Are you curious about the benefits of double cleansing? We look at how this simple practice can leave you with healthier, clearer-looking skin and exactly how to do the double cleansing method.
What is double cleansing?
In a nutshell, means cleansing your face twice at night-time. It's a method commonly practised in Korea and Japan, and for good reason.
The first cleanse typically involves using an oil-based cleanser that removes makeup, sunscreen and pollutants from your face. This is followed by the second cleanse, which can be with a cleanser of your choice, that cleans your base layer of skin and deeper into your pores. This double cleanse method allows your treatments, serums and creams to penetrate more deeply into the skin.
How to double cleanse: A step-by-step guide
First cleanse
Apply your cleansing oil or balm to dry hands and warm with body heat for 5 seconds to activate.
Gently massage onto dry skin and watch the cleaner melt to a rich oil.
To remove, lightly wet hands and massage the skin to emulsify the cleanser. This process enables the cleanser to lift and melt everything off effectively. Oil dissolves oil (both oil-based makeup and oil on the skin), and when you add water, it'll start to turn milky before your final rinse.
Second cleanse
Next, go ahead with the second cleanse, which addresses the less visible impurities, such as pollutants and debris that build up in the pore.
The second cleanse can repeat the first oil-based product or a quick wash using a gel or foam cleanser is also great. You don't want to use a foam or gel cleanser for the first and second cleanse as this can strip or over-exfoliate your barrier.
The second cleanse ensures your skin is completely clear and your pores are purified by removing any traces of product residue. Your second cleanse will require less product; the hard work is done with your first cleanse.
How to double cleanse oily skin? In exactly the same way! Oily skin in particular can benefit from a double cleanse with an oil-based cleanser first as this not only helps to remove excess oil but also aid in balancing sebum production.
We recommend our The Lipid Complex Cleanser. This antioxidant cleanser works as both a first cleanse on dry skin and a second cleanse on wet skin.
A proprietary blend of omega-rich oils that utilise new technology creates a unique Oil/Gel-to-Milk cleanser enriched with Ceramides, which melts away impurities, makeup and the day.
Should you double cleansing twice a day? We recommend only double cleansing at night, to deeply purify the pores after exposure to makeup, pollution, debris and accumulated sebum. Double cleansing in the morning isn't really necessary.
Why double cleanse: Benefits of double cleansing
Double cleansing is a simple yet effective technique to help you achieve clear, healthy, radiant skin.
The benefits of double cleansing go beyond just removing makeup and impurities from the skin. One of the biggest benefits is that it can help to reduce breakouts. Double cleansing ensures that all the impurities and excess oil are removed from the skin, leaving it clean and clear.
Another benefit of double cleansing is that it can improve the absorption of skincare products. Removing all the impurities from the skin creates a clean canvas for your skincare products to work their magic. This means that your serums and moisturisers can penetrate deeper into the skin and work more effectively.
Finally, double cleansing can also lead to an overall improvement in your skin's health and appearance. By keeping your skin clean and free of impurities, you are helping to prevent premature ageing, reduce inflammation, and promote a healthy, radiant complexion.
Is it right for you?
While the benefits are clear, double cleansing isn't recommended for everyone.
For those with oily skin or who regularly wear makeup, double cleansing each night is a great practice to introduce to your routine.
Rosacea and eczema prone skin
However, suppose your skin isn't prone to excessive oil, only wear makeup occasionally, or you're in the middle of a rosacea or eczema flare up on your face. Daily double cleansing might not be necessary in these cases or, in the case of rosacea or eczema flare up, could make things worse. A mild cleanser on its own should suffice.
Double cleansing products: How to choose the right ones
Choosing the right double cleansing products is key for an effective cleanse.
An oil-based cleanser is the ideal first cleanse and very effective at dissolving stubborn, long-lasting makeup. It can dig deeper into the pore where oil and product build-up.
Oil-based formulations also help balance the amount of oil on your skin while they cleanse, so they also work for oily or sensitive skin types.
For the second cleanse, as we mentioned earlier, a gentle gel or foam cleanser works well, ensuring that your skin is adequately clean by removing any traces of product residue. Or, you can simply repeat with your oil-based cleanser.
Common mistakes with double cleansing
- You don't want to use a foam or gel cleanser two times as this can strip or over-exfoliate your barrier.
- The temperature of the water is important for your skin health. If you use steaming hot water, you're likely to irritate your skin, so cleanse with lukewarm water and preferably not in the shower (as the water is hotter).
- If you're sensitive, try using sulphate-free cleansers, as sulphates irritate the skin by stripping it of its natural oils.
- Avoid facial wipes, they tend to move any grime around your face, and they contain alcohol, which can dry skin out and be bad for the environment.
Based on our chats with dermal experts, skin lovers and aestheticians, the overwhelming view on double cleansing is a big YES! Consistently double cleansing your face will pay massive dividends to your long-term skin health.
