused by many different reasons, but it’s just one way to attempt to prevent them.

Do’s Of Double Cleansing:

Use a balm/ oil as your first cleanser:

Rubbing into dry hands, a balm or oil based cleanser acts to clean the top layer of your skin. Once activated through circular rubbing notions, the first cleanser aims to remove any products on the face such as makeup or sunscreen.

Use a foam/ gel as your second cleanser:

This second cleanser cleans a deeper layer of your skin to remove any dead skin cells. Exfoliators can be used in this step, however ensure that you are only using it 1-2 times a week as exfoliants can be harsh on the skin. All other days can be completed with a foam or gel based cleanser to purify the skin.

Wash with warm water:

Using cold water won’t remove the daily buildup effectively, but hot water can dry out the skin. Therefore, using warm water will remove dirt while still balancing natural skin oils, leaving the skin nourished.

Apply serum/ moisturiser after double cleansing:

It’s important to hydrate the skin after cleansing so that it does not dry out. With a clean base, serums and moisturisers will be able to penetrate the skin to a deeper level. This means you’ll get more benefits out of your skincare products.

Dont’s Of Double Cleansing:

Use an exfoliant or harsh gel based cleanser for both washes:

Using harsh products can irritate the skin or dry it out, hindering the whole point of double cleansing. This means we need to be choosing our products according to our skin type, as well as using gentle products that will soothe our skin.

Don’t forget your neck:

If you’re wearing foundation, bronzer, fake tan and perfume, you’re most likely going to have buildup on your neck area. To prevent premature ageing of the skin around the neck, ensure you’re also washing the neck area properly.

Double cleanse both morning and night:

Double cleansing only needs to be done once per day, in particular, at night. If done too often, this can hinder the process of double cleansing as the skin can react negatively because of the harshness and constant rubbing that occurs.

Dry your face aggressively with any bathroom towel:

Rather than rubbing your face with a grubby towel in your bathroom, opt for a small, clean face towel and use patting motions to dry the skin. Doing this gently means the skin will still stay slightly damp, which is the perfect time to apply your serum and moisturiser to lock in as much hydration as possible.

Double Cleansing Oils & Balms

Gentle Water Based Cleansers For Double Cleansing

Frequently Asked Questions About Double Cleansing

Can I Over-Wash My Skin?

Yes definitely! This is why it is suggested that you use gentle cleansers, only double cleanse at night and not to rinse aggressively. If you are worried about over-washing your skin, remember that everyone’s skin reacts differently to products and steps in a routine, so do what feels best for your skin.

Do I Have To Double Cleanse If I Don’t Wear Makeup?

You do not need to double cleanse at all to have clean skin. However, it sure does help. The first cleanser isn’t just to remove makeup, but also other impurities sitting on the top layer of skin that may have built up during the day. There is no harm in double cleansing if you don’t wear makeup, as both cleansers aim to address different layers of the skin.

Can I Double Cleanse With The Same Cleanser?

This can be an option, however the whole point of using two cleansers is to reap the benefits of both oil based and foam based cleansers. Using the same cleanser will definitely still remove dirt and clean your face, but you may find that it can be too harsh on the skin depending on your skin type.

How Do I Know If Double Cleansing Is Working For Me?

You won’t see a difference straight away. After 1-2 weeks you can start to see the benefits to double cleansing, including a brighter complexion or less breakouts on your skin. The key is to be patient though, as it may take some time to find the perfect combination of products that works for you.

Who Is Double Cleansing For?

Anyone can double cleanse. From heavy makeup wearers, to those with dry skin or oily skin. There are so many positives of double cleansing for each different skin type, including combating excess oil and preventing breakouts. If you try it and don’t like it, you can always go back to using just one cleanser.