If you’re a fan of skincare, then it’s possible that you’ve heard of double cleansing. However, while this is becoming a common term, only a few people know what double cleansing is and how it is done.
If you’re in this category, don’t worry! Although this technique may sound fancy, it’s actually straightforward and can take your cleansing game to a whole new level.
So, what exactly is double cleansing? Let’s break it down!
As the name suggests, it’s the practice of washing your face twice in a row. But here’s the twist: you use two different types of cleansers to achieve a more thorough clean. So how is it done? Let’s find out!
But first, to give a background for your understanding of double cleansing, let’s try to understand how different cleansers work, and why they are good for your skin.
Difference between Oil-Based and Water Based Cleansers
Oil-based Cleanser
Think of oil-based cleansers as improved makeup removers. These cleansers, which come in the form of oils, balms, or even micellar water, are formulated with oil, which acts like a magnet, attracting and dissolving oil-based impurities on the skin.
They are ideal for makeup removal since they can effectively dissolve waterproof makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts if not removed properly.
Also, oil cleansers can be quite gentle on the skin, unlike some harsh water-based cleansers. This is because they don’t strip your skin’s natural oils, which can happen with harsh cleansers.
Water-based Cleanser
Water-based cleansers are the more traditional type, and they come in a variety of textures, such as gels, creams, or foams. These cleansers use water as their base and typically contain surfactants, which are gentle cleansing agents.
Water-based cleansers are good for removing sweat, dirt, and other water-soluble impurities that can accumulate on the skin throughout the day. They can also leave your skin feeling refreshed and clean, without the greasy residue that you might experience with some oil cleansers.
How to do Double Cleansing in SkinCare
The first cleanse is typically done with an oil-based cleanser. This can be a cleansing oil, balm, or even micellar water.
The secret technique here is that the oil will help dissolve oil-based impurities like makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum, which are basically your skin’s natural oils.
Now, after massaging the oil cleanser in and giving it some time to perform its magic, you can rinse it off with water. But here’s the catch! Water alone won’t completely remove the oil cleanser, which can leave a residue and potentially clog pores. So that’s where your second cleanser comes in.
The second cleanse is all about a good water-based cleanser. Depending on your skin type, this can be a foaming cleanser, a gel cleanser, or even a cream cleanser.
This cleanser will remove any leftover residue from the first cleanse and sweat, dirt, and any other water-soluble impurities lingering on your skin. And that’s it!
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a fresh and clean canvas for your skincare products. However, consistency is key. Establishing a regular cleansing and prepping routine’ll create the optimal environment for your skincare products to work their magic and reveal your best skin yet.
Now that we know what double cleansing is, and how it is done, let’s explore some of the interesting benefits of this technique.
Why Double Cleansing is Important
You might be thinking, “isn’t one cleanse enough?” Well, for many people, it might be. But double cleansing offers some key benefits, especially for those who wear makeup, live in polluted environments, or have oily skin. So here are some of those benefits;
Deep Cleansing for your pores
This might seem obvious, but cleansing is the foundation of any good skincare routine. It removes dirt, oil, sweat, makeup, and other impurities accumulated on your skin throughout the day.
Now, the ideal cleanser may vary from person to person because of differences in skin type. For instance, if you have oily skin, you might have to opt for a foaming cleanser to remove excess sebum without stripping your skin.
Dry skin types, on the other hand, can choose a gentle cream cleanser that will cleanse without leaving their skin feeling tight or uncomfortable. Combination skin types may need to experiment to find a cleanser that works for both their oily and dry zones.
However, double cleansing might need a little tweak. For example, a double cleanse might be too stripping if you have dry skin. So, you can opt for a gentle oil cleanser followed by a hydrating cream cleanser.
If you have sensitive skin, first ensure that you do a patch test of any new cleanser before going all in with the double cleanse. But you can choose gentle, fragrance-free formulas for both steps.
Oily Skin benefits the most from double cleansing, mainly because of the excess oil produced. So, if you have oily skin, look for cleansing oils specifically formulated for it and follow up with a lightweight, water-based gel cleanser.
Preventing breakouts and congestion
Deep cleansing can seem like exfoliation, giving your skin a refresh button. Just as exfoliation removes dead skin cells that can clog pores and dull one’s complexion, double cleansing provides a more thorough and gentle way to cleanse the skin. It helps prevent clogged pores, reduce inflammation, and ultimately minimize breakouts and congestion.
Interestingly, double cleansing is more gentle on the skin. Contrary to what you might think, double cleansing can be gentler on your skin than a single cleanse. And here’s why.
A single cleanse often requires you to be a little thorough when getting the dirt and residues off your face. However, removing makeup and sunscreen with the first cleanse and going in again can avoid harsh scrubbing with a single cleanser.
Provides a fresh and clean canvas for skincare products
When your skin is truly clean, other skincare products like serums and moisturizers can penetrate more effectively, thereby maximizing their benefits and giving you value for your money.
Imagine your face as a canvas. You wouldn’t start painting a masterpiece on a dirty one, would you? The same logic applies to skincare products. To get the most out of your serums, moisturizers, and treatments, you need a clean and prepped canvas, and that’s your skin.
Now, this prep work goes beyond just a quick splash of water in the morning. Instead, it’s about creating an optimal environment for your skincare products to work their magic.
Conclusion
Double cleansing might seem like an extra step, but it’s a game-changer for many. It can leave your skin feeling cleaner, smoother, and more prepared to reap the benefits of your other skincare products.
By tackling oil—and water-based impurities, you’re ensuring a deeper clean than a single cleanse can provide. Subsequently, this can lead to clearer skin, fewer breakouts, and a brighter complexion.
So, if you’re looking to up your cleansing routine and achieve a healthy skincare glow, try the double cleanse. Your skin might thank you for it.
