You’ve probably heard of double cleansing and you might think it sounds like washing your face twice in a row. While double cleansing has been around for quite some time at this point, not all of us can Really understand the ‘extra step’ method.
Aside from the “double” talk, double cleansing involves washing your face with two cleansers. Is this two-in-one cleansing session worth it?
Follow along as we cover how to double cleanse, what skin types will benefit from it the most, and the best kind of natural cleansers to use. Ready set – Take two!
What is Double Cleansing?
Washing your face seems simple. So it would make sense that double cleansing might mean washing your face twice in a row. It is partially correct that you clean your face back to back. Is double cleansing a double-edged sword for clear but overly stretched skin that looks like plastic wrap? No, not when you clean properly!
Double cleansing involves washing your face with two natural cleansers: an oil-based cleanser, such as a cleansing oil or a cleansing balm, followed by a water-based cleanser. Originally a Korean skincare ritual, this two-in-one washing method has been popular for some time now with many double cleansing gurus going so far as to call it Life changes step. We’re all in!
Is Double Cleansing Effective?
If you’ve never double cleansed before, there’s a good chance you’re using your regular facial cleanser to do “double” duty: to cleanse and soothe your skin type. But is washing your face with a natural oil cleanser and then a water-based cleanser effective? There are two of them Really better than one? Why yes!
Double cleansing works by effectively removing dirt, and here’s why: the first cleansing step, which is based on oil (or natural oil), will remove those impurities that also oil-based, which includes leftover sunscreen, sebum and pollutants from your environment. Then, this second cleansing step helps remove everything else, including dirt and sweat.
Think about it: when we don’t cleanse properly on a regular basis, dirt from our world can be deposited on your skin. This buildup can get trapped in the pores, leading to blockage and enlarged pores, while the skin can become noticeably dull. This duo draws impurities from the skin like a magnet and can do wonders for our skin in the long run.
How to double cleanse
Before we get into double cleansing, let’s be real for a second. We get it: sometimes it takes real effort to hype yourself up enough to wash your face. You’re too tired, haven’t woken up yet, or just don’t feel like doing it – how the hell are we going to get you to do it TWICE?
Well, it will turn your skin type into a hype! Correctly!! Double cleansing helps remove EVERYTHING, but replenishes your skin so you can maintain skin balance – or happy skin balance! The key is to double cleanse for your skin type. More on that in a bit!
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First, here’s how to double cleanse for happy, healthy skin regardless of your skin type:
Step 1: Apply cleansing oil, balm or cleansing milk to dry skin.
Step 2: Use your fingers, a cotton pad or a soft cloth to massage the first cleanser into your skin, helping to break down makeup, sebum and sunscreen residue. Rinse with lukewarm water.
Step 3: Apply a water-based cleanser and massage into the skin. Rinse and dry your face.
PRO TIP: The number of times you can double cleanse in a week is a bit tentative. We would recommend starting with once to twice a week and working your way up or down from there. If you start to notice irritation or extra dryness on your skin, reduce the number of times you double cleanse per week.
How to double cleanse for your skin type
The process of double cleansing may vary slightly depending on your skin type and needs. Here are some natural cleansers and methods to try.
Oily, acne-prone skin
Our rich Blood Orange Cleansing Balm works like a dream when applied to oily or acne-prone skin types and removed with a warm, wet face towel. This balm is a hydrating oil-based cleanser made with blood orange degreaser to seriously balance excess sebum.
It also contains coconut and olive oils to remove even the most stubborn makeup, residue and impurities. This balm is also perfect for acne-prone skin because of the antibacterial essential oils and oil molecules that bind and remove excess oil.
Next, touch up the Pore Detox Cleanser, which is a concentrated water-activated powder. This means you can adjust its strength and texture to your liking. Made with ultra-fine colloidal oatmeal and baking soda, it gently massages and exfoliates the skin for ultra-thorough cleansing.
Dry/Sensitive/Mature skin
Cleansing oils work best when applied to dry skin. Instead of rinsing your face with water as you normally would, you’ll wipe away your daily – or nightly – activities and impurities with a wet, warm face towel.
We recommend using the Argan Oil Creamy Cleanser, which is infused with silky smooth argan oil, antiaging rose extracts and antioxidant-rich açai. This superstar moisturizer leaves skin super soft and supple without stripping away healthy lipids or moisture.
After an oil-based cleanser, you’ll follow up with a water-based cleanser for a deeper clean. A big multi-tasking superstar for this skin type and double-cleanser is the Coconut Oil Cleansing Milk, which is made with emollient coconut milk, moisturizing coconut oil, moisturizing coconut water, and intoxicating vanilla bean.
Normal Skin
For normal skin—or skin that’s hit the genetic lottery—meet the floral wonder that balances skin: Calendula Flower Cleansing Milk. Lighter in formula with the same indulgent oil ingredients, this cleanser is perfectly suited to your skin type. Soothing calendula oil soothes and hydrates while boosting hydration, while rose and chamomile balance skin’s pH for total renewal.
This dream option glides easily on our skin with gentle foaming action. We’ll massage it in to get the full benefits before flushing all our daily activities down the drain. Use warm water and our soft Charcoal Konjac Sponge for a perfect spa-like finish
Follow up with a balancing cleanser, like the Lavender Oat Milk Cleanser. This unique powder formula features the gentle exfoliating properties of baking soda and colloidal oatmeal, while green clay absorbs any excess oil without leaving skin stripped or dry. A blend of calendula, geranium, conifer and chrysanthemum flowers is designed to keep skin in balance while enhancing tone, texture and hydration.
Well, after this information and advice, it’s worth the extra minute or “two to use TWO” (say that twice) natural cleansers in one session? If you choose to embed or try it double cleansing as part of your skincare routine, then congratulations: you’ve converted double cleansing! As the saying goes, it takes teamwork to make the dream come true!
Frequently asked questions about double cleansing
What is double cleansing and how is it different from regular cleansing?
Double cleansing is a two-step process that involves first washing your face with an oil-based cleanser and then a water-based cleanser. The oil cleanser is meant to remove oil-based impurities like makeup, SPF, and sebum, while the water-based cleanser helps clean water-based residue like sweat and dirt. This method is more thorough than regular cleansing, especially for removing heavy makeup or sunscreen.
Who should consider double cleansing in their skincare routine?
Double cleansing can be beneficial for those who wear heavy makeup, live in highly polluted areas, or have oily or acne-prone skin. It is an effective way to ensure that all impurities are removed from the skin, which can prevent acne and give a brighter look. However, it may be too much for those with very dry or sensitive skin.
Can double cleansing dry out your skin?
If done correctly, double cleansing should not dry out your skin. Choosing the right type of cleansers, especially ones that are moisturizing and suitable for your skin type, is crucial. Over-cleansing or using harsh cleansers can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness.
How often should you double cleanse?
Double cleansing is usually recommended at night to remove makeup and accumulated impurities. Doing it twice a day can be overkill, especially for those with dry or sensitive skin. Listen to your skin and adjust the frequency as needed.
What are the benefits of double cleansing for acne prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, double cleansing can be extremely beneficial as it thoroughly removes pore-clogging impurities such as excess sebum and dead skin cells, which are common culprits behind breakouts. It provides deeper cleansing and can help reduce acne breakouts.
