Everything You Need to Know About Double Cleansing
Wow! The 10th School of Yellow Sweats—congratulations to me and me alone! To celebrate, I’m bringing it back to the basics, because if one more person who doesn’t double cleanse DMs me to complain about their skin, I will rip my hair out.
What exactly is double cleansing?
Simply put, double cleansing involves using two different cleansers, one right after the other. Like most good things when it comes to skincare, the technique comes from Japan and South Korea.
The concept behind double cleansing is to use the first cleanse to remove any makeup, sunscreen, and general daily grime. This preliminary step clears the way for your second cleanser to actually cleanse your skin, rather than having to work through any impurities sitting on top the skin. As a result, double cleansing is usually done only at night.
Got it. So how exactly do I double cleanse correctly?
Here’s some good news: it’s really easy. See below.
What are the benefits of double cleansing?
First of all, double cleansing ensures that your face is thoroughly cleansed of any yucky bad stuff, which is good, since we don’t want any yucky bad stuff on our face. Plus, like I literally just said, it allows your second cleanser to actually cleanse the skin.
Double cleansing also brightens dullness, ultimately lifting the complexion. And, a good double cleanse in the evening allows any subsequently applied serums, moisturizers, and treatments to deeply penetrate the skin, increasing their efficacy. Basically, the cleaner the face, the better the immediate and long-term results of virtually all other skincare steps.
Double cleansing is especially beneficial for those of us city dwellers. City-life exposes you to high pollution levels on the daily, and we know that pollution and environmental toxins can accelerate the aging process. So, by really making sure that we remove all the dirt and grime at the end of the day, we’re technically fighting the effects of aging. You’re welcome.
Also, I have to admit there’s something really nice about the routine of double cleansing. It takes some time to get used to, but I love massaging my oil cleanser deep into the skin and really scrubbing for that full 60 seconds—it just feels good. Plus, after two separate cleanses, I can rest assured knowing that my skin is squeaky clean. If I’m feeling really lazy, I’ll even just double cleanse, moisturize, and call it a night.
Fine. Do I really need to use an oil-based cleanser, cleansing balm, or micellar water for the first cleanse?
Yup. All three of these cleansers gently remove makeup and unwanted oils, leaving behind the good, hydrating oils that you actually want. I’m team oil-based cleanser, though I do also enjoy a great cleansing balm.
A lot of people with oily skin tend to avoid oils like the plague, but there’s actually a pretty good argument for using them. Remember, like removes like. So if your skin is oily, you can guarantee that the oil cleanse is going to remove everything.
On the flip side, if your skin is dry, an oil cleanser helps nourish and deeply hydrate the skin. And, if you have sensitive skin, an oil cleanser will help soothe and calm inflamed skin.
Some of my favorite cleansers for a first cleanse include:
Okay, what about the second cleanse? How do I know if my cleanser is water-based?
Unless your cleanser is an oil or a cleansing balm, it’s probably water-based. Easy!
Your second cleanser should address your particular skin type or concern. So, for example, my second cleanse usually involves a hydrating cleanser or one that helps combat acne. I just base the decision off of what I feel like my skin needs in that moment.
Some of my favorite cleansers for a second cleanse include:
Do I need to double cleanse even if I’m not wearing makeup?
Yeah. Here’s why: most people suck at washing their face. I’m sorry! It had to be said. A 20-second scrub simply won’t do the job.
Throughout the day, airborne bacteria and pollution is attracted to your skin. If they aren’t properly washed away, they could contribute to aging, hyperpigmentation, and acne. And, like I said, most people aren’t properly washing their faces!
So, by double cleansing, we can ensure removal of all that grossness. Then, the second round of cleansing will clean deeper into the pores to remove any deeply lodged impurities.
Anything else?
Actually…no. I guess there’s a first for everything!
