Double Cleansing: The Skincare Step You Didn't Know You Needed

A normal skincare routine usually starts with washing our faces clean. This ensures a smooth application of actives, devoid of dirt and impurities. This is what we believe, right? So, what is the new trend of double cleansing, and why is the world slowly adding it to their skin care routine?

While understated, double cleansing isn’t simply a trend; it's a practice. It can prove to be an integral part of your regime to help you address the needs of modern-day skin, that’s exposed to a range of pollutants. These remnants of dirt, sebum, etc can cause buildup and stand to affect the health of your skin further. The solution to this is double cleansing. It is simple, easy and can relay a ton of benefits. So, how to double cleanse and who should do it? Let's learn in the blog below.

Keynotes:

• Double cleansing is a two-step process that involves using a water-based cleanser after an oil-based one for a thorough cleanse.
• The practice meticulously involves removing oil-soluble impurities like makeup, sunscreen, dirt and sebum benefiting acne and oily skin types by preventing buildup.
• Try to incorporate gentle cleansers into your double cleansing routine and make sure to follow proper technique for best results.
• While double cleansing is beneficial for many, individuals with dry and sensitive skin should approach it with care and consult a dermatologist.

As the name suggests, double cleansing denotes cleansing your face twice with two different cleansers at the beginning of your skincare routine. The process aims to target sebum (excess oil), makeup, sunscreen or any other impurities that accumulate on the skin’s surface after a day out in the sun. It helps in prepping your skin for any subsequent skincare treatments later as well. This cumulative effect results in a clean skin surface devoid of any buildup that could have impaired the efficacy of products applied in later steps. Thus, maintaining the integrity of the skin for effective skin care.

Looking up new trending skin care practices on the internet every week can make you susceptible to doubt and intrigue. To counter that, let's understand what double cleansing is actually bringing to the table for you:

Benefits for Acne-Prone and Oily Skin

Individuals with acne-prone and oily skin types primarily struggle with excess sebum production, which can be a festering ground for buildup, clogged pores and even bacteria (leading to acne!). Here is where the double cleansing method comes to your rescue. The two-step cleansers round out sebum, dirt as well as deeper-set impurities without stripping the skin. This practice is much gentler on the skin as compared to using abrasive scrubs, as it maintains the moisture balance while addressing excess oil production effectively.

Benefits for Makeup and Sunscreen Removal

While some may counter that a thorough round of washing once gets most of the gunk off their faces, the streaks of waterproof makeup left on their skin tell a different story. Makeup and sunscreen, especially water-resistant formulas, can be difficult to eliminate with a single wash. Leaving these on overnight can potentially lead to clogged pores and irritation. Double cleansing with an oil-based cleanser can lift away the most tenacious residues, allowing your skin to breathe and be ready for nightly treatments.

Reap the most benefit out of double cleansing in your routine by selecting the perfect products and employing the correct practises to avoid overstripping your skin. These are the few things to adhere to:

Choosing the Right First and Second Cleanser

First Cleanser: Oil Based

The first one will generally involve an oil-based cleanser or a cleansing balm. This step is designed to break down the oil-soluble impurities like makeup, sebum and sunscreen. Due to the oils' lipophilice, the cleanser attracts and dissolves these impurities with ease.

Second Cleanser: Water Based

The immediate next step after this is double cleansing your face with a water-based cleanser. While it may seem that your skin is already clean, the second step utilizes surfactants that target residual sweat, stubborn dirt or any other buildup left behind. These could be either gentle forming gel, milk or a cream cleanser designed to leave the skin supple yet thoroughly clean.

Steps to Follow in Your Routine

Here is a rundown of the two-step double cleansing face routine:

• Step 1: Pick Your Oil-Based Cleanser

  Dab any excess sweat away before starting with your skincare routine. Now, take a pea-sized amount of cleansing balm in your hands or a few spritzes of micellar water on a cotton pad.

