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What is Double Cleansing?
Gone are the days when soap and water were our only skincare routine products, and when going to bed with just a moisturizer used to be the norm. I know, I cringe just thinking about it, too — I can’t imagine all the breakouts and rough patches I could’ve saved my skin if I knew about the right way to cleanse sooner. Thank heavens for social media skincare tips and beauty gurus, because now we can be privy to all the tips and tricks to keep our skincare routine tailored to perfection!
If one of your biggest sources of joy is following all skin care influencers or beauty bloggers on Instagram and Youtube, chances are, you’ve heard of the famed “double cleansing” method. This technique is everywhere — from the feeds of skincare bloggers to the recommendations of dermatologists.
Korean idols rave about it, estheticians highly recommend it, and skin care enthusiasts everywhere can’t live without it.
So what exactly is the double cleansing method? Is it just a hype or does really it help your skin? Is it really suitable for all skin types? What’s the difference between a cleansing oil and a cleansing balm? Will cleansing the skin twice strip my already dry skin of moisture? We lay down everything you need to know about double cleansing. Here’s your guide to the highly-raved about skincare technique.
What is the Double Cleansing Method?
First things first, double cleansing is exactly as its name sounds. It is a method of washing the face twice: first with an oil cleanser, then with cleansing water. Simply put, the oil-based cleanser is what breaks down all the grime, oiliness, and acne-causing compounds found on the components of your makeup and skincare products. It helps to remove pollutants, has anti-aging effects, and with the correct research, can reduce problems unique to your skin type.
All you need to do is wash your face thoroughly with these recommended cleansers. Usually, it feels good to cleanse the face during the day, but doing this the first thing in the morning might have fewer benefits than doing it at night after you’ve been exposed to more pollutants.
An oil cleanser comes in different forms such as regular oil and balm form. The ideal water-based cleansing system varies from skin type to skin type: this type of cleanser will address your dry or acne-prone skin. It removes all the excess dirt and pollution that are still trapped in the face after your first cleanse.
Is a Double Cleanse Necessary?
Not to expose myself here, but there are so many days when I wish I could go to bed and wake up with naturally glowing skin…. without putting in any effort at all. As much as I love skin care, we all have something I like to call “lazy days.” And to be lazy is completely normal! And if you’re new to double cleansing or have yet to use it into your routine, it might seem like a chore to have to cleanse your face not just once, but twice.
Good news is, washing your face with the double cleanse technique isn’t a must-have for everyone. If you’re 100% sure that a cleansing oil might break you out, there are a few variations to use to achieve the same effect and to remove any pollutants, achieve glowing skin and get anti aging benefits without double cleansing. However, if you wear heavy, non-transferable makeup everyday, then double cleansing is the way to go — actually, it’s an absolute must! Don’t worry, it only adds a few minutes to your skincare regimen and the benefits are super worth it. Just make sure to double cleanse the best way for your skin type, whether you suffer from acne-prone or dry skin.
Here’s a quick guide on how to double cleanse according to different skin types:
- If you have oily skin, estheticians recommend any oil-based cleanser or micellar water for a milder alternative. Oil attracts oil, so even though you might think oil based cleansers will make your skin even greasier, it actually helps to break down those stubborn acne-causing components found in oily skin. For your water-based cleansing step, cover your face with a gel cleanser to give your skin ample hydration, which pairs well with a cleansing oil in keeping your skin free from dirt.
- For dry skin, your biggest enemy is over-washing and stripping your skin of its natural hydration. To combat this, opt for a cleansing balm. Cleansing balms are basically solidified cleansing oil, and you can use this by getting a small amount of the product and slathering it onto the face. For the second step, any hydrating cleanser would work well (look out for cleansers with hyaluronic acids or green tea, which are great for hydration, as well as ingredients with anti aging properties to reduce wrinkles), but our tip is to make sure you apply your moisturizer afterwards to lock all that hydration for your skin.
If you have sensitive skin or acne-prone skin, opt for oil cleansers with gentle ingredients that won’t break out your skin. To get the best results, look for antioxidants and ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties such as tea tree oil, vitamin E, or glycolic acid. Sensitive skin is a tricky condition, so keep in mind that getting the right cleansing oil will be a trial-and-error process. Micellar water is another great option that won’t be too harsh on your skin. For your 2nd cleanser, try a gentle gel cleanser or cleansing milk that will keep your skin calm.
Can I Double Cleanse with the Same Cleanser?
Yes, double cleansing with the same cleanser can also be just as effective as using two different kinds. However, this depends on what effect you’re trying to achieve. If you find that an oil-based cleanser is too harsh, you can use a water-based cleanser twice to make sure all the product you wear on your face is removed thoroughly, like makeup and sunscreen.
To really see the benefits of double cleansing, however, using a cleansing oil is highly recommended. Just pick a cleansing oil that’s best for you, according to your skin’s needs. But when you are sure your skin might break out or let’s say you have oily skin, then you know what’s best for you.
Double cleansing might be just the step you need to perfect your skincare routine once and for all! It doesn’t cost you a lot of time or money, and its benefits for the skin are definitely worth it. It’s pretty suitable for all skin types, too! With practice, washing your face twice will become a normal part of your routine.
Like every other product you’re trying on for the first time, just keep in mind that it’s gonna be a trial and error process when it comes to finding the best combination. Perfect skincare does not come easy. Although it can be intimidating, have faith! You’ll get that beautiful, glowing skin sooner than you think!
Want to up your skincare regimen? Read our guide to the 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine.
Joey is an AB Psychology graduate of the University of St. La Salle – Bacolod. Her life’s passions include writing, film, and spending hours on end binge-watching fashion vloggers on Youtube.