Once upon a time, we all thought that wiping a makeup wipe on the face was enough to cleanse our skin. In fact, for some of us, this may have been our entire skincare routine.
Don’t worry, though – this is a safe place for skincare lovers everywhere, and we’re all here to improve our self-care routines as we learn to take better care of ourselves.
And in that spirit, we thought today would be a great day to double cleanse. While double cleansing has been around for quite some time at this point, not everyone has tried it yet.
But for those who have it, there are many people who will go so far as to call it a Life changes step.
So, without further ado, let’s break down double cleansing and why it’s perfect for your summer skincare routine.
What is Double Cleansing? Is It Effective?
So what exactly is double cleansing? And does it really work?
As you may have already guessed, double cleansing is a cleansing method that involves two steps: an oil-based cleanser, such as a cleansing oil or cleansing balm, and a water-based cleanser, whether it’s a foam, gel, etc. . If you’ve never double cleansed before, there’s a good chance this cleanser is the one you’re already using.
Double cleansing works by effectively removing dirt, and here’s why: the first cleansing step, which is oil-based, 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, the grime from our world can settle on your skin, not to mention sunscreen, makeup, and sweat. This buildup can get trapped in the pores, leading to blockage and enlarged pores, while the skin can become noticeably dull.
But when we double cleanse, we draw impurities from the skin like a magnet and it can do wonders for our skin in the long run.
Reasons to double clean this summer
Now, you might be wondering: why should i do more for my skin care? Are makeup wipes not enough?
While double cleansing may mean a few more steps in your skincare routine, it’s worth it. Makeup wipes, on the other hand, not only create waste, but are actually not very effective at removing makeup.
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In fact, makeup wipes may be doing more harm than good to your skin. Not only are makeup wipes made with solutions you’re not so familiar with, but when you apply one to your skin, makeup, sunscreen, and dirt are dragged all over your skin.
While these wipes may be lifted some impurities from your skin, it will ultimately do more harm than good.
Plus, makeup wipes are single-use items, and we’re trying to get the most out of our skincare these days.
And with summer in full swing, you need a solid cleansing step that will remove all the sweat, sunscreen and grime that accumulates on our skin during fun in the sun.
Because it’s so effective at removing water-based and oil-based residue from the skin, double cleansing can help fight the pollutants you’re exposed to throughout the day – especially for those of us who live in urban areas, where car exhaust, soot , and car exhaust contributes to pollution for our skin even more.
And not only will double cleansing keep your skin clean, but it will also soothe and relax it. And thanks to the use of cleansing oils, double cleansing is a fantastic way to remove makeup and sunscreen without removing the acid mantle or disrupting the skin barrier. And depending on the type of cleanser you use to follow up with your cleansing oil, you can make your double cleanse even gentler.
That said, you may have those nights when you need a quick makeup remover before bed – maybe you’ve just come back from a music festival or maybe you’ve had one too many summer cocktails. An effective, more sustainable solution is some reusable cotton pads and a micellar water. It won’t be as thorough as double cleansing, but in a pinch, it’s a great alternative to makeup wipes.
Steps for double cleansing
If you choose to incorporate double cleansing as part of your skincare routine, we recommend choosing an extra gentle oil-based cleanser like Blood Orange Cleansing Balm. Balm cleansers melt slowly and gently massaging a balm cleanser into your skin will feel like a relaxing, luxurious experience at the end of the day, especially during the summer months.
When it comes to your second-step cleanser, we recommend any type of water-based formula, and whether you choose a foam like Green Tea Cloud Foam Cleanser or something that gently exfoliates like Pore Detox Herbal Cleanser is ultimately up to you.
We recommend keeping your double cleansing step at night and just blot your face with water in the morning or use a gentle water-based cleanser.
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To start, dispense your cleansing oil or scoop out about a teaspoon of your cleansing balm, depending on the type you have. Without wetting the skin, massage the cleanser into your skin in gentle circular motions for about 30 seconds to a minute, avoiding the mouth. When cleansing with oil, no additional makeup remover is needed, so massage (very gently) into the eyes to release any mascara or eye shadow. With a cloth, wipe off any remaining cleaner if needed.
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Then take your second cleansing step and apply it to wet skin. Similar to the oil cleanser, gently massage in circular motions, but avoid the eyes this time.
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Rinse your skin and dry them with a towel. Follow your skin care routine as usual.
It’s important to know that it will probably take a few days of double cleansing before you start to notice a difference in your skin, whether you want to clarify, brighten or tighten.
Frequently asked questions about double cleansing
What is double cleansing and how does it work?
Double cleansing is a two-step process that involves using two different types of cleansers to thoroughly cleanse your skin. The first step usually uses an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. Oil dissolves oil, so this step effectively breaks down and removes these impurities. The second step involves using a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining dirt, sweat and oil from the skin, ensuring deep and thorough cleansing.
Why is double cleansing beneficial for summer skin care?
Summer often means more sweat, sunscreen and exposure to environmental pollutants. Double cleansing is especially beneficial during this time because it ensures that your skin is well cleansed at the end of the day. The first cleanse removes the sunscreen layer and excess oil produced by the heat, while the second cleanse ensures that any remaining dirt and impurities are washed away. This prevents clogged pores and keeps your skin fresh and clean, making it an essential part of your summer skincare routine.
Can double cleansing help prevent acne?
Yes, double cleansing can help prevent acne. By thoroughly removing makeup, sunscreen and impurities from your skin, double cleansing reduces the chances of clogged pores, a common cause of breakouts. The first cleanse targets oil-based impurities, which are often the culprits behind acne, while the second cleanse ensures your skin is completely clean, reducing the risk of bacteria build-up and subsequent acne formation.
How often should you double cleanse your skin?
You should double cleanse your skin once a day, usually at night. This ensures that all the impurities accumulated during the day are removed before you go to bed, allowing your skin to regenerate and breathe during the night. In the morning, a simple gentle cleansing is usually enough to remove any sweat and oils produced overnight.
What are the common mistakes to avoid when double cleansing?
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Use of harsh cleaners: Avoid using cleansers that are too harsh or stripping, as they can damage your skin’s natural barrier and cause irritation. Choose mild, non-food products.
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Over-cleaning: Double cleansing more than once a day can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Stick to double cleansing only at night.
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Does not rinse well: Be sure to rinse off any cleanser thoroughly to avoid leaving behind any residue, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
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Skipping Moisturizer: Always follow with a moisturizer after cleansing to keep your skin hydrated and balanced.
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Use of incorrect products: Choose cleansers that are suitable for your skin type. For example, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for products specifically designed to address these concerns without causing irritation.