• Step 2: Massage the Gunk Away

  Massage the cleansing oil or balm in circular motions, gently, for at least a minute. Make sure to target all the crevices, especially focusing on the areas exposed to makeup and sunscreen.

• Step 3: Emulsify and Rinse

  Take a small amount of water in your palm and massage it into the dissolved impurities. The cleanser will soon turn into a milky fluid that can be easily rinsed with more water.

• Step 4: Follow with a Second Cleanser

  This time, repeat the same process with a water-based cleanser until you get a light lather. Foaming cleanser or a gel-like the Eucerin DermoPurifyer Triple Effect Cleansing Gel makes for the perfect second wash. It cleanses the extra sebum and dirt while targeting post-acne marks due to its special AHA/BHA/PHA acid complex. Treatments like this ensure your skin feels fresh and prepped for the nighttime routine.

• Step 5: Wash and Pat Dry

  All that remains is rinsing the lather away with water. After this, gently pat your face dry with a clean towel.

Seems quite simple, doesn’t it? Double cleansing can have a ton of advantages for your skin. However, its improper execution can lead to potential skin issues such as dryness. Here are some of the common falls to be mindful of:

• Avoid using harsh scrubs or products with higher concentrations of sulfates.
• Be gentle while double cleansing your face, taking your time with each step.
• Double cleansing should be done once, at the end of the day, to prevent over-exfoliation.
• Moreover, also avoid using hot water to rinse your face mid- and after the routine, as it may agitate your skin, leading to further irritation and damage.

Double cleansing isn’t a universal answer for all skin types. Its application in your routine should be determined by your skin's needs. Individuals who are prone to oily skin or acne or wear makeup and sunscreen daily can benefit from the practice. That said, people with extremely dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin should approach double cleansing with care, as the method can potentially exacerbate dryness if mismanaged. Hence, it is always recommended to visit your dermatologist to best determine your skin's unique requirements for a customized approach.

Double cleansing, while a Korean and Japanese practice is now heavily adopted worldwide due to its prowess in deep cleansing your skin. Embracing the two-step routine, especially if you are prone to acne and sport oily skin, can help you improve your skin texture and health. So, why wait? Let the journey towards healthy, refreshed skin start today!

1. Do I need to double cleanse if I don’t wear makeup?

   Yes, double cleansing your face can be a useful technique, even if you do not wear make-up. Daily exposure to environmental pollutants as well as residue from your sunscreen can often contain oil-soluble ingredients. Double cleansing can help remove the impurities more effectively, leaving your skin refreshed and clean.

2. Can double cleansing irritate sensitive skin?

   Individuals with sensitive skin are recommended to skip the double cleansing routine, as it may potentially irritate the skin if the correct technique isn’t followed or harsh products are used. Products like cleansing milk, followed by a gentle fragrance-free cleanser, can help you minimize irritation. That said, to do so, always consult your dermatologist and run a patch test before adding a product into your routine.

3. What types of cleansers should I use for double cleansing?

   The market is filled with a wide range of cleansers that are built for the two-step double cleansing method. For a successful first step, opt for non-comedogenic products such as micellar water, cleansing oil or oil-based cleanser. Follow it with a hydrating product such as gel, cream or milk cleanser for a gentle second cleanse.

4. Is double cleansing suitable for dry skin?

   Individuals with dry skin may find that the standard double cleansing products aren’t catered to their skin type. In such cases, one must focus on incorporating cleansers that preserve moisture, encourage hydration and provide supple radiance. Products that help are rich cleansing milk or creamy cleansers with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramide, glycerin or coconut oil.

• Healthline – A Beginner’s Guide to Double Cleansing
• Healthline – Can TikTok’s Viral Double Cleansing Beauty Hack Give Healthier Skin?
• Clevelandclinic - Double Cleansing Method Explained: Should You Try It?
• Clevelandclinic – Acne
• Aad - I have acne! Is it okay to wear makeup?