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Double cleansing has been quite a buzz in the beauty community for a while, whether you’re a skincare newbie or beauty obsessed, and for good reason! Korean, Japanese and French beauty routines have long featured a focus on cleansing, which is reason enough for me (hello glass skin).
Clean skin is the all important first step in your skincare routine and there’s no better way to get skin properly clean than by double cleansing. It really is as simple as it sounds, meaning you just have to cleanse your skin twice, preferably with two different cleansers. First, using an oil-based cleanser to help remove all your oil-based products, following with a water-based cleanser that helps remove everything that’s left over.
Not cleansing properly means that all of the grime that builds up during the day has the opportunity to sit on your skin and sink into your pores overnight. This is especially important if you live in an urban area, as the higher levels of airborne bacteria and pollution can contribute to signs of ageing and breakouts.
Clean skin also means that all the lovely skincare products you follow up with have the best chance to work effectively. Giving your skincare a clear canvas to work with can allow your actives to penetrate deeper and do their part more effectively.
Your first cleanse should be oil-based and is usually found as an oil or balm (ahem GunkOff) that then melts down into an oil on the skin. The science behind this is that you need an oil to remove oil, because it binds to the excess oil (sebum) on your skin and brings everything else you’ve had on your skin with it.
So, what you’re really targeting here is the removal of makeup, and sunscreen, along with those surface oils. You’ll also notice that it’s wayyy easier to remove even stubborn makeup with this kind of cleanser, so you just have to gently massage your skin rather than harshly rubbing it.
Your second cleansing is your water-based step that helps shift the remaining grime and pollution, removing anything left from your first step. Texture-wise this will likely be a gel, foaming or mousse and you can also introduce additional benefits in this step to cater to your skin type. For example, someone with dry skin may like to use a hydrating cleanser to best prepare the skin for the rest of the routine.
Step one: Pull hair back out of your face – preferably with a super cute headband like mine
Step two: Use dry fingertips to apply your oil or balm to your face, massaging it onto your dry skin.
Step three: As you continue to massage, the oil will start to break down the makeup and SPF. Take about a minute to really work it all over the skin, making sure to just use a gentle motion, especially around your eyes.
Step four: Use warm (not hot!) water to start to emulsify the oil, then remove it using a damp cloth, gently wiping away all the gunk.
Step five: Leaving your skin a little damp, go in with your second cleanser of choice. You really want to work it into your skin for about a minute, so you can get the full benefits of the ingredients. Again, you really only need a gentle pressure and motion.
Step six: Rinse off your second cleanse with warm water and a cloth if you’d like. All done and ready for the rest of your routine!
If you’re new to double cleansing, it may take a week or so before you notice a difference in your skin. Some of the benefits you may notice include cleaner feeling skin, reduced breakouts or even an overall brighter complexion. The most important thing is to trust how your skin feels and is reacting to the process. Double cleansing should feel like two gentle washes and the motion with your hands should feel like a massage, not tugging and pulling at the skin.
The best part is that whatever your skin type, there’s a double cleansing routine for you. It’s only a few minutes of your routine but can really make all the difference for your skin!
